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Regional Reviews: Phoenix The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord Also see Gil's review of Six Rounds of Vengeance
The spark for the play came when Carter discovered that Jefferson, Dickens, and Tolstoy had each put their own spin on the Bible. Jefferson literally cut out the verses he liked from the King James Bible and pasted them into a notebook. Dickens rewrote the gospels in a way that he could read to his children at bedtime. And Tolstoy, never one to do things halfway, taught himself Greek and Hebrew so he could create his own translation of the scriptures. The play begins when this trio, three of the most influential thinkers of their times, find themselves together in a mysterious room immediately after their deaths, pulled from different centuries into the same strange place. Their bewilderment quickly turns into unease as the larger question looms: why are they here? As the men quickly begin sparring over their vastly different views of religion, morality, and the meaning of life, they argue, debate, and clash with one another. When they discover they've all written their own take on the Bible, they wonder if they are meant to combine their individual versions into a single, unified scripture. Or are they being called to account for their past choices, confronted with the ways they failed to live up to the very gospel teachings they held so dear? While the ending could be a little clearer, the script is well written and takes the audience on a lively journey that combines history, theology, and humor. One of the most fascinating aspects of the play is the way Carter weaves in themes of faith, doubt, human imperfection, and the need for meaning. The script reveals a surprising amount of historical detail about each man, from Jefferson's rewriting of the Bible in secret to Dickens' conflicted views of Christianity and Tolstoy's rejection of material wealth for spiritual purpose. These elements not only create tension among the characters but also give audiences a chance to reflect on how questions about morality and belief are just as relevant today as they were centuries ago. The three actors who play Jefferson, Dickens, and Tolstoy make these famous figures feel both real and fascinating to watch. Jefferson is portrayed by J. Kevin Tallent with a cool, intellectual rationality that underscores his devotion to reason and logic. As Dickens, David Lorello comes across as passionate, verbose, and full of theatrical energy, embodying the novelist's flair for both charm and drama, which fits his personality as a storyteller. Ben Rojek as Tolstoy is grounded and intense, radiating a deep sense of faith and conviction. Together, the trio's dynamic chemistry and sharp delivery keep the debates engaging from start to finish. Beau Heckman's direction is tight and crisp with expert staging and movement that ensures the dialogue-heavy script never drags. Angee Lewandowski's costumes and the hair and makeup designs by Shelly Trujillo immediately establish each historical figure. Mark Baris' set design and the projections and lighting design by Stacey Walston add clarity and atmosphere. These elements work together to keep the focus on the language and performances, while also enhancing the play's stark visual appeal. Diane Marie Senffner's dialect coaching has derived impressive and consistent accents from the trio of actors. Discord at Theatre Artists Studio is impressive, combining an intelligent script with exceptional performances and strong creative designs. It's both entertaining and a thought-provoking drama full of substance that invites audiences to wrestle with big questions while enjoying the lively interplay of three brilliant but flawed men. The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord runs through September 28, 2025, at Theatre Artists Studio, 4848 East Cactus Road, Scottsdale AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.TheStudioPHX.org or call 602-765-0120. Director: Beau Heckman Cast: |
