Cast of Sinclair Theatre’s AS IT IS IN HEAVEN visit Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. HEAVEN by Arlene Hutton, opens in Sinclair’s Black Box Theatre, Feb. 12-20. Left to right: Erin Waldon, Bryana Bentley, Ashley Judd, Ashlee Ferrell, Chelsea Overman (dance captain), Zoe Mull, Erin McGee, Gabby Neuerer, Shalemar Davis & Rebecca Henry. Photo by Patti Celek.
Sinclair Theatre students spent part of their winter break studying the Simple Gifts embraced by the Shakers at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Harrodsburg, KY in preparation for their upcoming production of AS IT IS IN HEAVEN, February 12-20, in Sinclair’s Black Box Theatre.
The play, by Arlene Hutton, is the story of nine Shaker women and how their community is turned upside down when a newcomer claims to see visions of angels. Students on the trip saw the actual buildings where Shakers lived and worshipped as well as learned about their religious customs, governing structure and music.
“One of the most gratifying moments of the trip was when the cast sang ‘Simple Gifts’ in the actual meeting house where the Shakers worshipped,” says director Kimberly Borst. “The acoustics that were part of the original architecture made their sound absolutely breathtaking.” According to the docents at Pleasant Hill, music was the only creative outlet the sisters and brothers were allowed and even then, only for worshipping God. David McKibben serves as music director for the production and has helped prepare authentic Shaker hymns, including Simple Gifts, that will be performed a cappella just as they were in the 1830s.
Rebecca Henry plays Fanny, a “winter Shaker” who claims to have visions of angels. Shalemar Davis plays Hannah, a devout Eldress, who doesn’t understand why the angels don’t visit her. Rounding out the cast is Marley Judd, Erin McGee, Erin Waldon, Zoe Mull, Gabby Neuerer, Bryana Bentley and Ashlee Ferrell.
General admission seats cost $15 each with exception of Throwback Thursdays when ALL seats cost $10. Tickets may be purchased online anytime at www.sinclair.edu/tickets or at the box office, one hour prior to performances (if tickets are still available).
Performance times are at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 14 and at 7 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 18th. Thursday and Sunday performances are American Sign Language interpreted by Anne Gotwald and Casey Jenkins.
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 