By Matthew Blank
24 Feb 2009

The Civilians' new musical, This Beautiful City, officially opened at Off-Broadway's Vineyard Theatre Feb. 22.

Using its signature documentary style, the New York theatre company "explores the growth of the evangelical Christian movement," according to press notes. The play with music was "drawn principally from interviews The Civilians conducted with people involved with or affected by the mega-church movement in Colorado Springs." Steven Cosson and Jim Lewis are credited as writers with Michael Friedman contributing music and lyrics.

Steven Cosson directs a cast that includes Emily Ackerman, Marsha Stephanie Blake, Brad Heberlee, Brandon Miller, Stephen Plunkett and Alison Weller.

Here is a look at the post-performance reception held at Side Bar on East 15th Street:

View the Entire Photo Gallery Jennifer Garvey-Blackwell and composer/lyricist Michael Friedman Photo by Michael Portantiere

This Beautiful City runs at The Vineyard Theatre (108 East 15th Street) through March 15. Tickets are available by calling (212) 353-0303. For more information visit VineyardTheatre.org.