Heresy

Comedy

Flea Theater

Until Sun Nov 4 2012

$$$

Photograph: Hunter Canning

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Time Out says

Fri Oct 12 2012

To call A.R. Gurney’s satirical take on the story of Jesus Christ a one-joke comedy is much too generous. (The fact that it was inspired by George W. Bush’s infamous post–September 11 “go shopping” speech gives a good indication of how stale the humor is.) When their offstage activist son, Chris, is arrested, headstrong lefty Mary (Annette O’Toole) and her moderate carpenter hubby, Joseph (Steve Mellor), ask their old pal Pontius Pilate (Reg E. Cathy), now a bigwig with Homeland Security, to help spring him from the clink. Soon, Pedro (Danny Rivera), Magdalena (Ariel Woodiwiss) and Pilate’s wife, Phyllis (Kathy Najimy, who seems to be playing a candidate for Bravo’s Real Housewives franchise), show up. (Karen Ziemba replaces the departing Najimy on Fri 19.) What follows is a laugh-free indictment of consumerism, religious zealotry, censorship and the bastardization of the American Dream.

It’s easy to sanction Heresy’s politics (mostly preached to the choir), but its punch lines are painful. The biblical parallels hit the audience over the head like stones, and the tone set by director Jim Simpson is deadly—so despite the actors’ hard (if stylistically disparate) work, they don’t have a prayer. Many horrendous things have already been done in the name of Jesus; just add this excruciating allegory to the list.—Raven Snook

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Categories:
Theater. Comedy
Good for:
Big name talent. Culture vultures. Dating. Date night. Local talent. Take your parents. Up-and-coming talent
Event type:
Plays & Shows

Flea Theater

41 White St, (between Broadway and Church St), New York Hide map/details

Sat Oct 20 2012

$45–$50, Saturday matinees $10, Tuesdays pay what you wish (at the door only).

- 3:00pm

Address:
Flea Theater 41 White St
Tribeca
New York

Cross Street:
between Broadway and Church St
Phone:
212-226-2407
Website:
theflea.org
Transport:
Subway: A, C, E, J, Z, N, Q, R, 6 to Canal St; 1 to Franklin St
Map
1. Flea Theater
  - 41 White St
    Tribeca
    New York
  - 212-226-2407
  - theflea.org
  - 40.718572,-74.004429

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Heresy

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