Waking Lazarus is an original work that examines the church’s conflict with homosexuality through the eyes of a choir director, Lazarus Jordan. An African-American classical soloist of some renown, Jordan abruptly leaves the stage to lead the choir of a large conservative church. Jordan is forced to choose between his career and speaking out on behalf of the organist, Paul Kinder, who has been outed by the head of the church council. In scenes interspersed throughout the play, we learn that Jordan’s childhood was deeply impacted by the tragic deaths of his mother and teacher. Now he is forced to decide which is more important, his job or his soul.

The production features two choirs, one white and one black, separated by decades in time. Through a series of events beyond his control, Jordan becomes the catalyst that brings the choirs together in a triumph of spirit over intolerance.

Waking Lazarus features twenty-two new songs and scenes that challenge the audience’s understanding of the role of religion in social change. Through humor, irreverence, drama, history, parallel love stories, a pride parade and a car crash, the characters create a new way to fill “the holes in their souls.”

Opening

Corner on the Lord

Last Corinthians

Road Ranger

God Just Wants Me Out

God Bless the Bastard

Cry People Cry

Thy Will

The Field Hand's Sermon

Forever Changed

Isolation Blues

Make a Joyful Noise

Raise Your Eyes

The Church That Cannot Fail

I Had a Dream

No Ifs and No Buts

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