'The Gathering' depicts the last hour of the Last Supper

Posted March 20, 2018 11:00 pm

Submitted by Improv Playhouse

The cast of a previous production of "The Gathering." This year's performances will be at 8 p.m. March 24, 30 and 31; and 2:30 p.m. March 25 at Improv Playhouse Theater in Libertyville. Courtesy of Improv Playhouse

The Improv Playhouse will produce "The Gathering," Josephine Raciti and Rolf Forsberg's contemporary adaptation of the last hour of the Last Supper, adapted and directed by David Brian Stuart.

This will be the ninth year Improv Playhouse has produced this respectful, contemporary rendition of one of the pinnacle events in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. "The Gathering" takes place during a Seder meal at what biblical scholars agree was the last earthly Passover led by Jesus.

Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Saturday, March 24; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 25; and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 30-31, at 735 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville.

The professional cast is composed of a number of the actors from the 2017 production (in different roles), as well as several who are new to the Improv Playhouse stable.

The cast of 13 is as follows: Shahab Astabraghpour of Chicago and Tyler Ankey of Lindenhurst as The Teacher; D. Reed Porter of Round Lake Beach as Philip; J.T. Brunson of Kenosha, Wisconsin, as Simon the Zealot; Bob Dawson of Gurnee as Matthew; David Retseck of Chicago as James Minor; SAG-AFTRA member George Elliot of Hainesville as Jude; Dave Retseck of Libertyville as James Major; Michael Scott Blackman of Deerfield as Andrew; Redelle Lawrence of McHenry as Thomas; Dale Leigh of Elgin as Peter; Dan Plumhoff of Grayslake as John; Aaron Sjoholm of Wildwood as Bartholomew; Romeo Soprepena of Waukegan as Judas. The assistant director is George Elliot.

Advance tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors 65 and older and military, and $5 for students. Tickets at the door are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and military and $5 for students. No performance Easter Sunday. Group rates are available. For information, call (847) 968-4529 or visit www.improvplayhouse.com for online ticket sales.

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Shahab Astabraghpour is one of two actors who will play The Teacher in Improv Playhouse's production of "The Gathering," a contemporary retelling of the last hour of the Last Supper. Courtesy of Improv Playhouse

Romeo Sobrepena as Judas in an Improv Playhouse performance of "The Gathering." Courtesy of Improv Playhouse

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