Secrets of the City

This production of Faith Healer makes us sit up and take notice for a handful of reasons, but primarily because Joe Dowling does double duty here, directing this Brian Friel drama, and playing the lead role (in his American acting debut).  On top of that, Dowling is a bit of a Friel scholar; actually a full blown Friel-0-phile.   In his first year here with the Guthrie, Dowling directed Friel’s Philadelphia, Here I Come, and we were entirely encouraged by the return of the Guthrie to pure story and an honest theatrical experience — without all the bells and whistles of bygone productions. That’s Friel, and that’s Dowling.  Since 1995, Dowling has also directed Friel’s Molly Sweeney and The Home Place, and Brian Friel has visited our fair state in the process. Now’s the time: Win a 4-pack of tickets to the Friday,  November 20 performance of Faith Healer, and get a pass for a free backstage tour, to boot!  Send your full name in an email to Contests@SecretsoftheCity.com with the Subject Line: FAITH HEALER. Just to be sure, see all the scoop on the play in the Guthrie’s Play Guide, and buy your tickets here and now to see Dowling, along with Sally Wingert and Raye Birk, in this landmark production.

Faith Healer, through December 6, Guthrie Theater, 818 S. 2nd Street, Mpls;  Tickets and Special Secrets Pricing of $20 on Tues, Wed, Thursdays