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Cathie Lawrence

Prisoner Michael Alexander, who stars as "Lucius," is being led out in handcuffs to the exercise yard by Ariel Sandino, the brutal and direct guard called "Valdez."

Prep time makes play time

Angel Cruz is a bike messenger from New York City who recently lost his childhood friend to a religious cult. He’s angry. He’s charged with first degree murder for killing the cult leader. He’s in jail trying to pray to an almost forgotten God.  You can watch his story unfold, but you will need a ticket to Jesus Hopped The ‘A’ Train by Stephen Adly Guirgis.

However, before the curtain rises on opening night, much has to be done whether you are performing on a Broadway stage in New York City or at the Little Theater at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg. The right actors must be picked for the part during auditions. Once picked, the actors must study their lines during what may seem like endless hours of rehearsing.  Costumes must be selected and alterations made by the costume designer to fit each actor properly.  Scenery must be constructed, painted, assembled and ready to go to make sure every detail of the show meets expectations. The final dress rehearsal must be successfully completed.  Hopefully, tickets for opening night are sold out. Theater seats are filled as the curtain rises with both the audience and actors filled with great anticipation. It’s show time!