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In/Visible Theater Presents Its Latest Production, The Christians, Opening Day June 6

Boone-based In/Visible Theater presents their latest innovative production, The Christians, by Lucas Hnath.

The Christians is the story of Pastor Paul, the well-loved leader of a megachurch. He has a change of heart regarding his religious beliefs, and one Sunday, tells his congregation that the church philosophy has also changed. But change doesn’t come easily to his flock, who all want to do the right thing for their community, for each other, and for their souls.

Bob Haas and Donovan Harper

“This play is only the second we’ve ever done that isn’t a world premiere,” said Artistic Producer Karen Sabo. “But we decided to produce it because it’s so relevant to our community. And we’re doing it differently from other theatres, because we’re performing it right in churches themselves.”

The Christians features Boone natives Bob Haas and Shauna Godwin, along with Jonathan Ray and Donovan Harper of Caldwell County, and In/Visible Theatre veteran Teresa Lee who audiences have seen in In/Visible Theatre’s Kill Will and Mauzy. Karen Sabo directs.

New York-based playwright Lucas Hnath is the writer of A Doll’s House, Part 2, currently playing on Broadway. He grew up attending a large, evangelical church in Florida, and his mother attended seminary.

In/Visible Theatre Artistic Director Derek Davidson said, “What we like about this play is that it’s loving and respectful. Even though the characters are in disagreement about what it means to be ‘a good Christian,’ they’re all trying to do what’s best for each other, themselves, and their community. It’s a complex, thought-provoking play.”

Critics have said the following about The Christians:

  • “Among the best, fairest, and most provocative discussions of religion I’ve ever seen in American Theatre…Marvelous.”–Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
  • “Mesmerizing drama…terrific play.”–New York Times
  • “He clearly knows his stuff. The prayers, the verses, the conversation with the head of the church elder board about finances: Hnath speaks our language.–Christianity Today

In/Visible Theatre is producing The Christians in theatres all over the High Country, and patrons may purchase tickets online at invisibletheatrenc.org or at the door before the performance. Seating is limited. Tickets are on a sliding scale of $30-15, and some ushering opportunities are available.

Left to Right: Teresa Lee, Bob Haas, Donovan Harper, Shauna Godwin, and Jonathan Ray

Dates and locations are:

Tuesday, 6/6: The Rock Church, 7pm. 215 Boone Heights Drive, Boone Heights Shopping Plaza, Boone. http://therockboone.church/

Wednesday, 6/7: Boone Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 7pm. 381 East King Street, Boone. http://www.buuf.net/

Thursday, 6/8: Valle Crucis Conference Center, 7pm. 146 Skyles Way, Banner Elk. http://vcconferences.org/

Friday, 6/9: Boone United Methodist Church, 7pm. 471 New Market Blvd., Boone. http://booneumc.org/

Saturday, 6/10: The Rock Church, 7pm. 215 Boone Heights Drive, Boone Heights Shopping Plaza, Boone. http://therockboone.church/

Tuesday, 6/13: St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church, 7pm. 140 Chestnut Drive, Blowing Rock. http://stmaryofthehills.org/

For more information, or for sponsorship opportunities, contact info@invisibletheatrenc.org.