Bonhoeffer's Cost
by Agape Theatre

May. 11 - May. 21, 2017
Thursdays-Sundays

Agape Theatre is proud to announce our upcoming production of BONHOEFFER’S COST.  Written by Mary Ruth Clarke with Time Gregory, BONHOEFFER’S COST tells the exciting and moving true story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  Agape’s production will be the play’s Texas Premiere.

BONHOEFFER’S COST finds Dietrich Bonhoeffer imprisoned in Berlin’s Tegel Prison during the darkest days of WWII. As the war rages around him and his faith is tested, Bonhoeffer deliberates the cost attached to acting from one’s convictions.  In a blind race between the forces of good and evil, will Dietrich make it out alive?

A Lutheran pastor and theologian in Germany during WWII, Dietrich Bonhoeffer was extremely vocal in his resistance to the Nazi dictatorship, including the Nazi persecution of Jewish people. In addition to his political resistance, Bonhoeffer is known for writing countless books and essays on theology and Christianity, especially The Cost of Discipleship.

Agape’s production of BONHOEFFER’S COST will be staged in the Sanctuary at Palm Valley Lutheran Church in Round Rock. The beautiful historic landmark was built in 1896.  The building’s Gothic style and incredible stained glass windows are sure to enhance the production.

 “We are overjoyed to bring BONHOEFFER’S COST to our audience,” says Jeff Davis, Artistic Director of Agape Theatre and Director of BONHOEFFER’S COST.  “While he’s well-known amongst Lutherans, Bonhoeffer is nearly forgotten in other circles.  Regardless of your religious affiliation, Bonhoeffer’s heroism is undeniable.  I know his story will inspire our patrons and keep them on the edge of their seats.”

Davis is also excited about the opportunity to produce the show inside a Lutheran Church. “We are beyond blessed to be staging this extraordinary play inside an equally extraordinary venue,” says Davis.  “Palm Valley Lutheran Church is a treasure to our local community.  Being able to stage a show about faith inside a church is a dream come true, as is Palm Valley’s passion and excitement for this project.”

Directed by Jeff Davis, BONHOEFFER’S COST stars Cory Grabenstein as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Rachel Bremer-Lewis as Maria Von Wedemeyer/Charlotte Friedenthal, and Zach Bond as Klaus Bonhoeffer/Maetz. BONHOEFFER’S COST also features an original musical score by Brian Losoya.  The full cast and creative team will be announced soon.

 

The cast will feature one Agape Theatre veteran and five performers making their Agape Theatre debuts.

BONHOEFFER’S COST stars Agape newcomers Cory Grabenstein as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Keoni Ramo as prison guard Klaus Klopstock, Frank Benge as the evil Judge Advocate Rott, Rachel Bremer as Bonhoeffer’s fiancée Maria, and TJ Condit as Bonhoeffer’s brother-in-law Hans Dohnanyi.  Agape Theatre alum Zach Bond rounds out the cast as Bonhoeffer’s brother Klaus.

CORY GRABENSTEIN (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) is thrilled to be making his Agape Theatre debut in this incredibly challenging role. This is his third time on stage in the Central Texas Area, the first two being at Sam Bass Community Theatre in Never the Sinner and It's Only A Play; and interestingly enough, his third time working with the phenomenal Frank Benge. By day he is a not-so-mild mannered IT guy and by night, when not on stage; he enjoys videogames, reading, and spending time with his crop of poorly-behaved furry children. He would like to thank his longtime love of seventeen years, Becca, for her constant and continuing love and support. Enjoy the show!

KEONI RAMO (Klopstock), a Junior at East View High School, is very excited to be playing the part of Klaus Klopstock in the Texas Premiere of Bonhoeffer's Cost with Agape Theatre. This role is different from the other roles Keoni has played and he loves the challenges it brings him.  He looks forward to working with members of this cast or crew again. 

FRANK BENGE (Judge Advocate Rott) has been part of the area theatre scene since 1982 as an actor, director, designer and playwright. He was most recently seen as Mr. Banks in For the Love of Mahalia at the Boyd Vance Theatre and as Bertha Bumiller and ten other denizens of Tuna, TX in A Tuna Christmas at the Palace Playhouse. His next project is directing the world premiere production of Moan Them Blues: an Evening with Bessie Smith for RKJB Productions this May. Some favorite past productions: The Man Who Came to Dinner (Sheridan Whiteside), Never The Sinner (Clarence Darrow), Mrs. Bob Cratchit's Wild Christmas Binge (Scrooge), Women Behind Bars (Matron), The Suicide (Aristarch Golaschopov), and Waiting For Godot (Vladimir). He spent much of the eighties writing and performing with the sketch comedy group "The Sons and Daughters of Fred and Ethyl." He is currently the Senior Editor for BroadwayWorld Austin.

RACHEL BREMER (Maria/Charlotte) has been in theater since she was 6. Her previous characters range from Wicked Witches of Oz to Anna of Frozen with her most recent works being the latter. She is thrilled to take part as Maria and Charlotte in Agape Theatre's production of Bonhoeffer's Cost.

TJ CONDIT (Hans Dohnanyi) has been an actor for the last 36 years.  Most recently, he has worked with Kristi Treitler as an Assistant Artistic Director with Stage Presence Players out of Georgetown.  With Stage Presence Players, he's played the role of Jim Foley in Blame It On Beckett, and served as Assistant Director for Play On!, and Director of Baggage.  He looks forward to working with Jeff Davis and his wondrous cast and crew for Bonhoeffer’s Cost.

ZACH BOND (Klaus Bonhoeffer/Maetz) is very excited to be acting with Agape again.  Zach is attending courses at ACC to pursue a career in film and audio. His recent credits include; Picnic (Hal Carter), An Ideal Husband (Lord Goring), and the title characters in The Wizard of Ozand Dracula.  Zach has been acting for five years and has a great love for theatre.  He hopes to one day make it his career. He would like to Thank Agape and his director Jeff Davis for believing in him and giving him chances to be on stage and show his talent with the world. He would also like to thank his family for being supportive and encouraging in everything that he does.

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Bonhoeffer's Cost
by Mary Ruth Clark, Tim Gregory
Agape Theatre

Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Palm Valley Lutheran Church, 2500 E. Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock

Ticket prices for the production start at $12-$20, with discounts available to Seniors, Students, Teachers/Educators and Current/Ex Military.  “Agape Theatre has always believed that everyone should have access to quality, thought-provoking theater, regardless of income or budget,” says Davis.  “We understand the importance of this story being told, and we didn’t want ticket prices to deter people from seeing this show.  That’s why we’ve tiered our ticket pricing—something we’ve never done before—and offered discounts to several different demographics.  We’re confident that everyone should be able to find a seat that meets their budget.”

Tickets $8 - $20, available on-line via ticketor