The Runner Stumbles
by Milan Stitt
Directed by Kevin Gladish
October 16 through November 8, 2006
A young nun in remote northern Michigan has been murdered. Her superior, Father Rivard, banished to the small parish, is charged with the crime. While the trial unfolds, Rivard's story reveals a tragic string of events that pit human passions against the forces of tradition and strict morality. As circumstances force Sister Rita to move into the rectory, her attempts to bring life to the dull, provincial parish stir long-hidden feelings in Rivard and his parishioners, leading to an explosive revelation and an unexpected sacrifice.
Performed at Steep Theatre
Featuring: Lisa Butterfield, Jessica Jane Childs, Adam Dodds, Krista Forster, Michael Graham, Amy Mork, Mark Pracht, Mark Shallow, Aaron Walters
Scenic Design: Tony Adams
Costume Design: Morgan Steinberg
Lighting Design: Peter Dully
Sound Design: Joe Griffin
Stage Manager: Adrienne Day
Scenic Design: Tony Adams
Costume Design: Morgan Steinberg
Lighting Design: Peter Dully
Sound Design: Joe Griffin
Stage Manager: Adrienne Day
Faith and love aren't meant to be at odds, and when they are, both lose. Milan Stitt's 1976 drama, based on the actual 1911 murder of a nun in the UP, works well as a mystery but even better as a critique of rigid religiosity. Denying the flesh, Father Rivard embraces the cold consolation of suffering as his spiritual outlet. Director Kevin Gladish charts the contradictory currents in Catholicism by concentrating on the contrast between Mark Pracht's anguished priest, with his Augustinian austerity, and the Franciscan-like gratitude of Krista Forster's ebullient Sister Rita. Though there are some stiff stretches in the flashbacks that alternate with the trial scenes, Halcyon Theatre's revival honors the script's beautiful writing and haunting final twist.
--Lawrence Bommer Friday, October 20, 2006
standout performances by Mark Shallow as the affable defense attorney and Lisa Butterfield as the creepy rectory housekeeper . . .
—Kris Vire Thursday, October 26, 2006
Photos by Adam Dodds
