The Great Debate, a new musical look at evolution, will have its premiere at Off-Broadway's Lambs Theatre July 22-Aug. 15. Opening night is set for July 24. Patti Freeman directs. The Great Debate focuses on the creation versus evolution argument, exploring the question through song and the words of historical personages from Charles Darwin to Albert Einstein to Clarence Darrow. Several languages, including Spanish, Greek, Hebrew and Chinese, are used in the piece.
Mona Johnian, who wrote the book, lyrics and music for The Great Debate has authored 40 books and booklets including "Life in the Millennium," "The Fresh Anointing" and "The Bargaining for Israel: In the Shadow of Armageddon." She has worked on Boston's television and radio for fourteen years, culminating in last year's "Paul and Mona" show for the CBN Network.
Leading The Great Debate will be Elizabeth Chiang, Chaundra Cohen, Daniel Linden Cohen, Jamie Hendrix Collins, Mark Enis, Danny Gilroy, Anthony Giglio, Michael Simon Hall, Thomas Meglioranza, Mary Mossberg, Tom Schmid and Deanne Wood.
The design team includes Stephen Petrilla (lighting), Robert DeClaire (set) and Woody Pak (sound). Cambridge Antiques of Boston will provide authentic clothes from the 1930s.
Tickets ($12) can be ordered by calling (800) 829-2631. The Lambs Theatre is located at 130 West 44th Street.
-- By Christine Ehren
