J.B. is a play in verse by the poet Archibald MacLeish. Based on the biblical story of Job, the play was published in 1958 and won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1959. It was produced on Broadway, where it won a Tony Award for Best Play.
The story of J.B. takes place as a "play within a play", performed as a sideshow in a run-down circus. Zuss and Nickles - two veteran actors fallen on hard times - take on the roles of God and Satan. Together they provide a running commentary on the action of the play.
The play was written as a response to the horrors Macleish witnessed during the first and second World Wars. J.B., a pious and prosperous businessman, seems to be living a blessed life. As a test of faith, God orders that J.B. be stripped of everything he holds dear. His wealth and family gone, J.B. must confront the question of whether or not he can continue to trust in a God who allows such suffering to be inflicted, even on His most faithful and obedient children.
Unexpected Company is producing J.B. as part of the Westminster Fine Arts Series, sponsored by Westminster Presbyterian Church. The production, and the Westminster Fine Arts Series, are supported in part by a grant from the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and funded in part by The National Endowment for the Arts. J.B. is produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
Performances
Friday-Sunday, February 23-25 & March 2-4, 2007
at 7:30 pm
in the Chapel at Westminster Presbyterian Church
(at the Corner of Franklin and Beaver Avenue in Des Moines)
All performances are FREE to the public.
Seating is limited. Childcare is Available.
CAUTION: Some scenes in this production may be disturbing to younger audience members. Parental Discretion is advised.
For More Information, Please Call
Westminster Presbyterian Church at 515-274-1534 or
Unexpected Company at 288-9163
Cast
Circus Crew: David Oddy, John Robinson, Naima Nicholson, Hillary Olson, Caleb Reed
Zuss: Jim Meade
Nickles: Kimberly Fitch
J.B.: Brian R. Lynner
Sarah: Suzie Oddy
Rebecca: Erin Atchison
Ruth: Taylor Atchison
Mary: Grace Kinser
Jonathan: Tom Pierick
David: Matt Pierick
Messengers: David Oddy, John Robinson
Girl: Hillary Olson
Mrs. Botticelli: R. Buikema
Miss Mabel: Naima Nicholson
Mrs. Murphy: Maureen Korte
Mrs. Lesure: Denise Oneal
Jolly Adams: Grace Kinser
Boy: Caleb Reed
Bildad: David Oddy
Eliphaz: John Robinson
Zophar: Patrick Phillips
The Distant Voice: Rich Richards
Production Staff
Director: Lisa Norris
Stage Manager: Julie Rodish-Reed
Sound Design & Original Music: Kimberly Fitch
Costume Design: Patrick Phillips
Lighting Design: Virgil Kleinhesselink
Set Design: Lisa Norris
Technical Director: Alan Oneal
Sound: Joel Kinser
If you would like more information about Unexpected Company or any of its productions or services, please send an e-mail to unexpectedco@mchsi.com.
Mailing Address: Unexpected Company; P.O. Box 12218; Des Moines IA, 50312-9404.
Phone: 515-288-9163 or toll free at 877-250-0124
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This page was last updated on March 6, 2007.
