Play about a pope resigning heading off-Broadway

NEW YORK (AP) — The debut of Tom Attea's new play is likely to benefit from some holy timing — he's written a play about a pope resigning.

The off-Broadway company Theater for the New City said Friday it will produce Attea's "Benedictus," a play written two years about a pope who steps down.

It is slated to run from May 30 to June 16 at the company's home in lower Manhattan. Mark Mercante will direct the production with incidental music by Arthur Abrams.

According to producers, the play is about the fictional Pope Benedictus, who has visions that command him to follow a new calling. Top cardinals must then decide what to do with him.

Attea, a playwright and lyricist, has had eight musicals and one play produced off-Broadway.

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Online: http://www.theaterforthenewcity.net