September 15, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Refer: Dianne Weinrib or Laura Hughes
DW Communications: (416) 703-5479 Fax: (416) 703-5465
E-Mail: dw@dwcommunications.net
For more information, please visit www.biggerthanj.com

NECESSARY ANGEL THEATRE COMPANY
in association with Factory Theatre
presents

BIGGER THAN JESUS
a multi-media mass for a modern age

  created by RICK MILLER & DANIEL BROOKS
performed by RICK MILLER directed by DANIEL BROOKS
environment designed by BETH KATES
sound & video designed by BEN CHAISSON
stage managed by BETH KATES

TORONTO, AUGUST 27, 2004 - Necessary Angel Theatre Company, in association with Factory Theatre, is pleased to present Rick Miller and Daniel Brooks' extraordinary one-man show, BIGGER THAN JESUS, performed by Rick Miller. Developed over the last two years and work-shopped to sold-out houses and rave reviews on a tour that included Toronto's Theatre Passe Muraille, Calgary's High Performance Rodeo, and Edmonton's Catalyst Theatre (January 2004), BIGGER THAN JESUS returns to Toronto for an engagement at the Factory Theatre Mainspace, previewing Novmber 16 and 17, opening November 18 and running to December 12, 2004.

A multimedia mass for a modern age, BIGGER THAN JESUS grapples with the thorny crown of Christianity. Jesus Christ and the cross on which he died continue to be the most potent and controversial of symbols inspiring both devout worship and incalculable violence. For better or for worse, this Jewish rabbi from Nazareth , a figure we historically know little about, has played an enormous role in shaping Western society. Weaving together the Catholic liturgy, the gospels, and some good old-fashioned bible-thumping, BIGGER THAN JESUS is a theatrical mass that questions the mysteries of life through often conflicting interpretations of Christ and Christianity.

”Critic's Pick – The hottest ticket in town!”
Calgary Herald

“A divine tragedy - sinfully funny!”
Winnipeg Sun, ‘Best Bets'

“Everything you'd expect from the guy who gave the world MacHomer!”
Winnipeg Free Press

“Purely theatrical!”
Edmonton Journal

Co-creator and performer of BIGGER THAN JESUS, Rick Miller is a Montréal-trained actor/writer who has performed in three languages on four continents. As the Artistic Director of WYRD Productions, he has created and performed three award-winning solo shows: Art?, Slightly Bent, and the worldwide hit MacHomer, which is now entering its 8th year of playing to capacity crowds around the globe.  Miller is one of Canada 's most respected multi-disciplinary performers, with credits ranging from classical theatre to the avant-garde, from musical theatre to film & television. He is currently working with director Robert Lepage on two new projects: Zulu Time (a 'technological cabaret' co-created by Peter Gabriel and Ex Machina), and Baroque (a multimedia exploration of the Baroque period and String Theory). NOTE TO MEDIA: Rick Miller is available to do interviews in French.

Co-creator and director of BIGGER THAN JESUS, Daniel Brooks is a writer, actor, and the Artistic Director of Necessary Angel Theatre Company. He is a prolific and versatile artist whose innovation and risk-taking has made him a leader within the Canadian cultural landscape. He has been recognised with accolades and awards for such productions as Here Lies Henry, The Noam Chomsky Lectures, House, Insomnia, The Good Life and Faust. The recipient of the inaugural Siminovitch Prize in Theatre ( Canada 's most prestigious arts award) Brooks' work has toured across the country and around the world.

Necessary Angel Theatre Company, in association with Factory Theatre, presents BIGGER THAN JESUS Previewing November 16 & 17, 2004, opening November 18 and running to December 12, 2004.
Factory Theatre Mainspace, 125 Bathurst Street . BOX OFFICE: (416) 504-9971

Performances and prices:
Previews November 16 & 17
All previews at 8pm, $12.
Regular Run from November 19 on:
Tuesday – Thursday at 8pm, $25;
Friday at 8pm, $29;
Saturday at 8pm, $34;
Saturday matinee (November 11 only) at 2pm, $25;
Sunday at 2pm PWYC or $20 in advance;

$5 off for students, seniors, and CAEA (excepting previews).
Group rates are available, for details call 416-703-0406.

www.necessaryangel.com