GREENSBURG — An original musical drama about spiritual warfare continues to hit high notes with inmates at state correctional institutions across Pennsylvania.

"Michael & Lucifer," a production of Greensburg-based Alabaster Theatre, delivers a powerful message about free will and forgiveness to audiences behind prison walls.

"Michael & Lucifer" was written and produced in 2009 by Mary McCormack, a parishioner of St. Paul Parish in Greensburg, and Ricardo Reed, of Brownsville.

It debuted at SCI-Laurel Highlands in Somerset.

"It is very, very high drama," said McCormack, who founded the arts and education company in 1991. "I can see the extraordinary work of the Holy Spirit deeply vested in this performance."

McCormack said the three-character play is a loose, contemporary adaptation of "The Screwtape Letters" by C.S. Lewis in which the powers and principalities are in constant battle for control of human souls.

In the play, two angels assigned to a woman, Elizabeth, have conflicting goals of directing her to either heaven or hell.

"Elizabeth’s actions sway back and forth throughout the drama, which is filled with lively dialogue, controversy and debates," McCormack said.

She said the musical offers hope to men and women who are isolated, often despised, and many times forgotten by society.

"Ultimately the message is that free will is the determining factor in what we decide to do," McCormack said. "It lets the audiences know they can easily be seduced by Satan and sucked into darkness, making their decisions more cloudy. It lets them know that if you cry out to God, you can overcome evil."

McCormack said the play also tells audiences that no matter how horrific their crimes, they can be forgiven.

"We let them know that people do make mistakes, and through the grace of God they can find salvation," she said.

In the play’s final act, McCormack said Elizabeth’s mind and eyes are opened, and Lucifer is revealed.

"The inmates vicariously live through the story," she said. "By this time, they are standing on their feet with tears streaming down their faces. To see 200 men wearing brown with nothing showing but their hearts and faces is extremely emotional."

McCormack said performances end with exhilarating songs of praise in which the inmates actively participate.

Rev. Matthew McCoy, facility chaplain/program director at SCI-Cresson, said praise of the play spread throughout the facility following a recent performance there.

"I’ve heard many very good comments from inmates, especially as far as the message goes. It was very well received. The talk is they also appreciated that the program was different and very well presented," the chaplain said.

McCormack said her Catholic upbringing and love for Jesus, the Eucharist and Mass have led her to a deep understanding of Scripture, which has guided her in her musical ministries.

"It ("Michael & Lucifer") is truly the work of the Holy Spirit, and I’m honored to be a part of it," she said. "Everything I write is inspired by the Holy Spirit."

McCormack has written several other spiritual plays, including "Joan of Arc," "John the Baptist," "Magdalene," "Life of Jesus," and "Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary."

She said Alabaster Productions, a non-profit, non-denominational organization, raises operating revenue through donations and fund raising performances hosted by churches, schools, youth groups and others. The theatre has done concert tours nationwide and in Honduras, Nicaragua and Jamaica.

Last March, St. Paul Parish raised $3,000 by hosting a musical. McCormack said the women of the church supplied and served refreshments to the guests.

"Michael & Lucifer" concluded its current season earlier this month at SCI-Rockview near Bellefonte. McCormack said the theatre plans to return to the same prisons this spring with a music and dance program.

McCormack earned a bachelor’s degree in music education at Seton Hill College, Greensburg, a master’s degree in music from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, and a certificate of opera production from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York.

Alabaster Theatre also offers drug and alcohol prevention and fine art workshops in schools and operates its own "habitat" program for low-income families in Greensburg and Jeannette.