A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD
THE 2022 DRAMA CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD-WINNER FOR BEST PLAY BY SAMUEL D. HUNTER
A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD unfolds in a cubicle where two seated people unexpectedly choose to bring one another into their fragile worlds. Keith, a mortgage broker, and Ryan, a yogurt plant worker seeking to buy a plot of land that belonged to his family many decades ago, realize they share a “specific kind of sadness.” At this desk in the middle of America, loan talk opens up into a discussion about the chokehold of financial insecurity and a bond over the precariousness of parenthood. With humor, empathy and wrenching honesty, Hunter commingles two lives and deftly bridges disparate experiences of marginality.
There will be a talk-back session with the playwright, Samuel D. Hunter, after the Saturday, March 2, evening performance.
Directed by Michael Shaw
Running time: 90 minutes.
There will be no intermission.
DTL Nominations
Outstanding Production of a Drama – Professional
The Michael Cruickshank Award for Outstanding Director of a Drama – Professional, Michael Shaw
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama – Professional, Jacob Alden and Dennis Renard
Outstanding Set Design – Professional, Jimmy Cuomo
Outstanding Sound Design – Professional, Clark Dugger
Outstanding Lighting Design – Professional, Rick Bluhm
Outstanding Special Effects – Professional, Clark Dugger
Dezart Performs’ ‘A Case for the Existence of God’ Shows How Powerful a Show With a Great Script and Two Dedicated Actors Can Be
Jacob Alden Roa (Ryan) and Dennis Renard (Keith) are mesmerizing in their respective roles. Both actors give flawless performances as their characters maneuver through life’s minefield."
It’s very dramatic with some occasional comedic relief, a well-crafted play that manages to punch you in the sore spots while showing you the meaning of love. It’s not romantic love, it is much bigger than that. And although there is great sadness in the play, Hunter gives us a hopeful ending; that what they endured may have just been worth it in the long run.
THE SYNERGY BETWEEN THE [DIRECTOR AND THE TWO ACTORS] IS NOTHING SHORT OF MAGICAL, CAPTIVATING THE AUDIENCE COMPLETELY.”
[Dennis] Renard and [Jacob Alden] Roa evolve a relationship between the two men that is a beautiful blend of subtlety, grace and humor. They build on the foundation of [Samuel D.] Hunter's well-written dialogue and the deft direction of Michael Shaw
Mar 01 2024 - Mar 10 2024
Show TimesFridays and Saturdays: 7:30 PM
Saturdays and Sundays: 2:00 PM
Sundays: 7:00 PM NEW! Added performance
Pearl McManus Theater
at the Palm Springs Woman’s Club
314 S Cahuilla Road
Downtown Palm Springs, CA 92262
The Cast
Dennis Renard (Keith)
Dennis Renard, is an LA-based actor and singer, and is thrilled to be presenting this piece to audiences at Dezart Performs. This marks his second production with Dezart, following a debut last year that won him the Desert Star Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama for his portrayal of Pharus Jonathan Young in “Choir Boy” by Tarell Alvin McCraney.
Dennis earned a recent nomination for an LA Theatre Bites Award as Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in Rogue Machine’s 1950’s Sci-fi Rom-Com “Come Get Maggie.” His comedic chops shone in the Emmy Award-winning MAX sketch comedy docu-series, “Book of Queer,” where he gave an outrageous twist to many different characters throughout history. He also led the pop puppet-musical “For the Love of the Glove,” playing Michael Jackson’s extraterrestrial glove, and the production was one of three LA-based shows to be named Best of Theater 2023 by TheaterMania.
Dennis expresses his gratitude to Dezart and playwright Samuel D. Hunter for the chance to delve into this beautifully complex play and bring this character to life. His journey, both on and off the stage, unfolds on Instagram @thedenren, where followers can witness his artistic evolution.
Dennis Renard acknowledges the unwavering support of his loved ones, without whom playing with confidence would be an impossibility.
Jacob Alden Roa (Ryan)
Jacob is an Actor/Writer/Musician (and professional Astrologer) with over a decade in NYC telling stories on stage and screen. Last season he played Danny in Dezart Perform’s award winning production of The Garbologists and is so grateful to be back in Palm Springs. He made his Off-Broadway Debut in INDEPENDENTS at the Soho Playhouse and has been seen on other New York Stages like The Park Ave Armory and the Public Theater working with composers and theater artists like Mark Sonnenblick, Greta Gertler Gold, Stew, and Jocelyn Mackenzie. He’s a proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA. A huge thank you to his Mom, Aunt Susie, Paul and Elena, for making the long trip from the east coast to see the show and to his partner, Susana, for her support and for wrangling the aforementioned party animals into their seats. Find him on Instagram: @jacobaldenroa.
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