By PAM HARBAUGH

Riverside Theatre has brought to its stage a new play that provokes plenty of questions.

It’s Lucas Hnath’s award winning drama “The Christians.” It runs through April 9. I saw the original production when it was directed by Les Waters at the Humana Festival. Later it went to Playwrights Horizons in NYC. It’s an electric play. Charged with provocative thought, intellect and compassion. Mr. Hnath is one of a handful of truly exciting new voices in American theater. And, BTW, he’s from Orlando.

From left: Playwright Mark Schultz, playwright Lucas Hnath and actor Andrew Garman (star of ‘The Christians’ at the Humana and at Playwrights Horizons) at the 2015 Humana Fest. Photo by Pam Harbaugh

Here’s a description about the play from Riverside: “Twenty years ago, Pastor Paul’s church was a modest storefront. Now it houses thousands, with a coffee shop in the lobby and a baptismal font as big as a swimming pool. But on the day they celebrate the end of their indebtedness, Pastor Paul is about to share some news his congregation isn’t used to hearing. It is a sermon that will shake the foundation of his congregation’s beliefs. How could one’s convictions change overnight? From one of America’s new, exciting playwrights, comes this mesmerizing play about faith and redemption and its power to unite or divide.”

Tickets start are with discounts for students. You can go directly to the purchase page by clicking here.

Riverside Theatre is at 3250 Riverside Drive, Vero Beach. Call 772-231-6990, visit RiversideTheatre.com or click onto their ad.