PRESENTS
ONSTAGE THE MOST RELUCTANT CONVERT presents
ONSTAGE THE MOST RELUCTANT CONVERT
Written and Performed by Max McLean
Scenic Design Costume Design Lighting Design Original Music & Sound Design Kelly James Tighe Michael Bevins Geoffrey D. Fishburn John Gromada
Projections Design Wig and Makeup Design Dialect Coach Rocco DiSanti Leah J. Loukas Claudia Hill-Sparks Tommy Kurzman
Marketing, Advertising and Press Digital Advertising Southside Entertainment The Pekoe Group
General Management Production Stage Manager Aruba Productions Lew Mead
Executive Producer Ken Denison
Co-Directed by Ken Denison and Max McLean
There will be no intermission. Please turn off cell phones and personal electronic devices before the performance begins. Thank you. CAST AND LOCATION
C.S. Lewis...... Max McLean
Location...... Lewis’ Study, Magdalen College, Oxford, 1950
A NOTE ABOUT THE PLAY
In 1950, C.S. Lewis received a letter from with the likes of the late Christopher a young American writer expressing his Hitchens or Sam Harris. struggle to believe Christianity because he thought it “too good to be true.” This play is an exploration of Lewis’ Lewis responded, “My own position at dramatic conversion from this position the threshold of Christianity was exactly to Christianity. It is my view that his the opposite of yours. You wish it were vibrancy and resonance as a Christian THE MOST RELUCTANT CONVERT true; I strongly hoped it was not...Do apologist is rooted in this experience. you think people like Stalin, Hitler, Haldane, Stapledon (a corking good The primary sources for this play were writer, by the way) would be pleased Lewis’ autobiography Surprised by Joy on waking up one morning to find that as well as his Collected Letters. I also they were not their own masters...that relied on several of his books and there was nothing even in the deepest essay collections including The Problem recesses of their thoughts about which of Pain, The Weight of Glory, Mere they could say to Him, ‘Keep out! Christianity, God in the Dock, Present Private. This is my business’? Do you? Concerns and Christian Reflections. Rats!...Their first reaction would be (as Last, I was greatly helped by the mine was) rage and terror.” many biographies and critical insights by Douglas Gresham, Walter Hooper, This was Lewis’ mindset before he Devin Brown, Tim Keller, Alan Jacobs, “gave in” as he put it. Lewis embraced Jerry Root, Andrew Lazo, George materialism, a worldview also known as Sayer, David Downing, Alister McGrath, “atheism,” “naturalism,” “determinism” Armand Nicholi, Sheldon Vanauken, or “reductionism”. What they all hold Kenneth Tynan and A.N. Wilson to in common is the view that all of life, name a few. every action, emotion or perception, can be reduced to pre-existing physical This play takes place prior to the causes all the way back to the Big publication of Lewis’ first Narnia story Bang. There is no need to appeal and well before he met his wife, Joy to a supernatural source. God is not Davidman. That may beg the question required to explain or define origin, “will there be a sequel”? We shall see. meaning, ethics or destiny.
For many years, Lewis was a defender of this view. And given his rhetorical gifts and love of debate one could see Max McLean him fit into the “New Atheist” camp
3 WHO’S WHO
MAX McLEAN (C.S. Lewis, Playwright, of John Lennon (2007 Tribeca Film Festival Co-Director) Created the role of Screwtape Special Jury Prize), Down the Shore with (NYC, London, National tour), Mark in James Gandolfini and A Novel Romance with Mark’s Gospel (Chicago, Jeff Award for Solo Steve Guttenberg. He has also designed Performance), Genesis (NYC, National Tour). costumes for numerous Off-Broadway plays, As playwright/adaptor C.S. Lewis’ The Great including Sidd, White’s Lies, All Eyes and Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, Genesis and Ears, Machiavelli and Good Ol’ Girls. www. Mark’s GospeI. Co-writer with Chris Cragin- michaelbevins.com Day of Martin Luther on Trial. Favorite roles include Stanley, A Streetcar Named Desire, GEOFFREY D. FISHBURN (Lighting and Snoopy, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Designer). Lighting Design - New York: Brown. McLean has narrated the Bible five Almost Heaven and Martin Luther on Trial. times as well as John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Lighting Design - Regional: Mary Poppins, Progress and Classics of the Christian Faith. Miss Saigon, The Little Mermaid, The His narrations received four Audie Award Addams Family, Titanic, Peter Pan, Hairspray, nominations. Max enjoys a round of golf. Beauty and the Beast, Phantom, Jekyll Ephesians 2:10 and Hyde, Gypsy, The Wiz, Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. Assistant KELLY JAMES TIGHE (Scenic Designer) OFF Sound Design – New York & National Tours: BROADWAY/NATIONAL TOURS: Shadowlands Dreamgirls, West Side Story, The Secret (Fellowship for Performing Arts), The Garden, Nixon in China, Jerome Robbins’ Fantasticks, Almost Heaven, The Time of Broadway. Associate Sound Design – Mendel’s Trouble, Nunsense (Anniversary Regional: Yankee Doodle Dandy, The Wizard production at the Cherry Lane), Movin’ Out, of Oz, My Fair Lady, The Spoleto Festival. Shear Madness, Mooseltoe - A New Musical, 101 Dalmatians, Triumph (Las Vegas Hilton). JOHN GROMADA (Composer/Sound REGIONAL: San Jose Rep, Laguna Playhouse, Designer) John has composed scores and Michigan’s Cherry County Playhouse, Arts designed sound for more than 35 Broadway Center of Coastal Carolina, Sacramento productions, including The Elephant Man Theater Company, Diablo Theater Company, with Bradley Cooper, The Trip to Bountiful Contra Costa Musical Theater, Center (Tony nomination), The Best Man (Drama Repertory Company, Gateway Playhouse. Desk Award), Clybourne Park, Seminar, The Several National Television shows and Columnist, Next Fall, A Bronx Tale, Prelude to commercials including Disney, KitKat, a Kiss, Proof, Rabbit Hole, A Streetcar Named Oxygen Network, Animal Planet, etc. Online Desire, Twelve Angry Men and A Few Good at Kellyjamestighe.com Men. For FPA: The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce and Shadowlands. His other MICHAEL BEVINS (Costume Designer) New York credits include Dada Woof Papa Michael is excited to design another project Hot, Incident at Vichy, Ripcord, Old Hats, My with FPA after The Screwtape Letters and Name is Asher Lev, Measure for Measure Shadowlands. He has designed costumes (Delacorte Theater), The Orphans’ Home Cycle for television, film and theater. Recent televi- (Drama Desk and Henry Hewes Awards), sion credits include two seasons of Garry Shipwrecked! (Lucille Lortel Award), Julius Trudeau’s series Alpha House starring John Caesar, The Skriker (Drama Desk Award), Goodman and Bill Murray, and three seasons Machinal (OBIE Award) and many more. His of the web series Cop Show with Colin Quinn television and film credits include a score for and Jerry Seinfeld. Select film credits include the Emmy-nominated The Trip to Bountiful the award winning In The Family and The and Showing Roots. For more information and Grief of Others by Patrick Wang, The Killing music, visit www.johngromada.com.
4 WHO’S WHO
ROCCO DISANTI (Projection Design). Vampires. Off Broadway: An Octoroon (Soho Broadway: The Snow Geese, The Columnist, Rep/TFANA), The Merchant of Venice (TFANA), Wit, Collected Stories, Time Stands Still. Off A Midsummer Night’s Dream (The Public Broadway: Incident at Vichy (Signature), Theater, Shakespeare in the Park), Polish Desire, Lift, Inner Voices, Wide Awake Joke (MTC), Time and the Conways (Epic Hearts (59E59), Completeness (Playwrights Theater Ensemble), Stone Cold, Dead Serious Horizons), A Second Chance (The Public) (The Edge Theater Company), Shadowlands and more. Regional: Fly, The Threepenny (Fellowship for Performing Arts). Regional: Opera, Spin, Company, A Second Chance 2008–2010 Summer Shakespeare Festivals, (Signature Theatre). Kansas City Swing, Lift, 8 years as Resident Vocal Coach for The The Adventure of Fishy Waters in Bed With Old Globe, Hartford Stage, Barrington Stage The Blues (Crossroads). AWARDS: Nominated Company, Long Wharf Theatre, Huntington for a 2012 Henry Hewes Design Award for Theater Company, North Shore Music Theater, Completeness. American Players Theatre, Chautauqua Theater Company. Numerous National Tours LEAH J. LOUKAS (Wig & Hair Designer). for Network Presentations. Television: Dialect Broadway: The Great Comet, The Heidi Coach for Richard Easton as Ben Franklin Chronicles, On the Town, A Night with for PBS. Faculty: The Old Globe/USD MFA Janis Joplin, Vanya and Sonia and Masha Professional Actor Training Program, Boston and Spike, American Idiot, Irena’s Vow. Off University BFA Professional Actor Training Broadway: The Royale (Lincoln Center); Program, The American Academy of Dramatic The Robber Bridegroom (Roundabout); Arts, The Wilma Theater. Education: MFA in Barbecue, Fortress of Solitude (The Public Acting, Temple University. Theater); The Taming of the Shrew, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Into the Woods (Shakespeare LEW MEAD (Production Stage Manager). in the Park series); Heathers: The Musical; Broadway engineering credits include: A Tribes; Our Lady of Kibeho (Signature Theatre, Chorus Line, Dreamgirls and Bring Back NY); Jelly’s Last Jam (Signature Theatre, Birdie. Broadway Design credits include: DC); The Pirates of Penzance (Barrington Onward Victoria, Tom Sawyer, Urinetown, Stage Company); Ever After (Paper Mill The King and I and Wonderful Town. Touring Playhouse): Butler (59E59). Leah holds a BFA credits include Julie Andrews, Leslie Uggams from the University of Cincinnati’s College and The Screwtape Letters. Lew was the Conservatory of Music. founder of ProMix, a theatrical audio com- pany; Syntonic Design Group, a corporate TOMMY KURZMAN (Wig and Makeup audio company; and Autograph A2D, an Design). Select credits include The Parisian audio distribution company located in New Woman (starring Uma Thurman), The Little York City and London. Foxes (starring Laura Linney and Cynthia Nixon, MTC), In Transit, The King and I nation- KEN DENISON (Executive Producer)/ ARUBA al tour (LCT production), NBC Live Upfront PRODUCTIONS Aruba Productions is a gen- and Long Day’s Journey into Night (starring eral management/executive producing orga- Jessica Lange) in addition to Bright Star (D.C., nization that manages and pro- duces shows Broadway & Tour), Fiddler on the Roof and worldwide. Ken serves as the Executive Therese Racquin (starring Kiera Knightley) Producer for FPA’s productions of C.S. Lewis’ on Broadway. Tommy is the Associate to Hair The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, Designer Tom Watson. Martin Luther on Trial, C.S. Lewis Onstage: The Most Reluctant Convert (also co-Director) and CLAUDIA HILL-SPARKS (Voice & Dialect Shadowlands. Other projects include Human Coach) Broadway: Anastasia, Dance of the Nature’s Jukebox in Las Vegas and worldwide,
4 5 WHO’S WHO
Back Home Again (featuring the songs of John FELLOWSHIP FOR PERFORMING ARTS Denver), Broadway & The Bard (starring Len (Producer) Fellowship for Performing Arts is Cariou) as well as Songbird and Desperate a New York City-based theatrical production Measures Off Broadway. Additional credits company founded by its Artistic Director, Max include Doctor Zhivago in Australia and on McLean. FPA’s mission is to produce theatre Broadway, An Officer and A Gentleman in from a Christian worldview that engages Australia, Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding and The diverse audiences. In addition to its annu- Mary Wilson Holiday Spectacular with the al New York season where it has produced Four Tops in Chicago. Ken’s experience as a Shadowlands, C.S. Lewis Onstage: The Most Producer, Executive Producer and General Reluctant Convert, The Great Divorce, Martin Manager extends over 25 years and includes Luther on Trial, The Screwtape Letters and numerous pre-Broadway and Broadway A Man for All Seasons; FPA tours at univer- productions. He was the Associate Producer sities (Brown, Princeton, UC, Berkeley) and of the original Tony Award-winning produc- in major performing arts centers across the tion of Disney’s The Lion King and was the country. In the past year, over 65,000 peo- General Manager and Director of Production ple have experienced an FPA production. and Operations for the renowned Old Globe FPAtheatre.com Theatre in San Diego for 15 years.
FOR THE PRODUCTION
PRODUCER Fellowship for Performing Arts, Inc. Board of Directors: Glenn Gault, Roberta Livesay, Max McLean, Hardie Morgan, Daniel Quigley, John Rogers, Richard Spears and Michael Tarwater, Max McLean, Founder & Artistic Director EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Ken Denison GENERAL MANAGEMENT Aruba Productions, LLC — Ken Denison, Amy Polan-Clarke MARKETING, ADVERTISING AND PRESS Southside Entertainment 321.747.0077 — Cheryl Anteau DIGITAL ADVERTISING The Pekoe Group FELLOWSHIP FOR PERFORMING ARTS PRODUCTION Philanthropy...... Marshall Pennel & Jessica Ching, PennelChing, LLC Production Stage Manager...... Lew Mead Creative Director...... Ben Geist Head carpenter/Properties...... Katie Martin Communications Director...... Paul Cozby Head Electrician...... Evan Hawkins Database & Office Manager...... Jennifer Maala ARUBA PRODUCTIONS Office Coordinator & Social Media...... Dan DuPraw Associate General Manager...... Kate Holland Donor Relations Manager...... Sarah Mills Company Manager...... Lucy Rybarczyk Literary Manager...... Christa Scott-Reed Director of Booking...... William Meade Project Coordinator...... Allison McQuade Directing of Ticketing Services...... Derek Johnson Payroll Service...... Media Services University & Special Event Coordinator...... Courtney Menking Legal Counsel...... Jason Baruch, Sendroff & Baruch LLP Controller...... Erin Kouch, YPTC General Management Intern...... Jenny Harris Group Sales...... Phillip Padgett Special thanks to Tommy Kurzman for makeup and wig concepts. Videographer...... Alex Barker Scenery built and painted by Center Line Studios Inc., IT Consultant...... Jox Teodocio New Windsor New York. Web Developer...... Amanda Atkins The Actors and Stage Managers employed in this production Assistant to Creative Director...... Phil Laskowski are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Auditors...... Lutz and Carr CPA, LLP Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
6 7 FELLOWSHIP CIRCLE
The Fellowship Circle is a key building block to help Fellowship for Performing Arts achieve our mission of presenting theatre from a Christian worldview that engages a diverse audience. The following Circle Members provided the financial support to produce The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, Mark’s Gospel, Martin Luther on Trial, C.S. Lewis Onstage: The Most Reluctant Convert and Shadowlands:
Platinum Circle Joan Bauer Kathleen Schmidt Frank & Carol Childress Jonathan & Mary Kay Andrew Billing Stephen & Cheryl Shuler Bradley & Justine Borisch Timothy & Kelly Biltz Thomas & Alice Shupe Chmielewski Dr. & Mrs. William & Gary & Pamela Bollier John & Lynn Siefker Tom & Peggy Coleman Bridget Coughran Susan & Dirk Brokaw Mr. & Dr. Rich & Andrea Rick & Libby Cottrell Alan & Barbara Gates Wayne & Laura Sittema Charles & Candace Curie Hardie & Andrea Morgan Buchanan Cynthia & Steven Smith Mark & Angie Dailey Kay & Gary Rupp Robert & Susan Buck Ned & Doris Snider Peter and Janis Duda Edward & Josephine Chris & Susan Burchett William & Lury Snyder Charles & Connie Dunn Skoudis Keith & Eileen Denner Richard & Carol Spears Dave & Meg Dupee Michael & Ann Tarwater Mac & Andy Everett David Spence Dr. & Mrs. Eric & Kim Sharon Van Dellen Billy & Shannon Flippin St. Martin’s Episcopal Elder Walt & Anne Waldie Capt. & Mrs. Don & Church Jeffrey & Michele ANONYMOUS (1) Sharon Frahler Dr. & Mrs. James & Etherton Dr. Timothy Flanigan Gold Circle David & Judy Franklin Cheryl Strang Timothy & Jackie Flynn Todd & Kellie Avakian Clint & Diana Fultz Jody & Beth Stubbs David Fuller Bernard & Jeanne Chris Gandy Karen Vandermeer Bertsche Brian & Audrie Ana Allan & Mary Ellen David & Autumn Dawn Galbreath Mary E Boyd Gardner Wampler Curtis Grant Ed & Becky Watt Christopher & Christine Louis & Joan Braddi Gorz Mark & Barbara Gubb Sharon Wigal Jere & Patsy Drummond Muffin Grant Doug & Jane Guffy Richard & Linda Wyatt John & Laura Fairfield David & Patricia Harper Jonathan Yuen Elbert & Cheryl Forman Michael Handel Joel & Catheryn Helton Trent & Jill Gazzaway Harry & Gayle Hargrave Robert & Nancy Zimmerman James Michael & Patricia Gordon & Nada Geddes Philip Hausler Hines Steven & Linda Znachko Ray & Mary Graf Chris & Anne Hayes Sterling and Alice Dr. & Dr. JD & Edith Hall Mr. & Dr. Dean & Ginger ANONYMOUS (4) Hitchcock Todd & Helen Johnson Hertenstein Bronze Circle David & Heide Hal & Joan Kraft Robert & Chris Hiday James & Barbara Hungerford Diane Iorio Kyle & Ann Krueger Ivan Hinrichs Alexander Ryan & Adrienne Israel Don & Roberta Livesay Elliott & Mary Jo Horne Gwen Anderson Michael & Laurie Jaffe Richard & Marilyn Lynch Ronald & Renee Joelson William Artzt John Johnson Terry & Mary MacRae Daniel & Sonia Kenna Wendell & Cynthia Barton Gordon & Martha Koppin Max & Sharon McLean Dr. & Mrs. Tony & Courtney Kim Tricia Bass Peterson Mark & Susan Lancaster Capt. & Mrs. Richard & Robert & Michele Larson Tina Prevatt Teresa Battaglia Robert & Linda Laskin Thad & Lisa Leach Dr. & Dr. Robert & Judith Frederick & Linda Behm James & Cindy Rausch Carrie Mostul March & Mariam Bell Lauffenburger Bob & Sissel Rhyme Brad & Andrea Newell Chad & Jennifer Bentz Paul & Carol Lindgren Keith & Deborah Nichols Stewart & Tammy Dr. & Mrs. Brant & Susie Jeremy Roberts Lipscomb Bruce & Jan Saxon Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey & Jo Bertron Ann Peterson Alex & Claudia Livingston Dr. & Mrs. Gary & Terri Ken & Laurel Beukelman Schmitt Jeffrey & JoAnn Peterson Dr. & Mrs. Dana & Robert & Mary Long Mary Ellen Schrock Tim & Julia Phillips Sharlene Bradshaw Mitzi & Ron Lumbra Lawrence & Anita J.D. & Angie Slaughter Dan and Alison Quigley Capt. & Mrs. Chris & Yves Brooks Maxwell Jeff & Debbie Upchurch Sheli Remick Berry & Connie Brooks Sam & Mary Menefee ANONYMOUS (2) Harley & Posey Riedel Mike & Diana Riley Jerry Brown John & Nancy Olinde Silver Circle Sheryl & William Mark & Patricia Burton Scott & Bridget Olson Donald & Fara Avery Robertson Joe & Esther Campanella Donnie Perkins Lorne & Michelle Bain Dr. & Mrs. Ned & Chris and Lesley Toby & Cindy Perry Singh & Mary Bajwa Charlene Rupp Chambless John & Ann Porter
6 7 FELLOWSHIP CIRCLE
Jenny Pruitt Paul & Cynthia Brosnan Nelson Hoffman Randy & Sherryl Peters Jeff & J’Anne Rawson Gordon & Carolyn Burch Vinson & Sharal Huegele Katharine Pittman Jane Rectenwald Walker & Marjorie Cain Kevin & Yvonne Hull Jeffrey & Jennifer Russ Reinsel William & Karen Carlson Carl & Anne Hunnell Plunkett Douglas & Alice Ritter Judy & Rachel Chaney Christi Hymel Richard & Tina Prevatt Martin & Carol Robinson Carl J Chiappa Dr. & Mrs. William & Mason & Katherine Reay Dr. & Mrs. Jaime & Mitchell & Sara Chwatt Marilyn Ingram Rodney & Diana Repasky Sharon Santamaria John Cofer Susan Jones Stevan & Terri Rexroad Chris & Linda Dr. Joy Corby Paul & Stacy Kanneman Bruce Robertson Scharnhorst Paul & Sherry Cozby Scott & Shifra Kauffmann Doug & Lisa Rogers Daniel & Jennie Schipper Ronald & Vicky Crowe Brandi Kavanaugh Michael Rothe Thomas & Margi Siems Joy Dance Charles & Joy Kelley Briana Rouse Brian & Denise Smith Nick & Sonya DeCarlo Everett & Charlene Kerby & Lisa Saunders Greg & Joyce Smith Kennedy Hannah Demaray Andy & Julie Sauter Norm & Betty Snyder Charles & Jane Kim Dairus DeNeui Benjamin & Jackie Rev. & Mrs. James & Patricia Kissell Scardello Jarrett & Christine Diane Stanton Steven & Marie Klein Dale & Arlene Schaefer Olga Statz Dewelde Kenneth & Valerie Francis Koudelka Beverly Scheliga Jim & Terri Steinkamp Dickerson Marsha Kuhnley John Schiller Charles & Joy Strnad Richard Dippolito Larry & Carol Landis Jason & Wendy Schmidly James & Darcy Terry Ross Dorsett James & Jill Laski Christian & Alexis Jim Thornton John Durham Gregory & Patricia Lee Schnedler Thomas & Carola Tucker Jonathan & Lori Eaton Raymond & Carole Steven Schulman Beverly, Hugh & Troy & Kelly Schulze Charles & Carolyn Eklund Lewandowski Catherine Verano Carlton & Elaine Sears Gary & Sheila Engel Robert (Greg) & Deborah Steven & Kathryn Waters Low Robert & Debbie Seevers Paul & Adele Everett Craig & Emilie Wierda McCrary Lowe Marion Sharp Dr. & Mrs. Kent & Leah Ryan & Katrina Tony & Tammy Magaldi Christiane Shipley Wilhelmsen Farish Paul & Sandra Magnuson Renee Skeels Brent & Erin Wyper Dr. Caroline Fife Martin & Allison Maners Kathy Skrivanek ANONYMOUS (3) Pam Forbes Thomas Forsberg William & Colleen Terry & Wendy Slattery Cornerstone Circle McCrary Valerie Frey Douglas & Sharon Smith W. Shepherdson & Allison McDonald Dr. & Mrs. Steven & Kathy Kathryn Abell James & Elizabeth Gadsby Bruce & Suzanne Smith John & Mary Allen McFadden Philip & Amelia Gaillard Doug Smith John & Katherine Alsdorf William & Flo McGee Michael & Diane Gandy Roger & Judy Smith Eric & Moana Andersen Mark McNickle Michael & Carla Gasser Lois Southard Mark & Saeko Anderson Jackie Mears J. H. & Tabitha Gatewood Rick Spees Roberta Armijo David & Darrellyn Melilli Glenn & Rebecca Gault Timothy Stember Chris & Cheryl Bachelder Gary & Vivian Merideth Brian & Kendra Gevry Patricia Stichweh Ed & Connie Baker Joseph & Rosanne Richard & Jane Struck Bill & Linda Bantz John & Carol Gilbert Mitchell Timothy Gillis Joseph Stubbs Scott & Jennifer Barringer Radford & Wendy Candy Sutfin James & Victoria Moeller Lori Batchelder Goddard Dr. & Mrs. Marc & Beth David & Katherine Moore Swiontkowski Dr. & Mrs. Terry & Connie Steve & Katie Gohde Bawcom Thomas & Donna Joe Teague Ellen Gould Mowery Jon & Denise Beckman Dr. & Mrs. Peter & Julie Kay Behrenwald Jim & Sherrie Grabot Scott & Jenelle Mullet Turk Matt & Marcy Benedict Kathleen Green Jack & Leslie Murphy John & Diane Utley Ron & Mary Beshear Rev. & Mrs. David & Gary & Judy Nagel Luann Van Campen Sharon Haberer Jay & Maya Betz Douglas & Ellen Naylor Gary Vandenbos Carter and Erin Hamilton Robert & Kelli Black Dr. Sally Naylor Gordon & Elaine Mark & Sally Hanson Jim & Carole Bluhm Patricia Nichols Vandermeulen Mark & Nancy Harris David & Brenda Bodanza Jon & Debbie Noetzel Giles & Deidre Vick Jim & Fran Harrison Mr. & Dr. Michael & Thomas & Susan Wesley and Janet Wada Denise Boriack Selby Harrison Olmstead Glenn & Mary Warner Birch Bowdre Ted & Ibel Hartlett Dr. Leanne Olson Karen Warriner Gordon & Barbara Sue Bart Henson Timothy & Carroll Olson Randy & Melissa Waters Broberg Tynes & Trish Hildebrand John & Marilyn O’Neal Matthew & Martina Barry & Amy Brooks Jack & Laura Hodge Steve & Diane Parrish Watkins
8 FELLOWSHIP CIRCLE
Sandy & Betsy Danny & Kim Cecil Rodney & Pamela Garrett Doug & Dorothy Iliff Weathersbee Glenn & Karen Cesa John & Courtney Garrett David & Debbie Jackson Jon and Dusty David & Janet Chestnut Brenda Gaskins Carol Jackson Weichbrodt Sheau Ping Ching Phil & Jasmine Gatti Alan & Susan Jackson Tanya Weston Doug Clifton Adrian Gaty Sunhee Jeon Jamie & Todd Wheeler Dr. & Mrs. J. David & Kelly & Beth Gebert Harry Jho James & Carol Wilhoit Beverly Clyde Robert Gebhart Diana Jin Elise Wilkes Michael Colton Robert & Bonnie Getts Jeffrey & Danielle Marcia & Kevin Michael Connelly Johnson Williamson Kay & Richard Giesecke Leonard & Joanne Tom & Pamela Johnson Robert & Linda Wohleber Barney & Karen Giesen Conner Lynn Johnson William & Amy Zewe John & Ruth Giordano Chris & Nancy Conniff Juliette Johnson ANONYMOUS (3) Scott Goldstein Ronald & Nancy Connor Ray & Lynda Goodfellow Blake Johnson Founder’s Circle Alan & Linda Corey Terry & Julie Gorman Judith Jones Victor & Jana Aagaard Paul Correa Shaun & Sharron Grannis Wayne & Elizabeth Jones Steve & Shari Abbott Frank & Chris Cowan Mart and Diana Green James & Susan Jones Mark Aijian Jim & Lori Cox Thomas & Barbara Dale & Cindy Jorgenson Fred & Beth Alexander Ben & Tamara Crawford Greenberg Eugene & Michelle Dan & Susan Allen Brian & Dawn Dailey Thomas & Barbara Kaleniak Benjamin & Newlyn Rufus Dalton Greenberg Curtis & Mary Kauffman Allison Barry & Shirley Daniel Gordon & Denise Michael & Frances Ed & Deborah Alyanak David & Heidi Dasinger Greenhill Kemper Robert & Chris Armstrong Rev. & Mrs. Charles & Michael & Carol Gregg Gregg & Jill Kiehl Marc & Millie Arnold Ingrid Davis Michael & Barbara Grey David Kilpatrick James & Phyllis Ashe Michael & Megan Davis John & Kate Hadley Lane & Linda Kimbrough Rev. & Mrs. Hank & Glo Frank & Elaine Dennison Jeffrey & Jennifer John & Barb Kinast Avent Dr. & Mrs. Colin & Susan Hargrave Stephanie King G. Laurence & Dana Derdeyn Dr. & Mrs. James & Mary David & Pat Kirker Baggett Mark Deterling Ann Harkema David Kitchens Andrew & Marcella David & Anne Harper Barrett Bob & Jo Ellen Dietz Kirk Knous Jeff & Janet Harris Hudson & Deborah Jerry & Sandra Drake David and Annie Barton Bruce & Nancy Dutcher Raymond & Megan Knowles Harrison Thomas Bast Mr. & Rev. Dr. William & Kent & Beth Kochheiser Sharon Harrison Jason & Julie Battaglia Suzanne Ebel Kathy Krivacek Jesse & Anne Marie George & Sally W Curt Lafrance Jr. Elizabeth Becht Hauptfuhrer Michelle Behrenwald Edmunds Larry & Rosemary Laird Fred & Linda Edwards Edward & Pamela Lt. Col. Linn Benson Hawkins Mark & Silvia Lamendola Helen & Martin Eger Michael Bergmann John & Susan Hayes Dr. Michael Landwehr Christina & Roy Ellsberry Steve & Rebecca Betulius Robert & Judy Heaton James & Bonnie Laney Lisa Elmore Steve & Gigi Bolman Lea Helmerich Howard Lawrence Franklin & Debra Ensor Frank & Jamie Bonetto Carl & Concepcion Jimmie Lawson Dr. & Mrs. Andrew & James & Catheryn Henriques Bruce Leep Epstein Dena Boswell Chet & Gwen Henry Dr. & Mrs. Eric & Barbara John & Valerie Fairchild Michael & Veronica Ken & Deb Hess Leestma Braden Blaise Fallon Greg & Mary Grace Daniel Legare Peter & Martha Bridge William & June Farrell Heston Greg Leith Bill Britton William Faulk Jackson & Penney Hill Lisa & Stephen Lex Amy Brown John Feyerer Gregory & Susan Steven & Cindy Litchfield Pat Brown Stephen & Eva Fincher Holmgren Brett Long Michelle Brubaker Greg & Sandee Finley Nancy Horton Wesley & Stephanie Richard & Christine First Presbyterian Church Col. & Mrs. Ronald & Lonsberry Brunner of Tulsa Elizabeth Houle Ken Lupino Nan Buchanan Allen & Marla Fitzwater Steve & Cynthia Mike & Carol Marker Roger & Cindy Bumps Kenneth & Lesley Fluke Huffstetter Jin & Monika Marshall Tom & Linda Burley Mike & Marty Franchot Peter & Joanne Hughes Jay & Betty Martin Debbie Burow Dr. & Mrs. Mark & Lauren Kenneth & Lourdes Hunt James & Nadine Maxwell Ken & Shay Callahan Franklin Robert Hunter Eric & Susan May Barry & Sharon Campbell Scooter & Carol Franks Ian Ibbitson William & Colleen Lydia Carlson James & Jeri Frederick Lee & Natalie Iden McCrary Janet Carpenter Kent Garbee Don & Barbara Iehl Peter McGrath
8 9 FELLOWSHIP CIRCLE
Renee McGuire Dale & Cathy Reichel Norm & Kathie Smith Allen & Christina Voth Ernie McLean Jim & Cindy Reilly Gregory & Michele Smith Mark & Marissa Ryan McNeill Adam & Christina Edward Smith Wadlington Ed & Nancy Mello Richards Baker & Debby Smith Dr. & Mrs. Lyle & Gayle Brad & Olga Alarid Jeffrey Ring Pamela Smyth Wadsworth Christopher Miles Betty Rives Josh & Denise Snyder Arden & Virginia Walker Robert & Joan Miller Domenic & Mary Rizzi Timothy Solt Chris & Sarah Watson JD & Diane Miller Mark & Melissa Dick & Kris Spain Charlie & Natalie Weakly Mark & Karen Mitchell Robertson Jerry & Kitty Spence John & Diana Weiss Bob & Jerrie Moffett Eric & Naja Robinson Frank & Arlana St. Clair David & Ronda Wells Dr. & Mrs. Merrill & Jena Michael Rodgers Don & Kate Stamas Denise Westfall Jaime & Priscilla Romero Morey Julie Starcher Jan Weston Stone & Barbara Rose Marquita Moss Barry & Sam Stare John Wheeler Dr. & Mrs. Hugh & Robert & Nancy Mowrey Philip & Rachael Starke James & Kelly Whitcomb Myatt Myatt Kathleen Ross Eric Rothdeutsch Terry & Joy Stauffer Hal & Sandy Widener Randy & Pamela Milivoje & Terry Rita Wignall Newman Edward Sabo Stefanovic Rodger & Karen Williams William & Linda Newton Carol Sampson Lyle Stephenson Daniel & Marla Williams Carolyne Nielson Steven & Debbie Chuck Stetson Sanchez Julia Wilson Elliot & Joy Nowels Russell & Kathy Stevens Steve & Denise Nyberg Theodore & Sarah Sands Brian & Julia Wilson Dr. & Mrs. Steven & Anne Mark & Robin Stewart Liam O’Brien Daniel & Andrea Strain James & Shannon Sarkisian Winebrenner Kurt Oliver David Stuhr Ryan Schaub Larry & Wanda Wiseman Joy & Eric Orme Jan Stull Douglas & Elizabeth Paul & Mary Jo Wohlers Celeste Ornellas Scheffler Laura Sullivan Dale Orwig Brent & Natalina Damon & Lynn Swaner Joley & Mark Wood Stefan & Kathleen Schloneger Doug Tabor Bill & Holly Worsley Palansky Vernon & Ellie Schmidt Steven & Carmen Tate Steven Wyse Scott & Marline Pallais Robert & Virginia Dr. & Mrs. David & Neil & Nancy Young Ken & Robin Parish Schofield Mickey Templin David & Colleen Zientek Jerry & Becky Parker Walter & Pat Schriver Jon Terman Erwin Zoch Philip & Susan Perdue Cynthia Schroth Judi Teske Todd & Monica Zubler Eric & Gina Peter Thomas & Kelly Scurich Jay & Cheryl Thompson ANONYMOUS (3) Pete & Sam Peterson Kim Seeburger Joshua Thorsvik Corporate Gifts Blake Pfeffer Anneliese Sepaniak Grant & Suzan Tibbetts Central Cal Homes Greg Ploss Daniel & Nancy Sharp Dr. Jim Toner David & Beverly Porter Fred & Sherrie Sharpe ExxonMobil Matching Paul & Stephanie Turney Gifts Al & Cassia Portugal Jonathan & Rachel Jon & Dana Van IBM International Glen Posladek Sherrill Kinsbergen Kay & Hill Pound Micheline Shipley Sheryl & Chris Van Ruiten Mission to the World Robert Pruitt Dale & Susan Shirasago Dr. & Dr. Lloyd & Mary Occidental Petroleum James & Karen Pruitt Jo Skibby Van Winkle Pfizer Matching Gifts Charles & Karletta Christa Slyman Brenda Vantrease Shell Oil Matching Gifts Pruszynski Doug & Nan Smith David & Rhonda Vaughn United Way John Putnam Ed & Babs Smith Don & Lois Verleur Walder Law
The names on this list were last updated on 1/15/2019. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list. Please call us with any questions or corrections. FPA values the donations of our many other supporters and friends and extends our deepest gratitude to all. To join our Fellowship Circle, visit CSLewisOnStage.com/donate or call us at 212.582.2920 and ask for Sarah Mills.
Platinum Circle ($100,000 +), Gold Circle ($25,000 - $99,999), Silver Circle ($10,000 - $24,999), Bronze Circle ($5,000 - $9,999), Cornerstone Circle ($2,000 - $4,999), Founder’s Circle ($1,000 - $1,999)
Fellowship for Performing Arts 630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1409, New York, New York 10036 212.582.2920 [email protected] FPAtheatre.com CSLewisOnStage @cslewisonstage
10 NOTE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
While experiencing a production by ous Christian thought and an earnest Fellowship for Performing Arts, some invitation to introspection.” people are curious about what drives The second critic began by stating that our work. he was “Jewish by birth, liberal by convic- FPA’s objective is to engage and enter- tion and an atheist by observation and tain its patrons by telling stories from a introspection.” He went on to express Christian worldview that has the power “how much I admire the approach of to capture the imagination of a diverse Fellowship for Performing Arts...They do audience. their work through a careful combination Our process begins with careful atten- of good storytelling—craft comes first... tion to selecting works we think can allowing any message implicit in the accomplish this objective. material to take care of itself.” We also strive to execute our artistic A third critic commented that vision to the highest level of excellence “Fellowship for Performing Arts offers our budgets allow. Part of achieving this something that has been sorely missing is to attract a first-rate cast and creative from the New York theater scene for far team. too long: high-quality, challenging the- I’m aware that, despite the best of ater from a Christian perspective. Most intentions, the notion of a “religious” impressively...they let the drama lead play might send up a yellow flag. the way, allowing us to debate what we During our first New York season, sev- have witnessed on the trip home.” eral reviewers expressed this skepticism Such feedback is welcomed. Art hints in print. One critic, upon discovering at the deeper structures of reality. FPA our worldview, wrote “my heart sank.” desires to create theatre that contributes Another made the understatement that to a better understanding of that reality. presenting plays from a place of religious To do that requires honest, clear-eyed conviction “to a general audience is no storytelling that entertains and engages easy thing.” its audiences. If a play doesn’t do that, it In both cases, it was the work that really doesn’t matter what else it does. turned them around. The first declared, Thank you for the privilege of attempt- “I expected a preachy bore, not this ing to do just that at this performance. deliciously witty, theatrical treat that still resonates and amuses the day after.” He went on, “I expect that, like the first, [the next production] will be entertaining, very well-staged and imbued with seri-
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10 11 2019 NATIONAL TOUR*
ONSTAGE THE MOST RELUCTANT CONVERT JAN 31-FEB 3 • UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, AUSTIN FEB 7 • UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI FEB 10 • FT. LAUDERDALE - Parker Playhouse FEB 16-17 • TAMPA - Straz Center MAR 10 • LOUISVILLE - Brown Theatre MAR 20-24 • CHARLOTTE - Booth Playhouse APR 14 • BIRMINGHAM - BJCC Concert Hall APR 17 • VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY APR 27 • CHATTANOOGA - Tivoli Theatre MAY 3 • SAN ANTONIO - Majestic Theatre JUNE 14-15 • SACRAMENTO - Harris Center, Folsom JUN 22-23 • SAN FRANCISCO - Herbst Theatre JUN 29 • COLORADO SPRINGS - Pikes Peak Center JUL 11-21 • LOS ANGELES - The Broad, Santa Monica AUG 2-3 • PORTLAND, OR - Newmark Theatre AUG 10 • BAY HARBOR, MI - Great Lakes Center for the Arts
JAN 18-19 • NASHVILLE - TPAC JAN 29-FEB 3 • WASHINGTON D.C. - Lansburgh Theatre FEB 16 • PITTSBURGH - Byham Theater FEB 23 • DALLAS - Eisemann Center MAR 5-17 • HOUSTON - George Theater MAR 28-31 • TULSA - Tulsa PAC APR 12-13 • KANSAS CITY - Kauffman Center MAY 10-11 • PHOENIX - Herberger Theatre Center MAY 18 • SAN DIEGO - Balboa Theatre JUNE 8-9 • ATLANTA - Ferst Center
FPAtheatre.com Fellowship for Performing Arts • 630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1409, New York, New York 10036 *As of Jan. 15, 2019. New dates added regularly. Please check website.