Cult of Love ensemble (Photo: Joan Marcus)

Cult of Love

By Fern Siegel

Cult of Love is appropriately named. The cult is religion - and "love" translates as control.

The searing holiday family dramedy, now on Broadway at the Hayes Theater, begins with a loud, overly long Christmas carol. But the gaiety feels forced; the siblings participate in a childhood ritual that will explode in a cacophony of pain and sorrow.

Cult of Love is a cautionary tale - about the danger of obsession, or how the Dahl parents' use of strict Christianity as a cudgel has maimed their offspring. Jesus is invoked to avoid parental or personal responsibility. It's as if belief is enough, rather than facing the challenges life presents in a mature, thoughtful way.

Yet to playwright Leslye Headland's credit, she's produced a work that's multilayered: funny, pointed and sad. It's a perfect example of toxicity disguised as holiday cheer. And it's staged by an excellent ensemble cast that delivers the goods.

Each Christmas Eve, the Dahl children assemble at their parents' Connecticut farmhouse. But problems quickly surface and the harmony they achieve in singing is a counterpoint to the disharmony they provoke as a family. Resentment, like the much-awaited lamb, is best served hot.
And each sibling comes bearing issues.

Zachary Quinto, Shailene Woodley (Photo: Joan Marcus)

Evie Dahl (Rebecca Henderson) married to Pippa (Roberta Colindrez), is angry because her mother and youngest sister Diana (Shailene Woodley) and Episcopal priest husband James (Christopher Lowell) object to their lifestyle.

Mark (Zachary Quinto) had studied to be a priest, but instead became a lawyer and married Rachel (Molly Bernard), who converted from Judaism. Rachel regrets her decision and the hold Mark's family, particularly his mother Ginny (Mare Winningham) has over him. Ginny has a gift for denial and distraction.

Finally, Johnny (Christopher Sears), the favorite son and recently recovering heroin addict, arrives with his sponsee (Barbie Ferreira). Throw the father's (David Rasche) never-acknowledged Alzheimer's into the mix and what could possibly go wrong?

Cult of Love is a feast of anger and simmering grudges, but often, thanks to Rachel, presented with a wisecracking twist. Bernard is especially adept at conveying emotion via expression. This is a prickly 100-minute drama comfortably designed by John Lee Beatty, with lighting by Heather Gilbert. Sophia Choi's costumes aid character distinctions. There are even snow flurries outside the windows. It's what lies beneath the picture-perfect setting that intrigues.

Headland notes how childhood imprints adult life in lethal ways. Cult of Love, tightly directed by Trip Cullman, would be stronger with less holiday songs, but it delivers a knockout punch and realistic end: There is no escape for those trapped in their own delusions.

 

Cult of Love 

Second Stage/Hayes Theater, 240 W. 44 St.

Through Feb. 2, 2025

Running time: 100 minutes, no intermission

Tickets: https://2st.com/shows/cult-of-love