In the quiet and devout town of Cypress, Texas, strange things are happening in a church basement. Pastor Greg has asked Margery to head up the church’s puppet ministry. The pastor’s hope is this recently widowed mother will overcome her grief through a puppet ministry which instills good values in young parishioners. The cast includes Jason, Margery’s troubled son; Jessica, the girl next door who Jason has a crush; Timmy, a bully of the first order. However, all hell breaks loose when Jason’s puppet, Tyrone, takes on a shocking and devilishly funny life of its own. Foul-mouthed, Tyrone creates chaos with his scandalous insinuations, exposing the characters’ deepest secrets . . . and then things go really bad.

Tony Award nominee for Best Play opens at the Waterfront Playhouse, Feb. 22 and runs to March 10, with low-priced previews Feb. 20-21.

Opening night party sponsored by Bill and Renay Regardie. Production sponsored by WLRN Media.

“Hand To God” was written by Robert Askins and was a smash Broadway hit, running for almost two years. It was the most-produced play in regional theaters during the 2016/17 season.

Now the Waterfront presents this fast-paced, wickedly delightful play.

“Hand To God” is not for the faint of heart, as it raucously explores the fragile nature of faith, morality and family. There is adult language and situations. Even though there are puppets, it is definitely not for kids.

“Hand To God” will be directed by Murphy Davis, who said, “I was blown away by this play when I saw it on Broadway. Beside being very funny, the play was so powerful and resonant. And what could be more fun than an epic battle between good and evil that takes place in a church basement!”

The cast features a first-rate lineup of actors—Equity actor Jeremy Zoma (“Avenue Q” and “Forever Plaid”) as Jason; Nicole Nurenberg (“Enchanted April” and “August: Osage County”) as Margery; Jessica Miano Kruel (“Trip To Bountiful” and “The Producers”) as Jessica; Michael Castellano (“Good People” and “Cock”) as Pastor Greg and Cody Borah, who will be making his debut at the Waterfront as Timmy.

The Waterfront’s scenic designer creates the church basement set as well as other locations.

Guest designer Kim Hanson creates the evocative lighting. Ben Pegg designs the sound. Leigh Hooten is in charge of costumes. Carmen Rodriguez is the props mistress. Caroline Taylor acts as stage manager.

Tickets are $50 and available online or (305) 294-5015. Preview tickets are $25. Performances are 8 p.m.

Memberships, subscriptions and gift certificates available on website. Check out Friday Night Date Night deal, as well as other discounts. The 2017-18 season sponsored by Royal Furniture, Wodu Media and Digital Island Media. n INFO waterfrontplayhouse.org