It feels so strange, that almost overnight, you don’t have the same beliefs as me.
About this show
Pastor Paul has spent 20 years successfully growing his church from a small storefront to a gleaming megachurch, but now he fears that there may be a crack in the theological foundation. As he shares his new belief in the nature of salvation, the message is met with surprise and then growing trepidation from his closest confidantes in the congregation, threatening to create a schism within the church. Hnath’s fascinating new play looks with great complexity and compassion at the relationship between belief and behavior—and its evenhanded, unbiased take on faith in modern America can be appreciated no matter what you believe.
Acclaimed playwright Lucas Hnath makes his Steppenwolf debut with The Christians. The play premiered at Actors Theatre of Louisville's Humana Festival in 2014. Ensemble member K. Todd Freeman last directed the critically acclaimed production of Good People at Steppenwolf in 2012.
Content Advisory
Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects(such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.
Special Performances
ASL interpretation:
Sunday, January 8 at 7:30pm
Open-captioned:
Saturday, January 21 at 3pm
Audio-described and touch tour:
Sunday, January 22 at 1:30 touch tour, audio-described performance at 3pm
Additional Information
Celebrate the Holidays With Friends
An evening of music featuring cast members of The Christians, presented by composer/arranger Jaret Landon and LookOut
December 19, 7pm
$20
Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Author Lucas Hnath
- Director K. Todd Freeman
- Musical Director Jaret Landon
- Scenic Design Walt Spangler
- Costume Design Nan Cibula-Jenkins
- Lighting Design Scott Zielinski
- Sound Design Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen
- Projections Design Joseph A. Burke
- Company Vocal Coach Gigi Buffington
- Stage Manager Malcolm Ewen
- Assistant Stage Manager Cassie Calderone
- Casting Director JC Clementz
- Artistic Producer Hallie Gordon
Featured Ensemble Members
Reviews
“Sincere, complex, nuanced…exploration of a crisis of leadership, and thus of faith. One of the most interesting, focused, counterintuitive and intellectually compelling playwrights of our moment. Does not waste a word.” – Chicago Tribune
“Among the best, fairest and most provocative discussions of religion I’ve ever seen in an American theater…marvelous.” – Milwaukee Journal Sentinal
“Immersive, timeless, thought provoking work of drama. ‘The Christians’ is done so well I had a hard time not automatically bowing my head and joining in the prayers.” – Northwest Herald
“Swift, serious-minded and respectful…subtle, complex performances befit Hnath's multifaceted characters and provocative subject” – Daily Herald
“Unlike any play I've ever seen about religion…all sides of the issue are expressed intelligently and honestly, and are heard respectfully and compassionately” – Chicago Reader