Nov. 10-13—CASTLETON—The Castleton University Department of Theater Arts is pleased to present a truly twisted and wholly inappropriate comedy called “Hand to God.” Written by Robert Askins and nominated for five Tony Awards in 2015, “Hand to God” is coming to the Casella Theater directly from Broadway. “Hand to God” runs Thursday, Nov. 10 through Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Sunday, Nov. 13. This production contains strong language, adult situations, and religious satire that may be offensive to some audience members. It is not recommended for children 16 and under.
After the death of his father, meek Jason finds an outlet for his anxiety at the Christian Puppet Ministry, in the devoutly religious, relatively quiet small town of Cypress, Texas. Jason’s complicated relationships with the town pastor, the school bully, the girl next door, and—most especially—his mother, are thrown into upheaval when Jason’s puppet, Tyrone, takes on a shocking and dangerously irreverent personality all its own. “Hand to God” explores the startlingly fragile nature of faith, morality, and the ties that bind us.
“The fearsome critter [Tyrone], who takes possession of a troubled teenager’s left arm in Robert Askins’ darkly delightful play really inspires goose bumps as he unleashes a reign of terror … But he’s also flat-out hilarious, spewing forth acid comedy that will turn those goose bumps into guffaws.” —New York Times.
“Hand to God” is so ridiculously raunchy, irreverent and funny it’s bound to leave you sore from laughing. Ah, hurts so good.” —New York Daily News.
Directed by Castleton University Director of Arts Richard Cowden, “Hand to God” features a remarkable ensemble cast of five first- and second-year theater majors. Rutland native Ryan Mangan plays the lead role of Jason and is no stranger to the stage, having appeared in numerous Rutland Youth Theatre productions over the years. Shaughnessey Gower comes to Castleton from Rochester, N.H. and plays Jason’s conflicted mother, Margery. Tess Webber, Brandon Bailey, and Thomas Tifft round out the talented cast, playing Jason’s crush, classmate, and pastor—a role also performed by Bob Saget on Broadway in 2015.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for seniors, alumni, students, and children. Purchase online at castleton.edu/tickets or at the Castleton University box office, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The box office also opens one hour prior to each performance. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to each performance and all seating is general admission. For more information, call 802-468-1119.
Photo courtesy of Castleton University
Castleton University is one of the first universities in the country to produce this hilariously irreverent Broadway smash hit, “Hand to God,” in Casella Theater Nov. 10-13.
