Lucas Hnath's THE CHRISTIANS to Play Alley Theatre

Alley Theatre Artistic Director Gregory Boyd announces the cast and creative team for The Christians, a new play written by Lucas Hnath, which runs April 22 - May 15 in the Hubbard Theatre.

Lucas Hnath's The Christians centers on Pastor Paul, who started his church ten years ago in a modest storefront. Now it houses thousands, with a coffee shop in the lobby and a baptismal font as big as a swimming pool. But Paul is about to preach a sermon that will shake the foundation of his congregation's beliefs. Staged as a church service and backed by a live choir, The Christians is both epic and unexpectedly intimate, an unflinching look at values in America - and its power to unite or divide. Named a Top 10 Play by Time Magazine, the New York Times calls the play " Mesmerizing."

Hnath, described by the New York Times "as one of the brightest new voices of his generation," presents his new play, The Christians, which will be directed by Alley Artistic Director Gregory Boyd and features Alley Company Members Jeffrey Bean, Melissa Pritchett and Emily Trask, returning Alley artist Shawn Hamilton and visiting artists Richard Thierot and Scott Anthony. In its first season in the newly renovated theatre, the Alley continues its commitment to present new playwrights and bring bold, imaginative productions to Houston audiences with The Christians.

"This is a remarkable piece of theatre, and takes issues of religion and faith seriously, and without any prejudice. We are thrilled to welcome Lucas Hnath's bold new play to the Alley," said Boyd.

The Christians cast features Alley Company Artist Jeffrey Bean as Jay, a Church Elder. Bean is in his 21st season at the Alley and currently appears as Detective Fix in Around the World in 80 Days. He has recently appeared in the Alley's One Man ,Two Guvnors, The Foreigner, All My Sons and As You Like It. Melissa Pritchett, an Alley Company Artist, takes on the role of Jenny, a church congregant. Pritchett recently appeared in One Man, Two Guvnors, As You Like It, A Christmas Carol, and Dracula. Emily Trask portrays Elizabeth, the Pastor's wife. She is currently in Around the World in 80 Days as Aouda and her recent credits include As You Like It, A Christmas Carol and One Man, Two Guvnors.

The Christians cast also includes Richard Thierot, who plays the role of Pastor Paul. He was last seen in the world premiere of Luna Gale by Rebecca Gilman and his credits also include Clybourne Park, Roger and Tom, This is Not Jaws and Design for Living. Shawn Hamilton, most recently appearing in All the Way as Martin Luther King Jr, returns to the Alley and takes on the role of Joshua, the Associate Pastor. The live choir, made up of 25 singers from the Houston community, will be led by music director Scott Anthony. He previously music directed The Christians at Mark Taper Forum and Actors Theatre of Louisville.

Playwright Lucas Hnath's makes his Alley debut with The Christians. His other plays include Red Speedo (New York Theatre Workshop, Studio Theatre), The Christians (Humana Festival, Playwrights Horizons); A Public Reading of an Unproduced Screenplay About the Death of Walt Disney (Soho Rep); nightnight (Humana Festival); Isaac's Eye (Ensemble Studio Theatre, 2013); Death Tax (Humana Festival, Royal Court Theatre). Hnath has been a resident playwright at New Dramatists since 2011, and is a member of Ensemble Studio Theatre.

The play features scenic design by James Youmans (Ether Dome, The Cocktail Hour) with costume design by Judith Dolan (Alley's All My Sons,Communicating Doors), lighting design by Alley Associate Director for Design Kevin Rigdon (Alley's The Foreigner, As You Like It) and sound design by John Gromada (Alley's The Elephant Man, The Greeks).

The Christians, by Lucas Hnath and directed by Gregory Boyd, begins preview performances at the Alley Theatre on April 22, opens April 27, and continues through May 15, 2016 in the Hubbard Theatre.

Tickets to The Christians are now on sale and start at $26. Discounted tickets are available for any student, regardless of age, with a valid student ID for $16 for designated performances in designated sections. Tickets can be ordered online (alleytheatre.org) or by phone (713.220.5700). Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Recommended for general audiences.

The Alley Theatre will also present an Artist TalkBack following the April 30 (7:30 p.m.) and May 3 (2:30 p.m.) performances of The Christians. These discussions will feature cast and artistic staff. Artist TalkBacks are free and open to the public.

Following the May 7 and May 15 matinee performances of The Christians, the theatre will present Alley In Context, a post-show panel featuring civic leaders, distinguished academics, and area professional discussing the themes of the play and how they are reflected in our lives today.