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First Look at The Christians at Steppenwolf Theatre

Lucas Hnath’s exploration of religion in America heads to Chicago.

Tom Irwin stars as Pastor Paul in The Christians at Steppenwolf Theatre.
Tom Irwin stars as Pastor Paul in The Christians at Steppenwolf Theatre.
(© Michael Brosilow)

Lucas Hnath's The Christians is now in performance at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre under the direction of ensemble member and two-time Tony-nominated actor K. Todd Freeman.

The choir of The Christians, led by music director Jaret Landon.
The choir of The Christians, led by music director Jaret Landon.
(© Michael Brosilow)

Set in a church with a live choir led by music director Jaret Landon, the show is described as "a compassionate and unbiased exploration of faith in America." Pastor Paul has spent 20 years successfully growing his church from a small storefront to a gleaming church, 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.

Tom Irwin (Pastor Paul) shares a scene with Glenn Davis, who plays Associate Pastor Joshua.
Tom Irwin (Pastor Paul) shares a scene with Glenn Davis, who plays Associate Pastor Joshua.
(© Michael Brosilow)

Tom Irwin leads the cast as Pastor Paul, alongside ensemble member Robert Breuler as Elder Jay, with Shannon Cochran (Elizabeth), Glenn Davis (Joshua), and Jacqueline Williams (Congregant).

Jacqueline Williams takes the podium as one of the congregants of The Christians.
Jacqueline Williams takes the podium as the Congregant of The Christians.
(© Michael Brosilow)

Performances are set to run through January 29, 2017, in the Downstairs Theatre, with an official opening on December 11.

Shannon Cochran (Elizabeth) joins Tom Irwin (Pastor Paul) in a scene from The Christians.
Shannon Cochran (Elizabeth) joins Tom Irwin (Pastor Paul) in a scene from The Christians.
(© Michael Brosilow)

For tickets and more information, click here.

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The Christians

Closed: January 29, 2017