Improv Playhouse to perform 'The Gathering'

Posted March 15, 2015 11:00 pm

Improv Playhouse submission

The cast of Improv Playhouse's 2014 production of "The Gathering." This year's performances will take place at 8 p.m. March 28 and April 3 and 4, and 2 p.m. March 29, at Improve Playhouse's Black Box Theatre, 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Courtesy of Improv Playhouse

The Improv Playhouse will produce "The Gathering," the late-Josephine Raciti Forsberg's contemporary adaptation of the last hour of the Last Supper, in four shows starting March 28.

This will be the seventh year Improv Playhouse has produced this respectful, contemporary rendition of one of the pinnacle events in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It is directed by David Brian Stuart.

"The Gathering" takes place during a Seder meal, which biblical scholars agree was the last earthly Passover led by Jesus.

The professional cast is comprised of several actors from the 2014 production (in different roles), as well as several who are new to the Improv Playhouse stable. A few of the actors, including Stuart, are members of the AFTRA/SAG acting unions.

The cast of 13 is as follows: Shahab Astabraghpour, Waukegan (The Teacher); Josiah Robinson, Chicago (Philip); Dale Leigh, Elgin (Simon the Zealot); Joseph Fieger, Highland Park (Matthew); Tom Reeves, Libertyville (James Minor); George Elliot, Hainesville (Jude); Terry Bell, Chicago (James Major); Michael Scott Blackman, Deerfield (Andrew); Redelle Lawrence, McHenry (Thomas); Dave Retseck, Libertyville (Peter); Terrell Pierce, Hazel Crest (John); Greg Nevil, Grayslake (Bartholomew); Romeo Sobrepena, Lindenhurst (Judas) and Shane Tarplee-Chicago (Understudy). The assistant director is Shannon Campe of Libertyville.

Performances are: Saturday, March 28, 8 p.m.; Palm Sunday, March 29, 2 p.m.; Good Friday, April 3, 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 4, 8 p.m. The Improv Playhouse is at 735 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Libertyville.

Tickets purchased in advance cost $22.50 for adults, $17.50 for seniors (65+), and $10 for students/military. Tickets purchased at the door cost: $25 for adults, $20 for seniors (65+), and $15 for students/military. No performance Easter Sunday.

Group rates are available. For information, call (847) 968-4529 or visit www.improvplayhouse.com for online ticket sales.

Shahab Astabraghpour of Waukegan plays "the teacher" in Improv Playhouse's production of "The Gathering," which tells a contemporary rendition of the events of the Last Supper. Courtesy of Improv Playhouse

Romeo Sobrepena of Lindenhurst plays Judas in Improv Playhouse's production of "The Gathering." This year marks the group's seventh annual production of the play. Courtesy of Improv Playhouse

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.