the cell
presents

COMMUNION

Written & Performed
by
MATTHEW LaBANCA

Director
KIRA SIMRING
Production Design
RYAN BELOCK
Sound Design
JULIANNE MERRILL
Scenic/Costume Design
WILL MORRIS

the cell theatre
338 W. 23rd Street
New York, NY 10011

November 7-December 8, 2024
7 p.m. Weekdays
3 p.m. Sundays
(No performances November 27-29)

www.thecelltheatre.org

COMMUNION, bare bones, is about a talented, enthusiastic, young Catholic teacher/choir director who runs afoul of The Church. Easy to do when you’re gay, even though everyone but The Church loves you. Catholic starts with a C, but so do conundrum and conditional. As in very conditional love.

LaBanca skips musically along through this entertaining production, blending his life, joys, and disappointments into a gripping showcase of his talents and emotions. Guitar, keyboard, personal photos, and multiple video screens make this an immersive experience. LaBanca draws us in and amazes us.

COMMUNION has no whining, no angst-ridden monologues. Full of light and joy, it takes a personal story to the heights of a universal statement.

Kudos to the technical staff for making this all roll along. Great job.

-Karen D’Onofrio-