4th Line Theatre opens its second production of the summer, Gimme That Prime Time Religion, on Monday, August 10th. Starring Robert Winslow and directed by Kim Blackwell, the play is returning for the first time since its successful run at 4th Line Theatre in 2002.
Written by Winslow in 1979 with the original title Arnest Engley’s Miracle Crusade, the play was inspired by American televangelist Ernest Angley, who created controversy in the ’80s by claiming he could cure cancer, HIV, and AIDS via his “miracles”.
It debuted at Trent University with Winslow playing his character Arnest Engley as a satire of the controversial preacher.
After Winslow went on to workshop the play in Edmonton, he renamed it Gimme That Prime Time Religion with the main character now called Reverend Bobby Angel. The play became a hit at the Edmonton Fringe in 1982 and was toured during the 1980s throughout Canada and England.
In 2002, Winslow brought the show to the stage at 4th Line Theatre, marking the directorial debut of Blackwell.
Filled with high-energy comedy and music, the play breaks down the fourth wall: the audience becomes the congregation and the stage becomes Winslow’s altar. According to Winslow, the show has been so convincing that a man in a Calgary audience once came on stage to actually have Winslow heal him.
Come get saved and see miracles happen at Gimme That Prime Time Religion, with performances at 6 p.m. from Monday, August 10th to Saturday, August 29th at the Winslow Farm in Millbrook. Preview performances take place on August 10th and 11th, with the gala opening night on August 12th.
For tickets and more information, visit 4th Line Theatre’s website at www.4thlinetheatre.on.ca or by calling the box office at 705-932-4445 or 1-800-814-0055.
Preview of Gimme That Prime Time Religion starring Robert Winslow
Video by Sam Tweedle for kawarthaNOW
