As It Is In Heaven
By Arlene Hutton
Directed by Jeremy Cole
October 23 through November 21, 2009
This is the story of a religious community in crisis. Set in 1838, As It is in Heaven explores issues of faith through the eyes of nine women in the Shaker village of Pleasant Hill, Kentucky.
When a newcomer to the community begins experiencing visions, the older members, who have seen none, begin to question their own devotion to the Way.
Alternately dramatic and comic, the play reflects the simplicity of the lifestyle it depicts, and is punctuated by Shaker songs sung a cappella. The play is based on actual events from the Era of Manifestations - a time of heightened divinity and unusual behavior that began in the late 1830s with reports of a group of young Shaker girls who became absorbed in unusual trancelike activities, communication with angels and descriptive journeys to heavenly places.
The show's premiere was hailed by The Herald as "...powerful and insightful...a thought-provoking piece, the message being that often we need not look as far as heaven to see angels here on earth."
As It is in Heaven will be performed Fridays and Saturdays, October 23rd through November 21st, with an extra performance on Thursday, November 19th. All performances begin at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $15 or $12 for seniors and students (with ID). Order tickets at www.aeofberkeley.org
The reviews are in:
"will entice and even bring joy with some edification to the fortunate theatre goer who takes the extra measure of checking out Actors Ensemble of Berkeley's very good production" - examiner.com
"The Actors Ensemble of Berkeley takes on this work whole-heartedly with a cast of nine women ... Jeremy Cole's likewise simple direction is carefully--even beautifully--done ... As It Is in Heaven' is a powerful work" - The Daily Californian
"The play is a canny mix of approaches that reinforce ensemble work, and the cast—with clear, supportive direction from Jeremy Cole—works together very well" - Berkeley Daily Planet
CAST
| Peggy De Coursey | Sister Phebe |
| Lisa Drostova | Sister Jane |
| Jean Forsman | Sister Betsy |
| Molly Holcomb | Sister Fanny |
| Alexis Lane Jensen | Sister Peggy |
| Jillian Jetton | Sister Izzy |
| Ann Kendrick | Sister Hannah |
| Jessica Price | Sister Polly |
| Jennifer Rice | Sister Rachel |
PRODUCTION
| Director | Jeremy Cole |
| Musical Director | Alexis Lane Jensen |
| Assistant Director / Props | Martha Luehrmann |
| Stage Manager | Jose Garcia |
| Set | Norm De Veyra, Shu Ping Guan |
| Costumes | Elizabeth Van Buren |
| Lighting | Alecks Rundell |
| Producer | Alan Barkan |
 download high resolution photo |
Alexis Lane Jensen, Lisa Drostova, Ann Kendrick, Jean Forsman, Peggy De Coursey, Jennifer Rice, Ann Kendrick (Back row, L to R)
Jillian Jetton, Jessica Price, Molly Holcomb (Front Row, L to R) Photo by Alan Barkan.. |
| Peggy De Coursey, Ann Kendrick, Jean Forsman (L to R) Photo by Alan Barkan. |
 Download high resolution photo |
 Download high resolution photo |
Jillian Jetton, Jessica Price, Molly Holcomb, Molly Holcomb (L to R) Photo by Alan Barkan..
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Alexis Lane Jensen, Lisa Drostova, Jean Forsman, Peggy De Coursey, Jennifer Rice, Ann Kendrick (L to R) Photo by Alan Barkan.. |
 Download high resolution photo |
 Download high resolution photo |
Peggy De Coursey, Ann Kendrick, Jean Forsman (L to R) Photo by Alan Barkan. |
As It is in Heaven will be performed Fridays and Saturdays, October 23rd through November 21st, with an extra performance on Thursday, November 19th. All performances begin at 8:00 pm.
View the press release.
