The Brigham Young University-Idaho Department of Theatre and Dance will hold its first production of the 2023 Winter semester on Wednesday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Snow Drama Theatre. The production, “As It Is in Heaven,” will run from February 15-18 and February 21-24. There will also be a matinee performance on February 25 at 2 p.m.
Written by American playwright Arlene Hutton, “As It Is in Heaven” explores themes of faith, pride, and what heaven on earth might look like. The play follows the 1830’s Shaker society of Pleasant Hill, Kentucky, where a newcomer rattles the community after she has an ecstatic religious experience and sees angels. Soon after, the young women of the community receive spiritual gifts that consist of songs, drawings, and ideas.
Jennie Pardoe, director of BYU-Idaho's production of "As It Is in Heaven,” encourages everyone to see the show. She said this story is relatable to everyone.
“In our play, Arlene Hutton examines women of faith through the lens of the Shaker Religion and shows that God speaks to each of us in different ways,” she said. “Each of the women face their own struggle with this question. No matter where you are on your faith journey, this play will find a way to touch your heart.”
Justin Bates, department chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, said there is something magical about this performance that allows the audience to connect to the story.
“Although this play is set in the 1830’s in Kentucky, in a time that none of us were alive, we can still make a connection with these characters and feel as though we’re in the shoes of other people” he said.
The opening performance for “As It Is in Heaven” will be on Wednesday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Snow Drama Theatre. Tickets can be purchased online at www.byui.edu/ticket-office/ at $6 for the general public and $3 for students.