Q&A: Hand to God by Robert Askins at WaterTower Theatre

Tyrone and Parker Gray
photo: Shane Strawbridge

by Shane Strawbridge

Hand to God by Robert Askins, the “darkly delightful” (The New York Times), blasphemous Broadway hit that has been taking the country by storm, makes its regional debut at WaterTower Theatre this week. Texas native Robert Askins thrusts the audience into a surreal church basement, where a young man’s foul-mouthed hand puppet—which may be possessed by the devil—wreaks havoc and exposes hypocrisy with ruthlessness and side-splitting humor. This season-closing production is an immersive experience directed by Joanie Schultz. The production also stars Shannon McGrann as Margery, Debbie Ruegsegger as Jessica, Garret Storms as Timothy, and Thomas Ward as Pastor Greg.

I met up with Parker Gray, who plays Jason, and Tyrone the Puppet, who plays himself, for a conversation about their relationship and the play.

To read the full interview, visit TheaterJones.com.

Starting a Revolution: A Q&A with the Cast of The Revolutionists

From left: Dani Holway, Jennifer Kuenzer,
Marianne Galloway, and Sky Williams
Photo by Ashley H. White

by Shane Strawbridge

I was able to sit down and have a chat with the four cast members of Lauren Gunderson's The Revolutionists, opening this weekend from Imprint Theatreworks at the Margo Jones Theatre.

For the full Q&A, visit TheaterJones.com.

FIT Review: IMPRINT Theatreworks' Suckers

Photo: IMPRINT Theatreworks

Love songs have a corner on the market. Among those songs, no consensus exists about the nature of love. Is it a many splendored thing? Can you buy it? Would you do anything for it (but not that)? Does it just stink? IMPRINT Theatreworks’ production of Suckers by local playwright Devin Berg wades its way into the choppy waters of love and manages to make it to the other side without any hint of capsizing.

For the full review, visit TheaterJones.com

FIT Review: The Tragical Farce of Jimmy Pine

Photo: Camp Death Productions

Under the direction of Andi Allen, Camp Death Productions’ staging of Ben Schroth’s The Tragical Farce of Jimmy Pine leaves much to be desired. While there are shining moments, the production fails to deliver as either a farce or a tragedy (despite the title’s assertion that it is both), leading to a less-than-satisfying experience.

For the full review, visit TheaterJones.com.