Ken Webster in The Christians at Hyde Park Theatre. Photo by Bret Brookshire.

Hyde Park Theatre presents

The Christians
by Lucas Hnath

directed by
Ken Webster

February 26 - March 28, 2015

NOTE: Our Thursday, March 26 performance will be ASL-interpreted. If you're attending that performance because of the interpreters, please note "ASL" in the Instructions box when you check out online, or mention it to the box office when you call for reservations, so that we can seat you within a good view of the interpreters.

We turn Hyde Park Theatre into the smallest megachurch in North America for the first production of this marvelous new work since its premiere at the 2014 Humana Festival. Raves already rolling in:

"What happens when you combine a wonderful script with a wonderful cast? You get theater magic. . . . [Ken Webster's] delivery is spellbinding . . Associate Pastor Joshua [is] played very effectively by Joey Hood . . . lead singer Kelley Glover and her singers provide an additional bit of authenticity to the feel of a fundamentalist megachurch. . . . Mark Pickell has created a lush space to represent the altar and pulpit, complete with choir space and even a large-screen monitor. The set is stunning."
- Austin Entertainment Weekly

"One of the most emotionally complex plays that Hyde Park has ever explored . . . Webster has brought together a group of truly skilled actors who are not afraid of showing vulnerability or doubt, who come to the proceedings with a raw passion that’s nothing short of palpable. Webster himself show why he’s so acclaimed, as he weaves and modulates through the text like the best artist at their loom. . .. . Also providing soul-stirring work is Jessica Hughes . .. With her short time on stage, she takes us on a real emotional journey .. . her ability to command the stage while remaining so true to her meek character is quite powerful. . . .Joey Hood also does amazing work . . . An examination of not just what it means to be a Christian, but what it means to be human."
- AXS Entertainment

"Hnath's dialogue is sharp and vivid. . . . Ken Webster, both as director and in his concept of playing protagonist Pastor Paul, is intensely cerebral and controlled. . . . Hyde Park's production is thoughtful and serious, as well as suspenseful."
- CTX Live Theatre

"The Christians" at Hyde Park Theatre from Eric Graham on Vimeo.

The New York Times, reviewing all the new plays at that festival, called The Christians "the finest of the bunch. . . . smart, stimulating . . .[Hnath] is quickly emerging as one of the brightest new voices of his generation."

No wonder this play is scheduled for productions later this year at nationally-known theaters like the prestigious Playwrights Horizon Off-Broadway and the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. But our tiny theater has scooped them all.

The Christians takes U-turns from moving to funny to wrenching and back as Pastor Paul discloses a surprising revelation to his congregation. This moving play investigates faith, doubt, and how our beliefs—any kind of belief—can keep us apart.

The production stars Ken Webster (Port Authority, Thom Pain), Katherine Catmull (There Is a Happiness That Morning Is, Circle Mirror Transformation), Tom Green (Port Authority, Fixing King John), Joey Hood (The Atheist, The Aliens), and Jessica Hughes (Middletown, Tigers Be Still). Ken Webster directs.

On Thursday, March 19, there will be a discussion after the show featuring panelists Rebecca Hall, Director of Adult Education and Spiritual Formation at St. David's Episcopal Church; The Rev. Meg Barnhouse, senior minister at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin; and director Ken Webster, along with a few cast members. If you're attending that night, please stay and chat with us.

The show runs at 8:00 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, February 26 - March 28, 2015. Thursdays are Pay What You Can Nights. For the first four weeks (February 26 - March 21) Friday and Saturday tickets are $22 ($20 for students, seniors, military, and Austin Creative Alliance members). For the final weekend (March 26 - 28), Friday and Saturday tickets are $24 ($22 for students, seniors, military, and Austin Creative Alliance members). Purchase tickets online or call 512-479-PLAY (7529) for reservations.

Hyde Park Theatre is located at 511 W. 43rd Street. Covered off-street parking for the patrons of HPT is available during performances in the lot at 4315 Guadalupe Street, just north of The Parlor. You can drive through The Parlor's parking lot to reach it. Evening HPT parking also available at Kenneth's Hair Salon, just south of HPT, and at the Hyde Park Church of Christ on the northeast corner of 43rd & Avenue B. We are grateful to them all for their generosity.

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HPT is also funded by a grant from The Still Water Foundation.