CHURCH & STATE
by Jason Odell Williams
SYNOPSIS
In the wake of an elementary school shooting in his hometown of Raleigh, NC, a Republican U.S. senator makes an off-the-cuff comment to a blogger that not only calls into question the senator's stance on guns, but also his belief in God -- three days before his bid for re-election. As his devoutly Christian wife and liberal Jewish campaign manager try to contain the damage, this look at how religion, guns, and social media influence our political system is simultaneously funny, honest, heartbreaking, and uplifting.
HISTORY
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First Public Reading: The Actors Salon, Washington D.C. - January 31, 2016
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Benefit Reading for Sandy Hook Promise: The Cell Theatre, New York City - April 4, 2016
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Reading: New Jersey Rep, Long Branch, NJ - May 16, 2016
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Reading: The Cell Theatre, New York City - May 17, 2016
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NNPN Rolling World Premiere #1: The Skylight Theatre, Los Angeles, CA - June 24 - Aug 14, 2016
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NNPN Rolling World Premiere #2: JCC CenterStage, Rochester, NY - October 22 - November 6, 2016
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Nominated for 3 L.A. Ovation Awards (Best Production, Intimate Theatre; Best Original Play; Best Lead Actor)
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Annika Marks plays campaign manager "Alex Klein" opposite Rob Nagle as "Senator Charles Whitmore"
Rob Nagle and Tracie Lockwood as "Senator & Mrs. Whitmore"
Annika Marks, Tracie Lockwood and Rob Nagle in the world premiere of Church & State at Skylight Theatre in L.A. (July 2016)
Originally developed with Artistic director Ralph Meranto and JCC CenterStage, CHURCH & STATE was produced as a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere at The Skylight Theatre in Los Angeles, CA and the JCC CenterStage in Rochester, NY in the summer and fall of 2016.​
