The Christians, an examination of faith in America, will be backed by a rotating 20-person choir, drawing singers from all five boroughs of New York. Performances are set to begin Aug. 28 and continue through Oct. 11. An official opening night is slated for Sept. 17.
Helmed by Obie winner Les Waters, who returns after directing the world premiere at the Humana Festival of New American Plays at Actors Theatre of Louisville, the cast is set to feature Broadway actors Emily Donahoe (33 Variations), Andrew Garman (Salome), Philip Kerr (Tiny Alice) and Linda Powell (On Golden Pond), as well as Larry Powell, whose numerous Off-Broadway credits include While I Yet Live.
Hnath's play follows Pastor Paul, played by Garman, whose church has expanded greatly in the last decade. Despite its growth and loyal following, he is about to deliver a sermon that will shake the foundation of the congregation's faith. Playwrights Horizons states that The Christians "is both epic and unexpectedly intimate, an unflinching look at faith in America – and its power to unite or divide."
The production will feature scenic design by Dane Laffrey, costume design by Connie Furr, lighting design by Tony Award nominee Ben Stanton and sound design by Jake Rodriguez. Production stage manager will be Marisa Levy.
Following its New York run, the play will be presented in Los Angeles a the Center Theatre Group Dec. 2-Jan. 10, 2016. Lucas Hnath’s plays include Red Speedo (Studio Theatre, Washington, D.C.), A Public Reading of an Unproduced Screenplay About the Death of Walt Disney (Soho Rep.), nightnight as part of Sleep Rock Thy Brain (2013 Humana Festival) and Isaac’s Eye (Ensemble Studio Theatre), among others.
Tickets, starting at $75, go on sale July 28 and can be purchased online at TicketCentral, by phone at (212) 279-4200 and in person at the Ticket Central Box Office, 416 West 42nd St., where Playwrights Horizons is also located. Visit PlaywrightsHorizons for more information.