Final performances of ‘Jesus Hopped the A Train’ this weekend
(Photo courtesy Duane Rieder)
This weekend, “Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train” will do its final shows at the New Hazlett Theater. The play is written by Stephen Adly Guirgis and features a cast of five. In the play, a young and impressionable Angel Cruz is in Rikers Island, New York’s maximum-security prison, pending his trial for the accidental murder of Reverend Kim. He meets Lucius Jenkins “The Black Plague” during routine exercise, when Lucius works out in the cage next to Angel. Lucius is a convicted serial killer, but his pride and religious zeal defy the bars the hold him.
In the 23-hour lockdown wing of the prison, these two inmates contemplate guilt, innocence, morality and anger. This emotionally devastating drama asks big questions with a small cast.
Shows run Thurs. through Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance ($20 on Sun.) and $30 at the door ($25 on Sun). www.newhazletttheater.org
by Sarah Reagle