Reviews: 5
Reviews: 6
A far-right, Pentecostal helicopter-mom struggles to keep her hell-raising son on the path of righteousness as he enters his first public school. When a powerful addiction takes over her son’s life, she must accept that you can’t save everyone, and that not every miracle can be left up to God.
Use discount code LEMONS for $7 tickets (regular $15)
There are some strong performances in this show, with Lenny Hernandez as Levi standing out as the most engaging, gut-wrenching and grounded. Leah Verrill manages to keep Lauralai from looking too much like a caricature of a holy roller but she never stops moving throughout the play...
This show dealt with overlapping issues of addiction and religion in a fresh way, taking some surprising turns. I particularly appreciated moments where characters made decisions we didn’t expect and that the arc of these decisions bent toward justice.
Nobody handles serious material better than Leah Verrill. She is quirky and funny one moment and can be emotionally raw with the flip of a switch. This is the kind of role that is built for her. The supporting cast is rich with talent and keep the play moving forward. David Chrzanowski brings the best out of his cast, knowing when to pull back the reins and when to let his actors fly. Aaron Kozak’s script is ambitious, juggling together the two stories of his main characters. Saving Cain is a lovely drama.
What this show, written by Aaron Kozak, offers proves very compelling indeed. No less important, it surprises. Saving Cain was described to me as the story of a rebellious teenager trying to deal with his born-again Pentecostal control-freak of a mother. I expected one of two things: Either a dark comedy or a polemic against a certain brand (at least) of Fundamentalist Christianity. Maybe both.
I got something a lot better.
The entire cast assembled does a tremendous job, watching Hernandez skillfully portray Levi throughout the years from his highs and lows is a real pleasure to see. Leah Verrill's performance of Lauralai is one of the most powerful I have seen on stage at the Fringe Festival, if there was a nomination for best actress at Fringe there is no doubt in my mind she would be a top contender. The religious conviction and emotions that she displays are palpable you can't help but be drawn in, all eyes are on her when she is on stage...
Even if you try and avoid shows that discuss regions and politics, I would ask you to leave your thoughts at the door and give this one a chance.
I highly recommend taking the time to see this terrific play.
...absolutely stunning especially the performances by lead actress Leah Verrill (mom) and son Lenny Hernandez. And the finale is truly transformational.
Recommended
Wow! From the writing to the acting, Saving Cain is a powerhouse of talent. Aaron Kozak's exploration of the subject matter is both deep and extremely pointed. Even as it branches out he manages to keep it succinct and timely. He tells a dramatic story with such levity and familiarity that it goes down smoothly while still being impactful. With Leah Verrill and Lenny Hernandez the emotion is so close to the surface it's palpable. They're able to convey complicated character development with ease. Saving Cain is definitely a can't miss!
Very tightly written, heartfelt play about a Pentecostal woman struggling with her son's drug abuse. Works through many difficult subjects in a clever way and many laughs as well! So good!
So Awesome! Everything was great! Lenny rocked it and can't wait to see more stuff from Kozak! Everyone go see the show!
here are only a handful of “can’t miss” writers at the Fringe, and Aaron Kozak is definitely on that list. His latest, Saving Cain, is an extremely well crafted masterpiece that shines new light on the religious right and those that can’t meet their standards.
400 + shows at the Fringe here’s the reason to go see this production- the brilliant performance of it lead actress Leah Verrill Heinz! Wow! We hate her character, then like her, then think she is silly and in the end we empathize recognizing in this crazy world there is no harder job than being a mom. Brilliant work.
There are some strong performances in this show, with Lenny Hernandez as Levi standing out as the most engaging, gut-wrenching and grounded. Leah Verrill manages to keep Lauralai from looking too much like a caricature of a holy roller but she never stops moving throughout the play...
What this show, written by Aaron Kozak, offers proves very compelling indeed. No less important, it surprises. Saving Cain was described to me as the story of a rebellious teenager trying to deal with his born-again Pentecostal control-freak of a mother. I expected one of two things: Either a dark comedy or a polemic against a certain brand (at least) of Fundamentalist Christianity. Maybe both.
I got something a lot better.
The entire cast assembled does a tremendous job, watching Hernandez skillfully portray Levi throughout the years from his highs and lows is a real pleasure to see. Leah Verrill's performance of Lauralai is one of the most powerful I have seen on stage at the Fringe Festival, if there was a nomination for best actress at Fringe there is no doubt in my mind she would be a top contender. The religious conviction and emotions that she displays are palpable you can't help but be drawn in, all eyes are on her when she is on stage...
Even if you try and avoid shows that discuss regions and politics, I would ask you to leave your thoughts at the door and give this one a chance.
I highly recommend taking the time to see this terrific play.
...absolutely stunning especially the performances by lead actress Leah Verrill (mom) and son Lenny Hernandez. And the finale is truly transformational.
Recommended
here are only a handful of “can’t miss” writers at the Fringe, and Aaron Kozak is definitely on that list. His latest, Saving Cain, is an extremely well crafted masterpiece that shines new light on the religious right and those that can’t meet their standards.
This show dealt with overlapping issues of addiction and religion in a fresh way, taking some surprising turns. I particularly appreciated moments where characters made decisions we didn’t expect and that the arc of these decisions bent toward justice.
Nobody handles serious material better than Leah Verrill. She is quirky and funny one moment and can be emotionally raw with the flip of a switch. This is the kind of role that is built for her. The supporting cast is rich with talent and keep the play moving forward. David Chrzanowski brings the best out of his cast, knowing when to pull back the reins and when to let his actors fly. Aaron Kozak’s script is ambitious, juggling together the two stories of his main characters. Saving Cain is a lovely drama.
Wow! From the writing to the acting, Saving Cain is a powerhouse of talent. Aaron Kozak's exploration of the subject matter is both deep and extremely pointed. Even as it branches out he manages to keep it succinct and timely. He tells a dramatic story with such levity and familiarity that it goes down smoothly while still being impactful. With Leah Verrill and Lenny Hernandez the emotion is so close to the surface it's palpable. They're able to convey complicated character development with ease. Saving Cain is definitely a can't miss!
Very tightly written, heartfelt play about a Pentecostal woman struggling with her son's drug abuse. Works through many difficult subjects in a clever way and many laughs as well! So good!
So Awesome! Everything was great! Lenny rocked it and can't wait to see more stuff from Kozak! Everyone go see the show!
400 + shows at the Fringe here’s the reason to go see this production- the brilliant performance of it lead actress Leah Verrill Heinz! Wow! We hate her character, then like her, then think she is silly and in the end we empathize recognizing in this crazy world there is no harder job than being a mom. Brilliant work.
