StageQ

Written by Steven Cosson and Jim Lewis
Music and Lyrics by Michael Friedman

Directed by LM Attea
Music Director: Jake Aebly

Built around the discovery of the Ted Haggard scandal, this docu-musical tells the stories of dozens of characters — conservative Christians, atheists, secular progressives, city employees and a Celtic Wiccan — all vying to describe the place of religion in their community. The result is a disarmingly fresh and thought-provoking theatrical experience. Sometimes witty, sometimes touching, always entertaining — with several toe-tapping musical numbers for good measure.

Created by the investigative theatre company The Civilians, the play is based on interviews with the citizens of Colorado Springs, CO, including members of the New Life Church, founded in 1984 by preacher Ted Haggard, as well as liberal citizens who oppose the normative Evangelical lifestyle.

The talented ensemble cast includes: Gregory Brumfield, Katy Conley, Mallory Sauer, Jim Chiolino, Matthew Fayfer, Boye Nagle, Tom Collins, Bob Moore, Alicia McCanna, Sarah O’Hara, Val-Jean Davis, Zechariah Ruffin, Peggy Rosin and Ned O'Reilly.

On Saturday, March 31, the cast will be joined for a talkback after the show by
• Scott Anderson, Executive Director, Wisconsin Council of Churches
• Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-President, Freedom from Religion Foundation
• Ken Pennings, Associate Pastor, Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ

On Saturday, April 7, the cast will be joined for a talkback after the show by
• Jade River, co-founder, Re-formed Congregation of the Goddess
• Andrew Seidel, Constitutional Consultant, Freedom from Religion Foundation
• Michael Weinstein, founder, Military Religious Freedom Foundation

Michael Weinstein was one of the people interviewed in creating the show, and he became a character in the play. We’re delighted that he’ll be visiting Madison during his book-signing tour, and can join us for the production.

“This Beautiful City” performances are:

Friday, March 30, 8:00 pm
Saturday, March 31, 8:00 pm
Thursday, April 5, 7:30 pm
Friday, April 6, 8:00 pm
Saturday, April 7, 8:00 pm
Thursday, April 12, 7:30 pm
Friday, April 13, 8:00 pm
Saturday, April 14, 2:00 and 8:00 pm

Tickets are $10 for Thursday evenings and the Saturday matinee. Friday and Saturday evening performances are $15. Reservations for “This Beautiful City” are available via the StageQ website at stageq.com, or by calling 608-661-9696, ext 3.

Critics’ comments:

“Wicked smart! Remarkable! (Variety)

“An engaging, inquisitive and moving work of theatre!” (NY Times)

“Inspired! Vivid, empathetic and witty!” (New Yorker)