Andrew Erskine Wheeler and Ensemble in The Christians. Photo: Walking Shadow Theatre Co.
The evangelical subculture and the heightened theatrics of megachurch gatherings are ripe for parody; so much so that audiences have come to expect satire or comedy whenever a story is set therein. So it’s unexpected—and refreshing—when a text treats those who struggle with faith and doubt in this context with nuance and empathy. Lucas Hnath’s The Christians, produced by Walking Shadow Theatre Company and playing at Mixed Blood Theatre through June 11, does just that.
The Christians opens on one such Sunday gathering at a church of thousands in an undetermined location. The church is celebrating 20 years of existence and recently paying off the debt from a substantial building project, and the pastor has an announcement to make. What he announces shakes the foundation of the congregation and causes schisms in the church both as a corporation and a community.
It is best to leave the theological shift that so splinters the church’s followers for the play’s tense reveal, but it is a topic that has caused a significant amount of consternation, disagreement, and doubt throughout church history. (And it might not be the topic you have in mind.) Luckily, Hnath explores the topic with a fairly even hand, without condemning either of the conflicting positions. He also reveals quite a bit of theological knowhow that would likely satisfy many believing audience members.
Of course, the play isn’t just about that topic. Structured generally as a series of private conversations and public sermons, The Christians uses the pivotal topic to explore themes like the desire for certainty, hubris, our worship of fame and charisma, and the nature of relationships. And it all largely works and boasts compelling performances throughout.
The play is anchored by Andrew Erskine Wheeler, who plays Lead Pastor Paul with believable conviction, compassion, and just the right hint of ego. Both Bonni Allen as Paul’s wife Elizabeth and Kory LaQuess Pullam as Associate Pastor Joshua exceptionally deliver the emotional high points of the show’s conflict, even if takes time for their respective characters to prove compelling. Particularly excellent in a fairly small role is Brittany Parker as conflicted choir member Jenny, who publically interrogates the Pastor in the pulpit with fire and tears.
Amy Rummenie’s direction aptly accentuates the right moments, but while this results in a production that works as a whole, there are a few elements that fall flat. The sound design is lacking, which results in the setting failing to feel as grandiose as it ought, considering the immense size of the church. It is also unfortunate that Luca Hnath’s stage directions specify microphones be used at all times, for while this is a novel concept, it results in some clunky blocking and lends to a sense of artificiality. Likewise, the Pastor delivers interspersed fourth-wall breaking narration that feels superfluous, and other parts of the dialogue meant to build exposition feel stilted.
Nevertheless, while some of the transitions and exposition may lack, the meatier conversations of the show do not—these exchanges are engaging, effective, and at times heartbreaking. They admirably dive deep into a topic most avoid at all costs and invite audiences to do the same. Ultimately, and without sermonizing, The Christians leaves its congregants, regardless of their worldview, with lots to pray about.
David and Chelsea Berglund review movies on their site Movie Matrimony.