By Marilyn Jozwik
Pastor Paul (David Cecsarini) preaches to his congregation with Elder Jay (Rick Richter), left, and Associate Pastor Joshua (Andrew Muwonge) at his side in a scene from Next Act Theatre’s “The Christians.”
Local theaters have been trying for these past pandemic-altered months to figure out how to bring quality dramas, comedies and other stage presentations to the public. Virtually.
It is apparent Next Act Theatre has put considerable time, talent and resources into making their 2020-21 season opener, “The Christians,” a successful and enjoyable presentation. Mission accomplished!
Next Act has used this opportunity to produce a slick presentation (filmed at Gethsemane United Methodist Church in Pewaukee), showcasing fine performances and a thought-provoking script with a high quality, professional video.
Your ticket will get you into Next Act’s site, where you’ll find “The Christians,” the show’s program, dates for talkbacks, ways to order refreshments, plus a very helpful six-minute video presented by A.J. Magoon on how to show “The Christians” on your TV for a most comfy theatrical experience.
“The Christians,” by Lucas Hnath, first shows a pastor at the head of a mega-church giving a sermon. David Cecsarini, Next Act’s artistic director, is spellbinding in the role of Paul, the pastor, as the viewing audience sits in the “pews” at home. The sermon moves along with Paul describing the church’s humble beginnings with just a handful of people, its moving to a gymnasium when his flock grew, and its latest move 10 years earlier to a big, new, beautiful church structure. “You prayed, and stayed and paid,” he says, and then announces that their church is debt free. But after Pastor Paul presents that good news, he makes some startling revelations, based on an epiphany he’s had that has changed a basic tenet of his faith. This leads to a faith crisis for Pastor Paul, divisions in his church and turmoil in his family.
Associate Pastor Joshua (Andrew Muwonge) speaks with Pastor Paul (David Cecsarini) during a service in a scene from Next Act Theatre’s “The Christians.”
The production has been carefully produced to allow viewers to see important reactions of those listening. When Pastor Paul explains his newly formed ideas on his faith, the camera focuses on the concerned looks of those in the church – Elder Jay (Rick Richter), the pastor’s wife, Elizabeth (Marti Gobel), Associate Pastor Joshua (Andrew Muwonge) and Jenny, a congregant (Emily Vitrano). The camera tightly focuses on speakers as they passionately speak and often create artistic visuals, as when Associate Pastor Joshua and Pastor Paul face each other with colorful vertical stained glass rising behind them.
While Hnath’s script sometimes puts dollops of double talk into characters’ mouths, it nonetheless creates plenty of moral food for thought. Each character has been affected by Pastor Paul’s sermon. Associate Pastor Joshua, brought into the church as a shiftless youth, has become a pillar of his congregation who has embraced its principles without exception. Muwonge as Joshua is passionate and earnest as he wrestles with his superior’s upsetting new views of his religion. Richter’s Elder Jay is wonderful in his meeting with Pastor Jay, deftly presenting a verbal balancing act of the church council’s decision and his respect for his pastor. Also compelling is Vitrano as congregant Jenny, who gives a testimony about how Pastor Paul and his church have been such a help and comfort to her. Her tone changes from thankful and gracious to challenging and angry as she relates how her boyfriend’s questions about Pastor Paul has put the sermon in a new light for her.
Pastor Paul’s wife, Elizabeth (Marti Gobel), speaks passionately during a service in a scene from Next Act Theatre’s “The Christians.”
Some of the most moving moments come when Pastor Paul and his wife sit down to discuss how she and their daughter have responded to Paul’s new direction. Gobel’s and Cecsarini’s characters show their deep respect and love for each other as they grapple with these new questions that are at the heart of their lives. Elizabeth is pained by her husband’s decision and her taut emotions are palpable.
As always, Cecsarini has selected a drama with much to say and has found the team to aptly articulate the playwright’s message.
If you go (virtually)
Who: Next Act Theatre
What: “The Christians”
When: Through Dec. 13
Tickets: nextact.org; (414) 278-0765