Much like Barry Smith and his "Jesus in Montana" show were last year, Ryan Paulson and "Pentecostal Wisconsin" has become the religion-fueled comedy hit of this year's Rogue Festival.

"Pentecostal Wisconsin" takes us inside Paulson's youth growing up in a Pentecostal church in a small Scandinavian town in the cheese-loving state of Wisconsin.

Using only his acoustic guitar as a prop, Paulson's shuttles through an hour of stories about the characters in his church, the you'll-burn-in-hell rhetoric, his journey of trying to connect with Jesus and, of course, speaking in tongues.

"Pentecostal Wisconsin" lacks the in-your-face attitude of a stand-up show, opting for a more subtle comedic approach. Paulson doesn't depend on punchlines, rather dry wit, well-placed quips and scathing sarcasm. It all works perfectly.

Aside from the jokes, Paulson's storytelling is vivid and his stage prescience is commanding. Add some musical numbers ("Can't get to heaven in a Catholic mass / 'Cause God don't like all that stained glass," goes one Pentecostal-mocking ditty) and "Pentecostal" is a must-see, if you're not afraid to joke about religion, that is.

It probably won't have you speaking in tongues, but it's certain to have you chuckling in joy.

Playing: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, 7 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday at Starline, 831 E. Fern Ave. Cost: $7. Rating: PG.