SACRED GROUND, SHIFTING FOOTING

Bubba Weiler’s quietly affecting drama finds
two boys questioning far more than their faith

Ivan Howe and Julius Rinzel (Emilio Madrid)

For generations, serving as an altar boy has been one of the most visible ways young Catholics participate in the life of the Church. Altar boys assist the priest by preparing for Mass, ringing bells, burning incense, and performing other duties that help keep a house of worship running smoothly. But seeing the inner workings behind the pulpit can sometimes lead to disillusionment with the dogma. In Atlantic Theater Company‘s world premiere of The Saviors, playwright Bubba Weiler explores that journey through the eyes of two young boys, best friends and brothers at the altar, as they navigate their changing feelings about religion.

Ivan Howe and Julius Rinzel

Weiler’s script is pensive as best friends Michael (Ivan Howe) and Paul (Julius Rinzel) share and compete in their altar service, all while debating chapter and verse. With Confirmation approaching, each boy must choose the saint to whom he will dedicate his rite of passage and reaffirm his faith.

Julius Rinzel and Ivan Howe

It’s clear that Michael has intense feelings for Paul, as he excitedly suggests they each dedicate their Confirmation to the saint who bears the other’s name. Paul would choose Saint Michael, and Michael would choose Saint Paul. But how much of this is Michael’s love for the Holy Spirit, and how much is simply… love?

Stanley Simons

Their merriment is disrupted when vagabond Julian (Stanley Simons) wanders into the church. Julian needs a place to pray, or at least that’s the story he’s sticking to for now. The intrusion and its repercussions are staged with a detail-oriented eye by Jack Serio, who maintains the play’s momentum while highlighting both its funniest moments and each character’s inner reflections. Guiding the boys is Crystal Finn‘s Judy, the church’s youth organizer. But Judy knows more than she lets on about the church’s new part-time tenant.

Ivan Howe and Crystal Finn

When Paul begins to question Confirmation and whether he wants to attend Catholic school the following year, the sensitive Michael immediately senses a growing rift. As the boys mature in different directions, their affection for one another keeps pulling them back together.

Julius Rinzel and Stanley Simons (Emilio Madrid)

David Zinn’s unit set transforms the Linda Gross Theater into a startlingly convincing North American Catholic chapel, right down to the scratchy carpeting and stained-glass windows. Winter snow falls just outside the entrance; one of the altar boys enters brushing chunks of snow from his parka.

Ivan Howe and Crystal Finn

Costumes by Avery Reed evoke the present day without rooting the play in a specific year. The boys wear back-buttoned altar robes over their school uniforms. Julian’s face and clothing show the marks of a hard life, his black garments stained with dirt.

Ivan Howe and Stanley Simons

The Saviors is a compelling drama that wrestles with faith, tradition, trust, and trauma. The production is anchored by the cast and the boys’ camaraderie. At 90 minutes, the pacing is brisk, but the emotional throes of these characters keep the congregation engaged. Catch this compelling drama in Chelsea before the final blessing.

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photos by Ahron R. Foster and Emilio Madrid (where noted)

The Saviors
Atlantic Theater Company
Linda Gross Theater, 336 W. 20th Street in New York
Tue.–Sun. 7; Sat. & Sun. 2
90 minutes with no intermission
ends July 19, 2026
for tickets, call 646-452-2220 visit Atlantic Theater Company

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