The Sul Ross Theatre Program presents “Hand to God,” a Tony Award-nominated play by Robert Askins, opening Friday, March 29, in the Studio Theatre.
Jason is a shy teenager grieving his father’s recent death. At the request of Pastor Greg, Jason’s mother starts a Christian Puppet Ministry in their small town of Cyprus, Texas. Things go awry when Tyrone, Jason’s hand puppet, mysteriously takes on an unexpectedly shocking and foul-mouthed personality. “Hand to God” is a fast-paced, dark comedy about a puppet who teaches the humans around him what can happen when they suppress their deepest desires.
“Hand to God” premiered off-Broadway in 2011 at the Ensemble Studio Theatre before moving to Broadway in 2015, garnering multiple Tony Award nominations including Best Play, Best Director and Best Actress in a Leading Role.
“This play is about shame, desire and the importance of telling the truth no matter how painful,” Director and Associate Professor of Communication Bret Scott said in a news release. “When people lie, bad things happen. When we suppress our desires and emotions, eventually they’ll find a way out, in this case, through a puppet. In the months we’ve spent working on this show, I’ve laughed until I hurt at every rehearsal.”
“Hand to God” runs weekends March 29 to April 14 in the François Fine Arts Building Studio Theatre (room 105) on the Sul Ross campus in Alpine. Performances start Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. There will be no performance on Easter Sunday, March 31. General admission is $15 and $10 for seniors age 65 and older. Admission is free for all SRSU students, faculty and staff with valid I.D. and for all U.S. veterans.
“Hand to God” contains depictions of violence, sexual situations, strong language and mature themes that are not suitable for children under 14 years of age. Parental discretion is strongly advised.
The creative team includes Bret Scott (director/fight coordinator), Ross Fleming (scenic designer/lighting designer/technical director), Carolyn Barrientes (costume designer), Marjie Scott (producer and intimacy coordinator). “Hand to God” features Garrison Rutledge, Jenna Reyes, Cristian Sanchez, Justin Hinton and Yaritza Corona. The Stage Manager is Olivia Pertuso.
For tickets, visit www.bit.ly/sulross-theatre. Reservations are recommended. For more information, please call 432-837-8218.
