Early on, Lemml, a seminal character and de facto narrator in “Indecent” exclaims, “Ooh, this is theater!” He was referring to a reading of “God of Vengeance,” but the same can be said about Seattle Rep’s production of Paula Vogel’s play-within-a-play.

“Indecent” recounts the circuitous path of Sholem Asch’s Yiddish-language drama, “God of Vengeance.” Sometimes beloved, sometimes controversial, Asch’s play was ultimately banned on Broadway, only after successful productions throughout Europe.

Its crime? The play, penned in 1907, was the first that had two women share a kiss on an American stage.

Although Asch’s play was written almost 100 years ago, the intolerance for some of the issues raised at the time, unfortunately, linger today.

Passion and ideals are worn unapologetically on the character’s sleeves as they immediately bring the early 1900s to life. When not zigzagging Europe to mount the show, or grappling with the sometimes divisive nature of the play, the stage comes alive with music, song and dance.

The 10-member cast of actors and musicians is solid throughout and keeps the 105-minute production moving at a brisk clip.

Seattle Rep’s staging of “Indecent” is one of the strongest shows to hit the boards this season. From the sparseness of Asch’s living room at the play’s first read, to the dreamlike rain that alights the play’s end, “Indecent” is rich in visuals and in verse, and should not be missed.

AT A GLANCE
“Indecent” plays through October 26 at Seattle Rep, 155 Mercer St. Tickets $17-$88. Visit seattlerep.org for additional information and tickets.