Los Angeles critics have been weighing in on CTG's production of Lucas Hnath's THE CHRISTIANS. The Les Waters-directed play opened at the Mark Taper Forum December 13 and is receiving applause as reviews roll in.
In the LA Times, Charles McNulty says that the show, which "begins with a rousing hymn performed by a large choir ready to raise the roof in praise of the Lord… is that rare play about religion that both believers and nonbelievers can embrace."
Frances Baum Nicholson of the LA Daily News writes that the "gospel choir [is] led with style by Scott Anthony" and that THE CHRISTIANS "does what theater does so well — make people think, ponder their own understandings, share with others and, regardless of viewpoint, become emotionally engaged in either the concept or the characters, or both." She urges theatergoers, "Don’t go to see an easy play, but go to see one that will stick with you."
On the web, The Wrap's Thom Geier says "These are not stock figures but flesh-and-blood believers grappling with hard choices about deeply felt truths." and Broadwayworld.com's Don Grigware writes that "THE CHRISTIANS, with its crisp dialogue, stellar cast and taut direction is a surefire winner," and that "the choir with Scott Anthony directing, perform the intermittent contemporary hymns quite nicely."
THE CHRISTIANS runs through January 10. Click here for more info and tickets.