“There are few more invigorating theatrical experiences than hearing the voice of a gifted writer for the first time.”
- The New York Times

“…Davis has a funniness that is more benign, more interwoven with elemental human weakness and strengths, more forthright than wit.  Humor, in short.”
– New York Magazine

Patrick Riviere

Mass Appeal is the story of a clash of ideology and personality between an older entrenched priest, Fr. Farley, who accommodates to survive, and a young scorching seminarian, Mark Dolson, who attacks to force salvation.  Each in his own way uses his relationship to the congregation to resolve personal scars. As each tries to force the other to be a good priest, they learn, in unexpected ways, the nature of courage, friendship and the infinite varieties of love. The play is both funny and poignant, and as relevant today as it was when it was first produced.

Jim Richard

Starring in the production was ASTC Artistic Director, Patrick Riviere whose last appearance on stage was in the Broadway on the Boardwalk production of Anything Goes at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City in the fall of 2005.  Co-starring in the production was newcomer Jim Richard.  Jim recently graduated from the two-year professional training program at The School for Film and Television in New York City. The production was directed by ASTC Visiting Director, Michael Menger (www.michaelmenger.com) who also helmed the very successful developmental workshop of The House of Nunzio, which marked the beginning of ASTC.  Dan Schaedle served as Technical Director and Production Stage Manager.

The limited engagement took place at the Hackensack Cultural Arts Center and was produced with permission by Dramatists Play Service and under a Special Appearance Contract with Actors’ Equity Association (the union of professional actors).

Photos of Patrick Riviere and Jim Richard by Eric Laurits www.ericlaurits.com

Show photos taken by David Lopez.