That's the premise of "Fish Eyes," a comedy production about the stories of Jesus, interpreted solely through the eyes of the apostles Peter and Andrew.

It's on stage next weekend, Friday, March 7 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 9 at 3 p.m., in the parish hall of Christ Church on Lonsdale Avenue.

Dennis LaFreniere of Cumberland is Peter, and Doug Allen of Lincoln is Andrew, in this two-man play written in the 1990s by two Mennonites, Lee Eshleman and Ted Swartz.

The character of Jesus is just off stage. Andrew and Peter talk to Jesus - and about him - without making him part of the cast.

"Once you see the play, you'll never read the Gospel the same way again," suggests Allen, the former Town Council member who heads up Clark Mini Fastener in Smithfield.

LaFreniere says it's a play about two average guys about to play one of the most important roles in the history of the world "and don't even know it."

The play is performed in modern dress on a sparse set that only suggests familiar Biblical settings.

The audience gets to participate, playing, for instance, the crowd hearing the Sermon on the Mount when the masses are fed with two loaves of bread and five fishes.

Allen says his character Andrew is sarcastic but quicker to grasp the significance of Jesus. LaFreniere's Peter is more emotional and slower to embrace the role that will eventually put him in the center of the Christian movement.

Audience members will watch the two characters get over their astonishment and come to grasp the message of this man they're following.

Allen and LaFreniere can't hide their enthusiasm for this chance to share a Lenten season message with the community.

The play is mostly a comedy, but predictably turns serious as it gently implies the crucifixion story.

The script is peppered with jokes that will particularly appeal to those who know the gospel stories and church life.

LaFreniere, a respiratory therapist, says he thought about doing the performance for several years before finally securing the script.

He and Allen have been rehearsing for three months under the direction of 18-year-old Dee Tavolaro of Lincoln, who hopes to become an Episcopal priest someday.

Allen says the play is an appropriate way for his church to share the good news of Jesus Christ with the larger community. He jokes, "We want to do outreach, but we're New England Protestants.

"In Mississippi they say, 'How are you and where do you go to church?' That question doesn't usually come into play in Rhode Island."

Tickets are $5 each, but to assure enough seating must be secured in advance. Call 725-1920 or e-mail christchurch1643@verizon.net.