What's Happening?
Round House Theatre in Bethesda, Maryland, is set to present the regional premiere of Leslye Headland’s Broadway hit, 'Cult of Love,' for its holiday season. The play, described as darkly funny and music-filled, will run from November 18 through December
27. Directed by Artistic Director Ryan Rilette, the production features a cast including longtime company member Jane Beard, Sophia Early, Lilli Hokama, Alyssa Keegan, Ian Mellencamp, Cody Nickell, Michael Perrie Jr., Scott Sedar, Dina Thomas, and Joanna Whicker. 'Cult of Love' centers on the Dahl family, an intensely devoted Christian family, as they gather for Christmas. The story explores how old grievances resurface, faith is questioned, and loyalties are tested among the four adult siblings and their parents. Rilette noted that Headland began writing the play after President Trump's first election, observing the growing fracturing of families along political lines, a theme that has become even more relevant over the past decade. The creative team includes Music Director Paige Rammelkamp, Scenic Designer Paige Hathaway, Costume Designer Ivania Stack, Lighting Designer Harold F. Burgess II, and Sound Designer Sartje Pickett.
Why It's Important?
The staging of 'Cult of Love' by Round House Theatre is significant as it brings a critically acclaimed Broadway production with timely themes to a regional audience. The play's exploration of family dynamics, faith, and political divisions resonates deeply with contemporary American society, where such fractures have become increasingly prevalent. By offering an alternative to traditional holiday fare, Round House Theatre aims to engage audiences with a thought-provoking narrative that mirrors real-world challenges. The production also highlights the theater's commitment to presenting ensemble plays that connect personal struggles with broader political contexts. For the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, this premiere provides an opportunity for local theatergoers to experience a work that addresses complex societal issues through a dramatic and often humorous lens, potentially fostering dialogue and reflection on the nature of family loyalty and differing beliefs in a polarized environment.
What's Next?
Following its premiere on November 18, 'Cult of Love' will run through December 27, with performances scheduled Tuesday through Thursday evenings, Friday and Saturday evenings, and Saturday and Sunday matinees. Round House Theatre has also planned accessible performances, including audio-described and open-captioned shows, as well as a mask-required performance. Pre- and post-show discussions are scheduled to provide audiences with deeper insights into the play's themes and production. The theater is offering various ticket discounts, including 'Free Play' for students, a 'Pay-What-You-Can' option for select performances, and a '2-For-1 Tuesdays' promotion, aiming to make the production accessible to a wider audience. The success of this regional premiere could influence future programming decisions for Round House Theatre and other regional theaters looking to stage contemporary works that address current social and political landscapes.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond its immediate run, 'Cult of Love' at Round House Theatre touches upon deeper cultural and ethical implications. The play's central theme of family fracturing due to differing beliefs, particularly in a post-2016 political landscape, reflects a significant societal shift in the U.S. It prompts audiences to consider the ethical boundaries of familial loyalty when confronted with deeply held, divergent worldviews. The integration of music within a narrative exploring such tensions also highlights how art can be used to process and reflect complex social realities. The choice to present this play during the holiday season, traditionally a time for unity and celebration, subtly challenges conventional notions of holiday harmony, suggesting that true connection often requires confronting uncomfortable truths. This production could contribute to a broader cultural conversation about empathy, understanding, and the resilience of human relationships amidst ideological divides, encouraging introspection on how individuals navigate personal and political identities within their closest circles.
