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Playwright Guirgis’s fanciful recasting of biblical themes into something resembling modern times—in a Court of Divine Appeals where Jesus’s betrayer gets a new trial and ordinary saints recount the Gospel as if they were at their buddy’s poker game—is a reminder of something that often gets lost in catechisms and Sunday schools: All those biblical figures were human beings, too.
Guirgis’s passion play by way of Law & Order is an actor’s wet dream, heavy with monologues both outrageous and introspective. Though the play could easily devolve into a scenery-chewing mess, Fox, an actor-director adept at coaxing strong performances, makes a fine match. Standouts in the cast of 15 include Kathleen Logelin as a driven purgatory defense attorney who takes on Judas’s case for her own reasons; Benjamin Montague as her oily, over-flattering opponent; and Michael Patrick Thornton as Judas, who radiates misery without moving a muscle.
Not every element of Guirgis’s reimagining works—why does Saint Monica get updated as a sassy barrio chica, while Mary Magdalene is treated with traditional reverence?—and neither is the Gift’s production perfect (the gaudy, painted backdrop of Emil Boulos’s set is a distraction). But Guirgis’s casual humanizing of apostles and saints makes it tougher to write Judas off as the ultimate sinner. In a long coda monologue, the jury foreman, a recently deceased soul, makes a confession to Judas about his marriage. It’s an affecting reminder that betrayals come in all sizes and can all lead to despair.
Kevin Fox
Mon, Apr 28, at 01:59pm
Hey, my name's Kevin. I directed this show. Thanks for reading here, and hope you can join us at the show. Email your thoughts, tell me what you think. dreambrotherkevin@gmail.com
Emily
Sun, Apr 27, at 12:15am
The acting is amazing. The story compelling. Go see this!
phil
Sun, Apr 06, at 03:20am
what a show. what a SHOW!!! never have i been more involved in a production. i was disappointed, only because i wanted it to continue after it ended. go see this, laugh, cry, and discuss.
margaret williams
Wed, Apr 02, at 01:56pm
This thought provoking play is still resonating - I saw it last week. The cast is mesmerizing and/or hysterical at times. I want to see it again so I can crack some of the many theological and ethical subjects brought to fore. Go see it - it will be woth it. Go with friends so you can discuss it afterward.
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