COMMUNION
by Matthew LaBanca
directed by Kira Simring

Communion is a one-man show about a gay Catholic school teacher who is fired when the church discovers that he married a man. His termination causes a crisis of faith, not only for himself but for his entire community. Based on the real-life story of Broadway actor and playwright Matthew LaBanca, Communion spotlights themes of delusion, spiritual trauma, and hope, reminding those who would use religion to discriminate against LGBTQ people that the most basic tenet of spiritual life is that we are called to love one another.

Matthew LaBanca (Playwright/Performer) is an actor and playwright living in New York City. He made his Broadway debut with Mel Brook's Young Frankenstein, covering the title role and stepping in during previews, garnering great acclaim. He has since appeared on Broadway in White Christmas and more recently, in the 2019 Tony Award-winning Broadway play A Christmas Carol. Matthew's self-penned solo show Good Enough performed to sold-out audiences Off Broadway at the United Solo Theatre Festival, winning the Best Musical Award of the Festival.

Kira Simring (Director) is the (Artistic Director) of Nancy Manocherian's the cell theatre in NYC, where she has developed and directed new works since 2006. Directing credits include the world premiers of What Kind of Woman by Abbe Tanenbaum, The Women Who Rode Away by Natalia Zukerman (the cell and Off the WALL), Yes! Reflections of Molly Bloom (Irish Rep), Crackskull Row by Honor Molloy (New York Times Critics’ Pick) and Hard Times: An American Musical by Larry Kirwan (New York Times Critics’ Pick). Kira is a three-time Origin Theatre 1st Irish Award Winner for Best Director.