God's Man in Texas, David Rambo's oft-produced comedy-drama, now ends a current mounting at Philadelphia's InterAct Theatre, Nov. 18. The production began performances Oct. 19 and officially opened Oct. 24. As of Nov. 15, tickets were still available for all remaining performances.

Since premiering at the 1999 Humana Festival in Louisville, David Rambo's play has had numerous showings, including a summer run at Florida Studio Theatre.

In God's Man in Texas, young preacher Jerry comes up against the veteran man of God, Dr. Gottschall, who is unwilling to give up the Rock Baptist Church of Houston and his coveted Sunday morning TV broadcast to the upstart. A reformed drug addict named Hugo mediates between the two preachers. Rambo has likened the three characters to the Christian concept of the Trinity.

The play is inspired by the true story of Dr. Joel Gregory, a preacher who ascended to the pulpit of the First Baptist Church of Dallas and then quit 22 months later. His story is chronicled in the book "Too Great a Temptation."

Starring in God's Man in Texas are Jack Barrett, Dan Kern and Tom McCarthy, under the direction of Philadelphia theatre veteran Seth Rozin.Designing the show are Nick Embree (set), Peter Whinnery (lighting), Susan Bolt (costumes) and Glenn Hall (sound). For tickets ($12-$24) and information on God's Man in Texas at InterAct, 2030 Sansom St., call (215) 569-9700.

Upcoming shows at InterAct include Mary Fengar Gail's Jambulu (Jan. 18-Feb. 17, 2002) and Seth Rozin's The Missing Link (March 29-April 28, 2002).

— By David Lefkowitz
and Christine Ehren