Speakeysie News Desk

ATLANTA, GA – May 16, 2023 – Actor’s Express continues its 35th anniversary season with Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train by Pulitzer Prize-winning American playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis. At Rikers Island, a frightened young inmate confronts complex issues of faith when he crosses paths with a charismatic serial killer, a sadistic guard, and a jaded public defender. This potent play will hit you where you live and make you question what happens when God’s justice differs from man’s. “Guirgis’ benchmark prison drama about faith and humanity remains as potent as ever in the two decades since its premiere, surely earning its place among great American classic plays” comments Artistic Director Freddie Ashley on why he chose to present this play.

Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train is a powerful drama that explores the crisis of faith, identity and the search for redemption. This play challenges audiences to reflect on forgiveness, resilience and the American Justice system. 

Jesus Hopped The A Train premiered in 2000 at the LABrynth Theatre Company in a production directed  by Philip Seymour Hoffman, followed by a London production at the Donmar Warehouse in 2002 that was nominated for the Olivier Award for Best New Play of 2003. The Evening Standard  raved, “This pumping, pounding, pulsing play blazes.” The New York Times called Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train “Fire-Breathing…a probing, intense portrait of life behind bars.”

This ensemble cast features five Atlanta actors, including AE vets Luis R.Hernandez (The Crucible, The Motherfucker with the Hat and Six Degrees of Separation) and Cara Mantella (Angels in America, Significant Other and Mauritius). Making their Actor’s Express debuts are Sekou Laidlow (Alliance Theatre’s Toni Stone), Jacob York (Shakespeare Tavern’s Twelfth Night)and Cristian Gonzalez (True Colors’ Between Riverside and Crazy). Acting Apprentice Andrew Randolph rounds out the cast. The production is directed by Eric J. Little (AE’s Neat and The Brothers Size). 

According to Artistic Director Freddie Ashley, “Stephen Adly Guirgis is a giant among American playwrights. He weaves vivid language with muscular storytelling, creating plays that pack a huge emotional wallop. Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train is one of his very best and has become a modern American classic while still feeling very much of the present moment.”

ABOUT Stephen Adly Guirgis

Stephen Adly Guirgis is an American playwright, screenwriter, director, and actor. His play Between Riverside and Crazy won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. He is a member and a former co-artistic director of New York City‘s LAByrinth Theater Company. Guirgis has produced plays both on an Off- Broadway as well as in the UK. 

Guirgis’ play The Motherfucker With the Hat was nominated for seven TONY Awards and premiered on Broadway in 2011. Produced at AE in 2012, this production featured Luis R. Hernandez who will be playing Valdez in Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train. 

ABOUT Eric J. Little 

Eric J. Little is an actor, teacher, director & writer. He is a graduate of Alabama A&M University & Louisiana State University & is a 2011 Suzi Award Winner. 

Director Eric J. Little’s credits include The Brothers Size and Neat at Actor’s Express. Other  Atlanta Directing Credits include Theatrical Outfit (Lady Day, Thurgood), Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company (Fetch Clay, Make Man; Between Riverside and Crazy), Aurora Theatre (The Mountaintop), Alliance Theatre (Reiser Lab – Confessions of a Hitman). 

Regional Directing Credits include North Carolina Black Rep/National Black Theatre Festival- Run No More, Succession. Little has experience on camera as well with tv and film credits including Praise This,  Bandit, Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, Necessary Roughness, Hamlet’s Ghost, Lottery Ticket, Christmas Deja’Vu, Stalker. Little is a Professor & Director/Theater Coordinator at Clark Atlanta University. Three-time Suzi Bass Award Winner for acting. Follow him on IG: iamejlittle and Facebook: Eric J. Little. 

According to Little, “Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train is one of Stephen Adly Guirgis’ most popular plays. It’s a very raw and visceral exploration of faith and redemption. It’s a journey we’ve all been on or will go on at some point in our life. This is a trip you don’t want to miss. All Aboard!” 

ABOUT Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train 

Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train 

By Stephen Adly Guirgis

Directed by Eric J. Little

June 8- July 2, 2023

At Rikers Island, a frightened young inmate confronts complex issues of faith when he crosses paths with a charismatic serial killer, a sadistic guard, and a jaded public defender. This potent play by Pulitzer Prize winner Stephen Adly Guirgis will hit you where you live and make you question what happens when God’s justice differs from man’s.

Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train  begins previews June 8 & 9 at 8:00 PM and opens June 10 at 8:00 PM. Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 8:00 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM as well as 7:30 PM on June 11. Tickets start at $25 and may be purchased online at actors-express.com or by calling 404-607-7469. 

PERFORMANCE DATES & TICKETS

Previews: Thursday-Friday, June 8-9, 2023 at 8:00 PM

Opening Night: June 10th, 2023 at 8:00 PM

Regular Performances: June 8- July 2nd, 2023

Wednesdays-Saturdays at 8:00 PM (Sunday, June 11th, additional evening performance at 7:30 PM)

Sundays at 2 PM

Purchase tickets online at actors-express.com or by calling 404-607-7469.

Group pricing is available. For info, email tickets@actorsexpress.com.

Regular ticket prices range from $25-$40.

Student tickets are always $20.

Discounts for seniors 65+, groups and active or retired military.

Ticket prices are subject to availability. Order early for best pricing. 

Production Sponsored by the Counter Narrative Project

Major support is provided by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. Major funding is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. This program is supported in part by the Georgia Council for the Arts through the appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly. GCA also receives support from its partner agency – the National Endowment for the Arts.

ADDITIONAL SEASON 35 SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT INCLUDES

Marcie Anthone

Jan Beaves

Meredith Bell

Kevin Dew and Hall Platt

Diane Durgin

Arlene Glaser 

Terry Hildebrand 

Jessica Linden

Jesse Peel

Rob Prudent and Craig Pigg

Sharon & Dave Schachter

Clark Weisner

Mark Williamson

Counter Narrative Project

Ameriprise Financial Ampere Wealth Management

ABOUT ACTOR’S EXPRESS

Since its founding in 1988, Actor’s Express has become the preeminent hub for dynamic, provocative and consistently outstanding theatre in Atlanta, presenting work that sparks personal transformations and catalyzes community conversations. We are committed to enacting Anti-Racist and Anti-Bias principles that create a diverse, inclusive, safe and brave space for artists and audiences. Actor’s Express is located on the westside of Atlanta in the King Plow Arts Center at 887 W. Marietta Street, Suite J-107, Atlanta, Georgia 30318.