Described as “... beautifully written... a theatrical family portrait that has the shimmer and depth of Renoir portraits... ” by The New York Times, Tina Howe’s 1984 Pulitzer Prize-nominated play is a provocative exploration of the parent-child relationship, art and aging. The IRC production features Kirsten Quinn as Mags Church, the successful artist and daughter of Fanny and Gardner Church, who returns home with a life-changing announcement to the chaos of her parent’s impending move from their lifelong home in Boston’s Beacon Hill. John Zak plays Gardner Church, a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet facing dementia after a lifetime devoted to intellectual and creative pursuits. Tina Ann Brock plays Fanny Church, Gardner’s wife and Mags’ quirky mother, who has a penchant for ostentatious hats and criticizing her daughter’s choices in life. The trio explores their changing dynamic relationship over the span of several days.

Painting Churches production designers include Set Designer Dirk Durossette; Sound Designer Andrew Nelson, Lighting Designer Eric Baker, Projection/Media Designer Mark Williams, and IRC resident Costume Designer Erica Hoelscher/IRC Producing Artistic Associate. Megan Coyle is the Stage Manager. Tina Ann Brock, IRC’s Producing Artistic Director, and Peggy Mecham of the Irish Heritage Theatre, direct.