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The Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council

St. Joseph's hosts "Murder in the Cathedral"
Posted: September 14, 2010 - 4:55pm

In a first for Prospect Heights, a new theater production stars the Church of St. Joseph on Pacific Street between Vanderbilt and Underhill Avenues. The church has recently undergone major interior and exterior renovation. OBIE Award-winner Alec Duffy (Three Pianos) helms Nobel writer T.S. Eliot's classic poetic drama "Murder in the Cathedral" last staged in New York over 10 years ago in a dynamic, site-specific production. The production features an original musical score by Jonathan Larson Award-winning composer Dave Malloy (Beowulf: A Thousand Years of Baggage). Thomas Becket is played by Godfrey L. Simmons, Jr. (Sarah Ruhls Passion Play) and other cast members include Christopher Burris, Jordan Coughtry, Ruben Dutervill, Johnathan Innis, Alexis McGuinness, Lori Parquet, Nikaury Rodriguez, Julian Rozzell, Jr. and Jamie Watkins. Performances run Thursday, September 16 through Saturday, October 2nd, Thursday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm, and Sunday afternoons at 2 pm. The drama recounts the last month in the life of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who faces certain death for his defense of the Church against the crown of England. As Becket continues in his journey, he confronts the very human drama of individual integrity, the expectations of friendship, and the struggle of will. This production presents a unique opportunity to experience Eliots work in its ideal context: an architectural wonder, built for the sweeping dramatic meditation that the play inspires. Tickets are $10 suggested donation. No advance reservations are necessary. More information is available at www.murderinthecathedral.com.