Virtual Devotion

We all hold different opinions about televangelists: some good, some bad, none usually funny.  Virtual Devotion, now playing at the Playhouse,  takes a satirical and humorous look at televangelism that keeps you laughing while thinking.  It depicts the day in the life of three members of an estranged family trying to navigate individually in a world of physical and spiritual challenges. They finally make a connection with each other through – and in spite of – their faith. Virtual Devotion will hold you while you’re holding your sides laughing.  

Pete is a televangelist for “The Mature Warriors of Christ,” a pulpit from which he preaches violent hate against sinners, especially youth, to his 35 million viewers. He is on top of the world until he discovers he has the Mystery Plague, a fatal illness he has heralded as God’s vengeance. Anne, a sweet young telemarketer for the Happy Halo Ministry for Children, is up against a deadline to raise funds to send CD-ROMs on the Book of Job to the children in Sudan, when her business line is mistakenly advertised as a National Confession line.

Ruth, a sardonic, isolated woman, views the world from her armchair until she sees the face of the prophet Ezekiel in her tapioca pudding; now the world is clamoring at her door as everyone from CNN to Disney scrambles to cash in on her miracle. Jesus comes back and answers the age-old question, “What Would Jesus Do?” In this day and age, he would begin his day in a temp agency and find himself in a string of service economy jobs. These four characters become deeply entwined in one another’s lives, eventually meeting up on the “Home Shopping Network” selling religious artifacts.

“The gist of the show is that the Electronic Age and Social Media have revolutionized our lives, but they rule them sometimes, too,” says director Whitney Marlett, a veteran of many Players productions, director of Rose’s Dilemma and most recently seen onstage in Rumors. “All we need to do is shut up and listen.” She adds, ““I am thrilled to bring this edgy, deliciously funny, poignantly beautiful, dark comedy to Wimberley”

Producer is Donna Redden, stage manager for Stop the World, I Want to Get Off. Set Designer is Lee Stubbs, director of Rumors and actor in Rose’s Dilemma and Man of La Mancha.

Three Rumors actors also return for Virtual Devotion. Perry Redden plays Reverend Pete, Cindy Forsythe plays Peter’s ex-wife Ruth, and Rick Fitzgerald plays Zach of the Happy Halo ministry.

Megan Nicholson, Anne the telemarketer, was last seen in Christmas Belles. Daniel Bisett, Jesus, appeared in "Inspecting Carol" this past winter.

Three of the actors have multiple roles in the play. Kareen King, Lil and others, returns to the Playhouse after a ten-year hiatus. David Harper, Luke and others, makes his debut with the Players; in his other life he is a writer and comedy skit performer. Rick Fitzgerald plays other roles in addition to Zach.

Virtual Devotion will run April 16 – May 9. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8:00 pm and Sunday shows are at 2:30. Tickets are $18 except opening night ($25, with a reception at 7:00), and may be purchased online at www.wimberleyplayers.org or by calling (512) 847-0575.