Contact: Janice Gonzalez, Media Relations, Saint Luke Productions, 360-487-9979, pr@stlukeproductions.com
VANCOUVER, Wash., Oct. 24, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- Riveting. That's the overriding reaction of audiences who have experienced Saint Luke Productions' latest live multimedia production, "Faustina: Messenger of Divine Mercy." Playing to packed and spell-bound crowds, lead actress Maria Vargo is captivating in her portrayal as Sr. Faustina, the Polish mystic who was pivotal in creating the worldwide zeal to Christ's Divine Mercy. The production opened in the Northwest's Portland-Vancouver metro area and is now on a nationwide tour.
"'Faustina' is serving as a modern wake-up call with an urgent message," said producer Greg Stone. "The response has been standing ovations, tears, and many people relating personally to the story."
"After the performance, I was speechless with the realization that I had been evangelized, deeply healed and immersed in God's perfect love and Divine Mercy," said Karen Rotter of Washington State. "Saint Luke's dramas are for real; instruments of God, ministering to and affecting one's soul."
Leonardo Defilippis, the president and founder of Saint Luke Productions who is well-known for his live and film productions on the scriptures and the saints, particularly the feature film "Thérèse" (2004), wrote and directed the play with his wife, Patti.
The focus of the production is the spirit and life of Saint Faustina (1905-1938), who experienced frequent visions of Jesus challenging her to share God's forgiveness for even the most hardened person, with the simple prayer, "Jesus, I trust in You."
"Maria's talent and experience as a Hollywood actress -- in addition to her own personal story of conversion, make her the perfect fit for the role of Sr. Faustina," said Defilippis. "After last night's performance, I thought to myself again, 'She nailed it.' Audiences are enchanted with her portrayal of Faustina, and they are deeply touched by her honest, heart-wrenching performance on the screen as the Modern Woman."
It's the inclusion of a surprising contemporary element that makes the production particularly significant for our troubled times. The play incorporates the stories of a present-day woman who looks back on her not-so-perfect life, and of a man who is facing death without faith. The drama brilliantly cinches the message that no matter what a person has done in his life, God is still merciful.
"Saint Luke's production of 'Faustina' was amazing," said Reverend Monsignor Joseph Betschart, President-Rector of Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon, who hosted the opening performance. "It was not only entertaining and informative about St. Faustina, but it inspires and calls us all to greater trust in our Lord's infinite Mercy and to live our lives in deeper union with Him."
Through an innovative use of multimedia projections, other characters enter the stage and combine the realism of film with the intimacy and personal connection of live theater.
"Since today's audiences are so visual, we are relating to people with a fast-paced visual media," said Patti Defilippis. "We've seen that theater cannot be beat as a means for personally connecting with audiences, so we created this style of engaging audiences with a combination of screen and the spoken word on stage -- and it works beautifully."
"Faustina: Messenger of Divine Mercy" will continue touring throughout the United States, bringing the powerful message of God's mercy for our troubled times.
Visit www.DivineMercyDrama.com or call 360-687-8029 for tour information and to learn more about booking a performance on the nationwide tour.
Interview availability includes:
- Maria Vargo, Lead Actress
- Leonardo Defilippis, Actor, President and Founder of Saint Luke Productions
- Patti Defilippis, Director and Writer of Saint Luke Productions
Interview contact: Janice Gonzalez, Media Relations for Saint Luke Productions, 360-487-9979; pr@stlukeproductions.com
