After a series of lightweight comedies and Broadway musicals, Cinnabar Theater gets serious with a production of Lucas Hnath’s The Christians. The theological drama runs in the Warren Theater on the campus of Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park through April 26.

Folks walking into the usually sterile Warren Theater may be surprised by the large crucifix, draping cloths, and stained glass “windows” now occupying the stage. That stage is soon to be occupied by a 12-member choir and a couple of pastors tending to an unnamed megachurch in an unnamed state. 

Pastor Paul (Andrew Patton) is leading the congregation in a celebration of a couple of milestones for the church. First, they’ve paid off a massive debt, and second, Pastor Paul has had an epiphany of sorts.   

After attending a religious conference and hearing a fellow preacher describe a particularly hellish event, Pastor Paul has had a conversation with God in which God revealed to him  that… SPOILERS AHEAD.

…there is no hell. Therefore, Pastor Paul announces to the congregation that it is a tenet of their faith that he will no longer preach.  

That’s a problem for Associate Pastor Joshua (Jared N. Wright), Elder Jay (Mike Schaeffer), congregant member Jenny (Amanda Vitiello) and even Elizabeth (Katherine Scherzer), the Pastor’s wife. The ramifications of Paul’s decision grows as the congregation dwindles and the church’s once solid financial state softens again. The debate rages on amongst the parties. 

It’s a good faith debate (no pun intended) as Hnath refuses to take sides, merely allowing everyone to have their say. There is no ultimate resolution. Can there ever be when it comes to questions of faith?

It’s the debate that keeps your interest, and director Nathan Cummings has a cast that completely embodies it. Patton is perfect as the Midwestern-bland but still charismatic preacher who wishes to lead his flock in a new direction for the most heartfelt reasons. Wright does well as the individual who found salvation in the church and has a hard time accepting such a radical change. Schaeffer is strong as the somewhat duplicitous business-minded leader of the religious corporation, and Vitiello and Mazer are both excellent as individuals also struggling with the crumbling foundation of their church.    

The Christians packs a lot in its eighty intermission-less minutes, including several choir numbers. You’ll probably spend at least that much time unpacking it on the drive home.

Cinnabar Theater presents ‘The Christians’ through April 26 at Warren Auditorium in Ives Hall at Sonoma State University. 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. Fri–Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. $33–$67 inclusive of parking fee. 707.763.8920. cinnabartheater.org

Photos by Victoria Von Thal

This review originally appeared in an edited version in the North Bay Bohemian.