New Play Based on CAUGHT IN THE PULPIT to Receive A Staged Reading

The Civilians will present a staged reading on February 1stand 2nd, hosted by the Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University. The play is based on Daniel C. Dennett and Linda LaScola's groundbreaking book Caught in the Pulpit, Leaving Belief Behind, adapted by Marin Gazzaniga and directed by Steve Cosson.

Daniel C. Dennett, celebrated philosopher and author of more than a dozen books diving deep into the human psyche, is widely recognized for his ability to translate "the cultural significance of science and technology to a broad audience" (Erasmus Prize 2012). Dennett and Linda LaScola are producing, in collaboration with The Civilians. The Civilians, under the Artistic Direction of Steve Cosson, have previously explored theater focusing on the gulf between the religious and the secular in their 2008 musical This Beautiful City.

Dennett says,"Our interview project has already changed the lives of hundreds of clergy and thousands of thoughtful readers of all varieties of religious conviction. By putting its insights in the medium of living theater, I hope to reach a larger audience, a public that has, as yet, no inkling of the lonely struggles of these good folk."

The play explores the mental anguish and struggles of seven clergy, interviewed in hotel meeting rooms around the country, as they reveal doubts they've never shared with anyone - including spouses, family members or best friends. Listening to the clergy's real words and stories, the audience is let in on an intimate psychological journey as these individuals struggle with a taboo subject in this country: what's at stake if you publicly say you don't believe in God.

The cast features Will Dagger (The Convent of Pleasure), Marcia DeBonis (Orange is the New Black), Dan Domingues (The Great Immensity), Andrew Garman (Admissions,The Christians), Daniel Jenkins (Tony Award Nominee, The Blacklist, Bull), Trey Lyford (Drama Desk Award, all wear bowlers), Joe Tapper (Masters of Sex) and Ching Valdes-Aran (Obie Award Winner, Nurse Jackie).

The reading will be hosted by the Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University, on February 1stand 2nd, as 3:00pm, in the Donald G. Drapkin Studio. Attendance is by invitation only, with limited seating. To inquire about attendance, please contact Megan Kingery at megan@megankingery.com.

Need more New Jersey Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Summer season, discounts & more...