PassinArt Aims to Bring Laughter and Joy to Portland With 'God's Favorite'

A comedy of Biblical proportions, written by one of the most beloved playwrights in history, has arrived in Portland with PassinArt Theatre Company’s Fall season-opening production of “God’s Favorite.”

Written by Neil Simon, it’s the story of a wealthy man suddenly visited by a messenger from God, who sends a series of trials against the man to test his faith; it’s loosely based on the Biblical story of Job.

The cast for the production includes: gifted leading man James Dixon, holding on as the family patriarch, Joe Benjamin and Shakespearean actor Orion Bradshaw as God’s stalwart messenger, Sidney Lipton joined by an ensemble cast.

Director William (Bill) Earl Ray is a multi-talented powerhouse of Portland stages, with acting and directing credits at multiple theater companies across the city. He relishes the chance to expand PassinArt’s repertoire and at the same time interpret mainstream American theater for contemporary audiences rooted in the Black community.

“As I understand the history of PassinArt, 'God's Favorite' is completely out of the ordinary for the company,” he said. “What it represents for me as the Artistic Associate is that PassinArt: A Theatre Company is quite ambidextrous in our thought process for producing plays for the community.”

Ray’s perspective comes from years in film and live theater, from popular tv shows and independent movies to major stage productions.

“Neil Simon is one of our country's prolific playwrights of comedy. He can turn tragedy into funny moments to let us laugh at ourselves,” Ray said.

“At a time where our country is in such disarray – we chose to do 'God's Favorite' so laughter and joy can fill our hearts as we head into November,” Ray said.

“We need laughter!”

While considered a schtick-filled comedy, don’t be fooled; Neil Simon’s genius is in his ability to make audiences both laugh and cry. Definitely pack a hanky.

“God’s Favorite” is the very first show of PassinArt’s 2024-2025 performance season, which includes: "Black Nativity", the beloved holiday musical production written by Langston Hughes (Nov. 29-Dec. 15, 2024); and "DOT", a dramatic comedy by actor/writer/director Coleman Domingo about one family’s attempt to care for an elderly mother who is losing her memory (March 19-April 13, 2025).

"God’s Favorite" is on stage at the Brunish Theater, Portland’5. Performances run now through September 29, at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

For tickets and more information, visit www.passinart.org.