Photo Coverage: Off-Broadway's Matthew Passion

Matthew Passion, a new play (with music) by Phil Hall that began previews Thursday, March 29th Off Broadway at American Theatre of Actors' Chernuchin Theatre (314 West 54th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues), will open Monday, April 2, 2007 at 8PM.  The show plays through April 8th.

Press notes state, "Matthew Passion tells the story of the passion of Christ; the story of Matthew Shepard being picked up at a bar in Laramie, Wyoming, beaten and left for dead on a hillside; and the story of a middle-aged HIV positive survivor who has outlived his life expectancy.  Although the three stories take place in three different locations, and are thousands of years apart, they all reflect one another and converge in the final scene."

The cast of Matthew Passion includes Jeff Applegate, James Royce Edwards (Altar Boyz), Jimmi Kilduff, Timothy John Mandala, Chad McCallon, Craig Ramsay, Andrew Redeker, Matt Shepard, Jay Sullivan. There are also 6 musicians. The show is directed by Steve Stringfellow and features choreography by Jacob Brent.  Harold Goldfaden is production stage manager.

Tickets are $18 and available by calling SmartTix, (212) 868-4444. For more information, visit www.matthewpassion.com.

Jay Sullivan (Director [Alex Davenport]; Bartender; Jim's roommate, Erik; Barfly at Wet; Simon Peter; Jay Tramel [passenger on cruise], Angel) and James Royce Edwards (Matt, Jesus at Wet, Jesus in the play)

Chad McCallon (Hugh/Greek Chorus) and Jimmi Kilduff (Aidan/Matthew Shepard)

Jay Sullivan, James Royce Edwards and Craig Ramsay (Rob, Judas, Aaron McKinney, Dancer at Wet, Guard, Second Thief on the Cross, Angel)

Andy Redeker (Michael/Greek Chorus) and (A.J./Greek Chorus)

Timothy John Mandala (Mark, Disciple, Russell Henderson, Dancer at Wet, Guard, First Thief on the Cross, Angel) James Royce Edwards and Craig Ramsay

Jay Sullivan and Chad McCallon

Craig Ramsay, Jimmi Kilduff, James Royce Edwards and Phil Hall (Author, Composer/ Lyricist, Musical Director)