AS IT IS IN HEAVEN
A play by Arlene Hutton
Directed by Jeremy Cole
October 23 through November 21
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.
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)
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 Photo by Alan Barkan..
Peggy De Coursey, Ann Kendrick, Jean Forsman (L to R)
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. 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. Tickets are $15 or $12 for seniors and students (with ID). Order tickets at www.aeofberkeley.org. Photo by Alan Barkan.
Alexis Lane Jensen, Lisa Drostova, Jean Forsman, Peggy De Coursey, Jennifer Rice, Ann Kendrick (L to R)
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. Photo by Alan Barkan.
Peggy De Coursey, Ann Kendrick, Jean Forsman (L to R)
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. Photo by Alan Barkan.
Actors Ensemble of Berkeley presents after the performance on Friday, October 30th a special after-show discussion of As It Is in Heaven with Bill Mastin.
Bill Mastin is an expert on the Shakers who designed a coloring book which is still sold at the Pleasant Hill Shaker Village. Join him, the director and cast for a discussion and Q.A. after the performance on Friday, Oct. 30th.
