JERUSALEM
By JEZ BUTTERWORTH, DIRECTED BY JOSH SHORT
MAY 19-JUNE 4​

REVIEWS

​“A wild and glorious epic trip that you’ll never forget. This play is not only an example of the sort of adventurous theatre that The Wilbury Group so excels at but a thrilling and moving reminder of the power that theatre can possess, a communal experience that shakes our soul even as it instructs and provide catharsis." - East Bay News

“An electrifying David Tessier leads the most extraordinary acting ensemble of the theater season in The Wilbury Group's powerful production of Jez Butterworth's deeply unsettling yet amusing drama, Jerusalem directed with intensity and precision by Josh Short...The Wilbury Group brings its unforgettable season to a remarkable close with this brilliant, audacious production. – Edge Providence

"Condensing a couple of thousand years of British history into a few hours of snarky comedy is a real accomplishment, and you need know nothing about old folklore or literature to appreciate this play although the allusions are rich if you are inclined to mine them...Wilbury’s production of Jerusalem is intense and captivating, and it provides a showcase for the substantial talents of Tessier in the lead role as he convincingly portrays a true, larger-than-life British eccentric, a man whose worst idea of hell is being accountable to anyone and anything but himself. – Motif Magazine

"Stunning...with the advantages of a top-notch cast and director and a set that rivals the Johnston landfill, Jerusalem has a lot going for it." -Warwick Beacon

"A riotous drama rife with tall tales and odd characters from an ocean away...If you've ever lived in a small town, complete with country fairs — toss a sponge at the mayor's wife! wager where the cowpie drops! — and aging Peter Pans, Jerusalem is for you." -RI Monthly


ABOUT JERUSALEM
On St George’s Day, the morning of the local county fair, Johnny Byron, local waster and modern day Pied Piper, is a wanted man. The council officials want to serve him an eviction notice, his kid wants his dad to take them to the fair, Troy Whitworth wants to give him a serious kicking and a motley crew of mates want his ample supply of drugs and alcohol.  Jez Butterworth’s new play is a fantastic, comic, contemporary vision of what's lost when modernization comes calling. 

Premiered in 2009 at the Royal Court Theatre, London, Jerusalem won the Evening Standard Award for Best Play in 2009, and transferred to the West End in 2010. It opened on Broadway in April 2011 at the Music Box Theatre. 

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CAST

Cast (in order of appearance): Shannon Hartman, Rae Mancini, Roger Lemelin, David Tessier, Jeff Hodge, John Michael Richardson, Jonathan Fisher, Andrew Iacovelli, Valerie Westgate, Andrea Reid, Dave Pizzelli, Jack & Luke Tessier, Melissa Penick, and Ben Conant.

CREATIVE TEAM

Written by Jez Butterworth
Directed by Josh Short

Costume Design by Meg Donnelly
Light Design by Max Ponticelli
Sound Design by Andy Russ
​Scenic Design by Monica Shinn
Stage Management by Polly Feliciano

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CALENDAR OF PERFORMANCES

Thursday, May 19, 7:30pm
Friday, May 20, 7:30pm 
Saturday, May 21, 7:30pm
Sunday, May 22, 7:30pm 
Monday, May 23, 7:30pm PRESS/OPENING
Thursday, May 26, 7:30pm
Friday, May 27, 7:30pm
Saturday, May 28, 7:30pm
Sunday, May 29, 2:00pm
Thursday, June 2, 7:30pm
Friday, June 3, 7:30pm
Saturday, June 4, 7:30pm

interested In learning more? 
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Stay tuned for more details on our Jerusalem ​talkbacks!