Philip Craig News

NBC Shares Primetime Schedule For 3/26-4/22

Having grown up in the world of numismatics (coin collecting) and philately (stamp collecting) I was probably in a rarified group in the audience by knowing just what a Mauritius was. It doesn't matter if you don't know anything though, because the playwright, Theresa Rebeck, gets the audience where it needs to be in short order.

Well recognised British actor David Suchet is joined by an international cast to bring Roger Crane's mystery, THE LAST CONFESSION, to Australian audiences with the right mix of emotion, passion and humour. Crane explores the sudden death of Pope John Paul I, 33 days after his election in this cleverly constructed play that draws on factual events and challenges beliefs.

Watching distinguished, seasoned veterans onstage in Jonathan Church's play The Last Confession was a privilege. Opening in Melbourne last night, in the final leg of an international tour, The Last Confession centres around the life of Albino Luciani, (played with sincerity and compassion by Richard O'Callaghan), his election as Pope John Paul I and ultimately his death a mere 33 days later. It is an intriguing event not only for the Catholic Church but also in the history of the world with the Church refusing to investigate the potential of foul play from the conservative enclave of the Vatican.

In the history of the Roman Catholic Church, one papal election curiously stood apart. After Pope Paul's death in 1978, a compromise pope was elected, Albino Luciani, who named himself Pope John Paul I. His reign lasted a mere 33 days when, in apparent good health, he died suddenly, creating the suspicion of murder. The Last Confession by Roger Crane explores this time period in Roman Catholic history with a keen eye for details and propelling fine dramatic exchanges. Headed by resourceful actor David Suchet as Cardinal Giovanni Benelli, the cast, mostly from England, is a sturdy lot, and most likely only those repulsed by religion and/or politics will find the action less than intriguing, through July 6 only.

The exclusive U.S. engagement of 'The Last Confession,' a gripping new play of intrigue and mystery by Roger Crane, starring David Suchet, opened June 11 at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre. Directed by Jonathan Church, 'The Last Confession' began previews, June 7, 2014, continues through July 6. Following the engagement at the Ahmanson, 'The Last Confession' will tour cities around Australia. Check below for photos from the opening night!

The exclusive U.S. engagement of "The Last Confession," a gripping new play of intrigue and mystery by Roger Crane, starring David Suchet, opens June 11 at the Center Theatre Group/Ahmanson Theatre. Directed by Jonathan Church, "The Last Confession" begins previews tomorrow, June 7, 2014, continues through July 6. Following the engagement at the Ahmanson, "The Last Confession" will tour cities around Australia. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the show below!

The Last Confession, the acclaimed mystery thriller by Roger Crane set in the Vatican, begins its world tour in Toronto tonight, April 19, 2014 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, before touring to Los Angeles, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, Australia.

The Last Confession, the acclaimed mystery thriller by Roger Crane set in the Vatican, begins its world tour in Toronto on April 19, 2014 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, before touring to Los Angeles, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, Australia.