The Christians
The Christians by Lucas Hnath is a thought-provoking contemporary drama that explores faith, doubt, and the cost of conviction. Set inside a modern megachurch, the play centers on a respected pastor whose unexpected announcement sends shockwaves through his congregation and inner circle. As beliefs are challenged and loyalties are tested, long-held assumptions about certainty, leadership, and grace begin to unravel. Sharp, intimate, and deeply human, The Christians invites audiences to wrestle with big questions about belief and what happens when faith evolves.
Photos courtesy of Martin Seelig, Catchlight Gallery
Director’s Note
Does art influence our lives or simply reflect it? This show is evidence that it does both. What happens when leaders take a turn that the masses are not quite ready to follow? What is the cost of following your passion, a deep truth to which you are fully committed? What happens when we ask the questions we are not “allowed” to ask? The running theme of this show is this: I HAVE A POWERFUL URGE TO COMMUNICATE BUT THE DISTANCE BETWEEN IS INSURMOUNTABLE. It is my sincere hope that after this experience, you will be motivated and encouraged to find a way to bridge that distance. Thank you for coming to the show and taking this journey with us.
-Tiffany Christian
Who’s Who?
Chris Watson
Pastor Paul, has been an avid supporter and participant in several High Country performing arts programs for the past three decades. Some of his most notable roles include: “Deputy Budderbean” at Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock, “Harry MacAfee” in Bye Bye Birdie with Ashe County Little Theatre, “The Wizard” in Beech Mountain’s The Land of Oz, and “Shrek” in Shrek the Musical with Beanstalk Community Theatre. In addition to serving our High Country as an actor, he has twenty years directing countless chorus concerts, plays, and musicals as a music and drama teacher in Ashe and Watauga Counties.
Stephen Banks
Associate Pastor Joshua, is so grateful to be back on stage with ACLT playing the role of Associate Pastor Joshua in this production of The Christians! You might recognize him from previous ACLT shows such as Fiddler on the Roof, Dracula, Who's on First, and Little Shop of Horrors. When he's not on stage, you may also find him playing chess, reading, or helping in the lead of worship at his church every Sunday morning. He would like to thank this cast and crew for their dedication, and his friends and family for their love and support. Finally, he extends a huge thank you to every member of our wonderful audience, and prays they will find this show touching, thought-provoking, and enriching.
Michael Howell
Elder Jay, is excited to be back on the stage, performing in this drama. He played "Mr. Mushnik" in the recent production, Little Shop of Horrors. Before that, he played "Paul," the husband of social worker and social reformer--and the first woman to serve in a president's cabinet! -- Frances Perkins in How Dare She! and "Don" in Who's On First. He thanks Director Tiffany Christian and the cast and crew for welcoming him into this show. Mike also thanks the audience for supporting ACLT by coming to the shows! He encourages you to support the October 18 fundraiser for Generations Ashe by buying tickets to one of the murder mystery shows, a mystery and a meal.
Camri McCormick
This is Camri, Elizabeth, Pastor’s Wife, first show with ACLT. Although she was actively involved in theater in high school and college, she is thrilled to be making her community theater debut at the ACLT. She also enjoys volunteering and spreading joy with her certified therapy dog, as well as pursuing other creative outlets such as making jewelry, needle felting, crocheting, and French beaded flowers. Break a leg, Camri!
Melissa Edmondson
Congregant Jenny, has worked with Ashe County Little Theatre and many surrounding theatres for over two decades. Working on stage is where you may have seen her in favorite roles such as Susy in Wait Until Dark, M'Lynn in Steel Magnolias, and most recently, Omaha in Second Samuel. Melissa has also produced, directed, stage managed, as well as done some lighting work. Melissa is honored to be part of this important show with such a talented cast and crew, which includes her husband Richard as sound designer/operator. She would like to dedicate this performance to her late grandmother Muriel. Melissa carries her in her heart always, but especially during this show. I miss you, Grandma.
Michael Kotula
Producer, is currently serving as VP of ACLT. Retirement has provided him with the opportunity to act in four plays, direct a play, build sets and now, produce “The Christians.” This is his first time producing a show. Creating a budget, meeting deadlines, and time constraints have been a challenge. It takes a village to make it all work. We are all volunteers, and a person does not have to be an expert. Only, a willingness to learn, volunteer and enjoy the amazing experience of being a part of bringing a production to life. Come join us!
Michael Malloy
Stage Manager, isn’t a stranger to HighCountry community theatre. Michael has acted innumerous plays and musicals and produced two ACLT shows, Gypsy and Calendar Girls. He looks forward to the role of Stage Manager and thanks our director Tiffany forthis opportunity. Michael serves as an organist forMountain Laurel Moravian Fellowship and lives in the Chestnut Hill area of Ashe County with his husband Larry and their beagles Max and Smokey.
Production Staff
Director: Tiffany Christian
Producer: Michael Kotula
Stage Manager: Michael Malloy
Marketing: Jan Kotula
Stage Design: Sally Kikna
Costume Tech: Peggy Brandt
Makeup Deisgn Lead: Jocelynn Chatham
Makeup Techs: Charna Howsom, Edie Miller, Khela Turnmire, Gage Lambert
Sound Design/Tech: Richardson Edmondson
Light Deisgn and Programming: Jim Williams, Baron Cooper
Lighting Techs: Mike Rocha, Laurel Rumph
Photography: Laurel Rumph
Backstage Crew: Simon Banks
Props: Edie Miller
Master Carpenter: Jerry Brandt
Set Construction Crew: Michael Kotula, Jill Gambill, Mike Rocha, Sarah Brandt, Jan Kotula, Mary Job, Camri McCormick, Kenneth Tumin
Poster Design: Tiffany Christian
Program: Tiffany Christian
Front of House: Peggy Brandt, Jerry Brandt, Sarah Bradnt, Jan Kotula, Michael Kotula, Diane Newby, Mary Job, Edie Miller, Della Vodenicker
Publicity: Rebecca Williams, Jan Kotula
