The Power of Duff

"What does it take to become a charismatic spiritual leader, one who has people questioning and empowering their own faith? Is it possible in our media soaked society to grab the attention of millions of people simply by speaking your mind and sharing your faith, ultimately proving the power of positive thinking?

In...the complicated and timely play THE POWER OF DUFF by Stephen Belber, TV anchor Charlie Duff begins to sign-off each Rochester news broadcast with a prayer from his heart about a situation in his own life. His co-workers react negatively, but when a growing crowd of believers becomes glued to their TV sets wondering when their prayers will be answered, the jump in ratings quickly changes the minds of his co-anchors Sue Raspell, sports co-anchor John Ebbs, and sufficiently slimy station boss Scott Zoellner.

The play is ultimately about a person who is fundamentally ambivalent about religion, even about spirituality-who undergoes an emotional transformation, which in turn leads him to a position of being a suddenly looked-to spiritual leader even as his ambivalence continues. But what his on-air prayers do-and don't do-to those closest to Duff tests the news anchor's own beliefs. Can he inspire others to help each other when he has trouble doing just that in his own life? Stephen Belber's sharp new play asks if there is anything more vital than the faith we have in ourselves and one another....

Playwright Stephen Belber['s]... ability to look inside the hearts and souls of his characters always shines through even the most difficult situations. You will walk out questioning your own life and how you can change it for the betterment of yourself as well as all around you."

Shari Barrett, broadwayworld.com
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