New Leaf Theatre presents Arlene Hutton's moving portrayal of upheaval caused when the utopian existence of an 1830s Shaker community in Kentucky is threatened by the arrival of "newcomers" claiming to see angels. "As It is in Heaven" is directed by New Leaf's Artistic Director, Brandon Ray, and features an ensemble cast of nine Chicago women. This production opens Thursday, March 3, and runs through April 9 at the Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West. The schedule is Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with a preview performance on Wednesday, March 2, at 8 p.m.
Ticket prices are $15 for general admission, $12 seniors and students with ID and groups of 10 or more. All Thursday performances offer $5 industry tickets with headshot, resume or business card, and preview admission is $5. Tickets can be reserved by telephone at (877) 238-5596 or purchased online with SmartTix at newleaftheatre.org.
A religious community is changed when a non-believer has an ecstatic experience. The 1830s Shaker society of Pleasant Hill, KY, is set in ordered ways. Their once dramatic form of worship has by now developed into routine. The arrival of Fanny upsets the harmony; the Sisters suspect her to be a "winter Shaker," one that suddenly converts when life gets too hard on the farm. Fanny sees angels in the meadow, and soon all the young women are receiving spiritual "gifts" of songs, drawings, ideas and giggles, completely upsetting the community. The leaders question Fanny's intentions and honesty.
Is this a resurgence of the original Shaker celebration or something manufactured by Fanny so that she can remain with the Shakers? Eldress Hannah is jealous that she, the most devout of Shakers, has not been privileged to see the visions. But only the ones who question need visual proof. Whether they were heavenly or earthly, the angels were there.
The mission of New Leaf Theatre is to create intimate, animate theatrical experiences which renew both artist and audience. |
