Arts and Entertainment Manatee Players Opens Religious Drama Opens This Week

BRADENTON — The Manatee Players’ production of the drama Agnes of God will open this Thursday, February 19, in the intimate Bradenton Kiwanis Theater at the Manatee Performing Arts Center. The play tells the story of of a nun who bears a child and claims a virgin conception.

The young nun is accused of murdering an infant she gave birth to in a cloistered convent. The psychiatrist assigned to her case meets opposition in the convent’s Mother Superior, and all three women explore questions of faith, memory, and the meaning of sainthood.

The John Pielmeier play opened on Broadway in 1982 and was later adapted to a movie starring Jane Fonda in the lead role.

The three-character play will be directed by Candace Artim. Amy Woerner will star as Agnes with Alice Cotman as Dr. Livingstone and Lynne Doyle as Mother Miriam Ruth.

Agnes of God runs through Sunday, March 8. Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $26 including facility fee for adults, $15 including facility fee for teachers and $13 including facility fee for students.

The Sunday, March 8 matinee performance will be followed by a talk-back with local clergy.

Tickets may be reserved by calling 941-748-5875 Monday – Friday from 9-5 and one hour before curtain on performance days or on the Manatee Players’ website: www.manateeperformingartscenter.com.