The 5 & Dime Presents THE GOD OF HELL By Sam Shepard

Tickets are now on sale for The 5 & Dime's first main stage production of 2019, "The God of Hell." The play will run February 22 through March 10.

Described as an "uproarious, brilliantly provocative farce," the play focuses on a quiet, respectable couple who raise cows on their Wisconsin farm, where nothing ever happens - that is, until they agree to put up an old friend who is on the lam from a secret government project involving plutonium. When a smooth-talking government bureaucrat from hell visits, his aggressive patriotism puts the couple on the defensive, transforming a heartland American household into a scene of torture and promoting a radioactive brand of conformity.

"We believe our theatre community is at its best when we share stories that not only engage and entertain, but also inspire and challenge audiences," said Lee Hamby, managing director of The 5 & Dime. "While it was written just before the 2004 presidential election, "The God of Hell" remains as relevant as ever in today's political climate. We know it will give our patrons something to think about and discuss."

The play was written by Pulitzer prize-winning author and actor Sam Shepard. Raines Carr, the show's director, has assembled a cast of local actors, including Keary McCutchen as Frank; Brooke West Carr as Emma; Jim Warren as Haynes; and Kerry Burke-McCloud as Mr. Welch.

The 5 & Dime enthusiastically participates in partnerships with other artists and organizations in an effort to make change in Jacksonville. For this production, The 5 & Dime has partnered with local art gallery Yellow House on an installation called "Immigration and Otherness." It will highlight two local artists whose works are shaped by the joy and agony of migration. Together, The God of Hell and the Immigration and Otherness installation is sure to foster a conversation and reflection on citizenship, otherness and freedom.

Tickets are $22 for online purchases and $25 at the door. Cash and credit card are accepted. A special pay-what-you-can performance will be held Monday, February 25 at 8 p.m. To learn more, visit The 5 & Dime's new website at www.the5anddime.org.

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