Harbor Stage Company Presents CHURCH in Cape Cod, 7/18-8/11

Fresh from a string of sold out performances of their critically acclaimed Hedda Gabler, the newly minted Harbor Stage Company launches the second production of their inaugural season, Young Jean Lee's meditation on religion and ritual, Church. Helmed by founding member Brenda Withers, the piece reflects the upstart company's affinity for the most daring scripts and compelling voices on the contemporary theatrical landscape.

Part revivalist meeting, part revolution, Church unfolds as a structured (if sometimes surreal) religious service led by a traveling troupe of charismatic reverends. Written by playwright Lee as an attempt to reconcile a life-long struggle with her Evangelical background, the piece offers an honest, affectionate look at the complexities of religious (and non-religious) thought. Through music, dance, and traditional storytelling, Church strives to celebrate and upend the belief systems we hold dear.

The Harbor Stage Company production will feature company members and co-founders Amanda Collins, Jonathan Fielding, and Brenda Withers, as well as Harbor newcomer Amie Lytle, a New York-based actor whose credits include work with Shakespeare & Company and the Atlantic, and whose brother, Teddy Lytle, will join the company later in the season for David Rabe's Sticks and Bones. Behind the scenes, Church will benefit from the technical talents of lighting designer John Malinowski (ART, New Rep) and resident stage manager Alaina Sciascia.

The Harbor Stage Company follows up the success of their inaugural production with a sharp aesthetic shift. According to co-founder Jonathan Fielding, "Our mission is simple-- to prioritize quality, to present texts that are sharp, meaningful, and challenging-- and this allows us to embrace classics and avant-garde works alike. It keeps us engaged as artists, and offers a broad spectrum of styles and ideas to our incredible community."

After taking control of the beloved seaside stage in January, the Harbor Stage Company announced its intention to revitalize the Harbor’s legacy by returning an artist-run operation to the iconic space. When not performing, directing, or designing, the 6 founding members will double as the company’s administrators, manning the box office, sweeping the floors, securing donations, and ensuring an overall operation that prioritizes the artistic process.

Church will be presented from July 18th to August 11th, running Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30PM at Wellfleet’s Harbor Stage (15 Kendrick Avenue). Tickets for the show are priced at $20 and are available online at www.harborstage.org or via the Harbor Stage box office (508) 349-6800. The first Friday performance of Church (July 20) will be a "First Friday" Pay-What-You-Can performance.

 

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