Amen for a Texas-sized drama. Performances begin on May 8 for the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater’s world premiere of Mando Alvarado’s Basilica. Directed by Jerry Ruiz, the drama stars Jake Cannavale (Nurse Jackie) and Alfredo Narciso (The Good Mother, Measure for Measure) and runs at the Cherry Lane Theatre through June 16. Opening night for the off-Broadway show is set for May 23.
In South Texas, two things loom large—the Catholic Church and Texas pride—and Joe Garza, a strong, hard-working man, embodies one more than the other. But when he learns that Gilbert Gonzalez has returned as the new pastor at the basilica, Joe’s confronted with the choices he made in life and questions the past the only way he knows how—with anger, pride, and a biting tongue.
In addition to Cannavale and Narciso, the cast features Rosal Colon (The Motherf**ker with the Hat), Bernardo Cubria (Death of an Ally), Selenis Leyva (Blue Bloods), Yadira Guevara-Prip and Felix Solis (Our Lady of 121st Street, Made in Jersey).
Basilica features set design by Raul Abrego, costume design by Carisa Kelly, lighting design by Burke Brown, sound design by Jane Shaw, property design by Andrew Diaz and fight direction by David Anzuelo.