| 
Jesus
Inspires at Provision Theater
RECOMMENDED
(WITH RESERVATIONS)
By Lazlo Collins
September 15th, 2013
The Provision Theater Company’s Mission is devoted
to producing works of hope, reconciliation, and redemption; works
that challenge us to explore a life of meaning and purpose.
Without a doubt,” Red Letter Jesus”, now playing
at Provision, squarely follows this unique theater company’s
mission.
Brad Sherrill brings his one man show from the road to open Provision’s
10th season. Directed by Vincent Murphy and adapted by Mr. Sherrill
himself, this 95 minute show brings the synoptic gospels by Mark,
Matthew, and Luke to life.
The words of these gospels, as Jesus spoke them himself, are
acted out and pondered for the audience. The performance is both
quiet reflection and entertaining sermon.
Mr. Sherrill’s demeanor is warm, comforting, and sincere.
He is obviously a master of what he speaks of in the show. He
massages each story into teachable moments. His actually reaching
out to audience members, as a gentle preacher or minister, seemed
simply natural.
Billed as a multimedia production, I was really looking forward
to seeing something inspiring. The multimedia designed by Mark
Hickman was indeed beautiful and inspiring.
This production is religious sermon, cloaked as a theatrical
production. Atheist’s be warned, you may not be engaged;
having said that, the parables and quotes of Jesus will make you
think about whether you believe in God or not.
While I am not a religious person, this show made for a quiet
contemplative evening. Mr. Sherill expertly takes us through these
gospel interpretations. He is obviously passionate and is devoted
to these religious texts.
The direction by Vincent Murphy was simple and well placed, with
the requisite audience attention. And last, but certainly not
least, Mark Hickman’s visual design was beautiful, it really
enhances the show.
I love Provision’s mission and commitment. “Red Letter
Jesus” starts their season with a moving one man sermon
with visuals and verbiage familiar and comforting.
“Red Letter Jesus” runs at Provision Theater at 1001
Roosevelt Rd. in Chicago through 17 Oct. 2013. For tickets call
312-455-0066 or go to www.provisiontheater.org
For more information on this and other shows please visit Theatre
in Chicago at www.theatreinchicago.com
|
