By Crystal Hayduk
“The Antichrist Cometh” is an action-packed dark comedy about a man dealing with the first sign of aging who is shocked to learn that he might be the Antichrist. Will he and his wife be able to hide the revelation during a dinner party with his former college roommate and his zealously religious fiancée? Or will the evening launch the apocalypse?
Written by Michigan playwright David MacGregor, “The Antichrist Cometh” makes its world premiere as the second production in the 33rd season at The Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC). MacGregor and the PRTC production crew have combined ancient prophecy with the human condition, and seasoned it with comedy to serve up an evening of sheer entertainment.
Ryan Patrick Welsh flawlessly hooked me with his portrayal of John, who experiences a wide array of emotions beginning with pre-dinner party nerves and the dread of approaching mid-life changes to his crisis of faith when he believes himself to be the Antichrist. John battles to comprehend different meanings of destiny, bringing to light a universal question.
Hope Shangle is cast as John’s wife, Lili. A highly intelligent character, Lili quickly shoots off arguments to refute most ideas shared by other members of the dinner party, leaving confusion in her wake. Although MacGregor had a clear purpose in writing Lili’s dialogue as he did, it takes her honest transparency to make her character likeable.
Ryan Carlson is my favorite member of the cast, in the role of Duncan, John’s college roommate. A down-to-earth guy who just wants to be happy and avoid trouble, he is an essential source of the comedy in “Antichrist.” His pacing is impeccable, both in dialogue and blocking. If there’s any doubt about seeing this show, Carlson’s stage presence settles the matter. (Carlson is a Resident Artist at PRTC, who was most recently seen last season in “Pickleball.”)
Ashley Wickett plays Duncan’s fiancée, Fiona. Her passion, energy, and physicality are striking. The woman can quote the Bible (and MacGregor did his research), but Fiona reminds us that fanaticism can accelerate into a dangerous thing.
Welsh, Shangle, and Wickett are all making their PRTC stage debuts, although they each have a long list of credits, and their performances prove them to be true professionals.
Lighting and sound are on point—realistically scary and well-timed. The set design, commented on by one of the characters, is “intimate and cozy, but modern.”
Remove your mask, consider your destiny, and predict the winners and losers when you see “The Antichrist Cometh.”
Note: This production contains adult content and may not be suitable for children under 13.
Playwright David MacGregor is a native Michigander who graduated from Michigan State University. “Antichrist” is his 10th production at PRTC. His plays have been performed from New York to Tasmania. He has adapted some of his works for film, and others for novels. MacGregor teaches writing at Wayne State University.
Other plays by MacGregor that have been performed at PRTC: “The Late Great Henry Boyle” (2006), “Vino Veritas” (2008), “Gravity” (2010), “Consider the Oyster” (2011), “Just Desserts” (2014), “Vino Veritas” (2017 – reprise), “Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Elusive Ear” (2018), “Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Fallen Soufflé” (2019), and “Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Ghost Machine” (2022).
“The Antichrist Cometh”
What: World premiere; performance runs for about 80 minutes with no intermission.
When: Now playing through May 25
Where: The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park St.
Playwright: David MacGregor
Director: Rhiannon Ragland
Cast: Ryan Patrick Welsh, Hope Shangle, Ryan Carlson, Ashley Wickett
Crew: Designers include set by Sarah Pearline, properties by Danna Segrest, costumes by Marley Boone, lighting by Matt Taylor, and sound by Matthew Tibbs. Stage manager – Bill Carlton, assisted by Juliana Berry; intimacy director and fight choreographer – Alexis Black; managing director – Katie Hubbard.
Tickets: Available online at Purple Rose Theatre or by calling the box office at 734-433-7673.
About the Purple Rose Theatre Company:
Founded in 1991 by actor, director, playwright, musician, and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company is a creative home for original American plays. At the PRTC, patrons experience an intimate encounter with live theatre.
PRTC also provides preview talk-backs, free play readings, and ticket donations to local fundraisers. It commissions new work from established and early-career playwrights. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional theatre, the PRTC operates under a Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors’ Equity Association.
