Play asks difficult questions about life
Bob Fleishman as Pastor Paul and Andrew Matulionis as Elder Jay in WTC’s Black Curtain production of “The Christians.” (Photo courtesy of Whitefish Theatre Co.)
The Whitefish Theatre Co. presents its final Black Curtain Theatre production of the 2018-2019 season with “The Christians” at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.
This important and nuanced play written by Lucas Hnath, one of the most thoughtful and original playwrights working today, has performances on May 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m.
“The Christians” revolves around Paul, a pastor whose church 20 years ago was nothing more than a modest storefront. Now he presides over a congregation of thousands with classrooms for Sunday school, a coffee shop in the lobby, and a parking lot big enough to get lost in it. Today should be a day of celebration. But when the beloved minister steps up to the pulpit to share his reconsidered version of salvation, his stunning revelation shakes the foundations of his church’s belief. Critics have raved about this unique play’s ability to represent all points of view, including the unaffiliated.
“‘The Christians’ is a gentle, sophisticated play that asks difficult questions about belief, faith, family and community,” says Director Nina Levitt. “In delivering his sermon, Pastor Paul believes he is bringing good news to his congregation, but instead creates a schism within the church community that they must try to resolve. The beauty of a Lucas Hnath play is that you find yourself agreeing repeatedly with one particular character, then completely agreeing with the rebuttal of another character.”
Cast members include Robert Fleischman as Pastor Paul, Rye Taylor as Joshua the Associate Pastor, Andrew Matulionis as Elder Jay, Lenny Granger as Pastor Paul’s wife Elizabeth and Collette Strean as church congregant Jenny. Says Levitt, “I am so thankful for this cast. These talented actors, in amazing ways, helped me to find the truth of these characters and of the playwright’s vision.”
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students with general seating and can be purchased at the WTC Box Office, online at whitefishtheatreco.org or at the door.
For more information, call 862-5371.
This show is sponsored by Soroptomist International of Whitefish.