Times Square Church to Present Stage Production of THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE

This October, Times Square Church presents an original stage production of "The Cross and The Switchblade" based on the bestselling book which sold 16 million copies worldwide, to mark the 30th Anniversary of its founding by David Wilkerson in 1987.

The play re-enacts the story of two individuals from totally different worlds. David Wilkerson, a small-town preacher from rural Pennsylvania who sees a court drawing of seven teens on trial for the gang murder of a polio victim in Life Magazine and is compelled to go to New York City to bring a message of hope to these teens swallowed by a life of drugs, violence, and prostitution. Nicky Cruz, a feared and violent gang warlord by 16, who was told by one psychologist he was "on a one-way trip to jail, the electric chair and hell." When their two worlds collide, everyone around them is impacted, from the cop walking the beat, to the gang and drug culture in New York City.

The production features a cast of thirty young actors with Tyson Kennedy as David Wilkerson and Jesus Cabreja, as Nicky Cruz. The production integrates music throughout, including original songs with an R&B flavor, spoken word and video.

Speaking about the production, director/writer David Ham says: "The play takes a hard look at gang violence and drug addiction. Some moments are disturbing, but this is the reality. It's a culture we'd rather ignore because it's not comfortable being around them. But, David Wilkerson was immersed in their world and genuinely loved them. The production is a musical journey of different sounds from Latin rhythms to soulful grooves. The cast and crew are made up of talented young adults from NYC committed to reaching their generation. Videos are integrated throughout as an extra bonus in the play, well-crafted to capture your attention as if suddenly you are watching a movie. This ensemble cast is electric and compelling! Make sure you keep your feet out of the aisles, as the story comes to life right through the house."

"The Cross and The Switchblade" will have six performances on Friday, October 6
and 13 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 6:00 p.m., at the landmark Mark Hellinger Theatre, located on 51st street between Broadway and 8th Avenue which is home to Times Square Church. The show runs 90 minutes in length. Admission is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. to allow attendees to secure seats in the main theatre. For more information visit tsc.nyc.