Mark's Gospel April 23, 2009

Chicago – From the producers of the current smash hit The Screwtape Letters, Fellowship for the Performing Arts presents the Chicago Premiere of Mark’s Gospel at The Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport Avenue starring Max McLean. Performances for this strictly limited engagement are from April 23rd – May 17th.

Fresh from his tour de force performance as Screwtape, the high level demon in hell, Max McLean brings a magnificent voice, compelling interpretation and exuberant theatricality to a more heavenly venture - the story of Jesus.

Mark’s Gospel, is the believed to be the first eye witness story of Jesus. “More than any other Gospel, Mark lends itself to theatre,” says Jeffrey Fiske, who also directed The Screwtape Letters. It is written as if a reporter is sending first hand reports of Jesus’ remarkable journey from rural obscurity to urban sensation to political assassination. The dialogue is both compelling and funny. Max McLean humanizes what are often seen by secular society as distant archetypes. He plays each character as a real human being, sometimes rendered comical in gape-mouthed incredulity by the miracles of a man who warns them ‘not to tell anyone.’ That, of course, is the very thing they do.”

“Jesus is certainly a controversial figure.” Max McLean says. “Yet he has been tamed by over familiarity. Bringing a theatrical lens to the original source for Christianity helps restores Jesus back to size. It is meant to surprise and delight. And I need to redeem myself for doing Screwtape these past few years.”

Max McLean is not new to presenting the Bible on stage. Not only has he made an audio recording of the Bible that was twice nominated for Best Inspirational Audio, but he has previously toured Chicago with Genesis following an Off – Broadway opening at the Lamb’s Theatre. Anita Gates of the New York Times described it as “Bible stories told with laughter and affection. Max McLean has complete command.” Chris Jones called it a "bravura performance …if you are interested in epic interpretations of classic literature, you’ll be most impressed by this grand performer’s work.”

Mark’s Gospel is directed by Jeffrey Fiske who also directed The Screwtape Letters. Also from the Screwtape design team are costumes by Michael Bevins sound design by Bart Fasbender. Scenic design is by Nick Rastenis andlighting by Jesse Klug. Both are local Chicago designers. Projection design is by Sage Carter from New York. For more information, visit www.MarkOnStage.com.

The performance schedule for Mark’s Gospel is Thursday thru Saturday at 8PM
with matinees on Saturday at 4PM and Sunday at 3PM. Tickets range in price from $29.00 - $48.50. Tickets are available by calling The Mercury Theater Box Office at 773.325.1700, TicketMaster at 312.902.1500, or visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Discounted tickets for students and groups of 10 or more are also available by calling 773.477.7666.

Official Website: http://www.markonstage.com