Pittsburgh Public Theater Performing ‘An Act of God’; ‘Thom Pain’ On Stage at 12 Peers Theater (Thurs., 6/1/17)

The pressure is on Marcus Stevens who will be playing God in PPT’s ‘An Act of God.’ photo: PPT

1) Do you ever wonder what God thinks of us? Is he happy, sad, or understanding about how we are doing here on Earth. An Act of God is the name of a play by David Javerbaum, who’s won 13 Emmys, 11 of which he received as a writer for “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.” The play is based on Javerbaum’s book The Last Testament: A Memoir By God. Act of God takes a satirical look at heaven, where God, who admits to having some wrath-management issues, develops a new and improved set of commandments, relates some stories about Adam and Eve, and gives his thoughts on bedtime prayers. He’s aided in his irreverent social comedy by his two “wingmen,” angels Gabriel and Michael. Marcus Stevens, a Point Park grad who has seen action on stages in New York and Pittsburgh, portrays God. This is the season finale for Pittsburgh Public Theater. An Act of God is directed by the noted Ted Pappas. God and his angels can get a little salty, so the play is recommended for audiences ages 17 and above. 8 p.m. Opening night. Performances continue through July 2. O’Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Avenue, Cultural District. (RH)

2) Thom Pain (based on nothing), a one man play written by Will Eno, is actually based on something. It is a monologue play that chronicles the life and losses of the protagonist, Thom Pain. The story centers on Pain’s attempt to mythologize the loss of innocence in moving from childhood to manhood. Pain expounds upon topics including a bee sting, a boy with a dog that died, and his relationship with a woman. He’s determined to get his life together, but can be driven to distraction. Thom Pain was a finalist for the 2005 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. 12 Peers Theater  is staging their production at the University of Pittsburgh Studio Theatre, Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Fifth Ave. Oakland. 8 p.m. Runs through June 18. (RH)

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