←Recommendations of James of Nazareth

"James, let's see how well you can saw that in half blindfolded." "James, let's see if that camel is ticklish." Dellagiarino Feriend gives us a totally new side of Jesus - snarky older brother and mischievous uncle - from the perspective of long-suffering younger brother James. It's a lighthearted viewpoint that emphasizes Jesus both as a human person, and ultimately as someone his disciples would follow into death. I've had Dellagiarino Feriend's play atop my reading list for a long time. It more than lived up to my excitement and greatly exceeded my expectations. Oh, and camels? Not ticklish, apparently.

What an entertaining play. I LOVE the modern-esque language set on a biblical backdrop, and I LOVE the relationships of these characters. I hope to see this production on the stage one day!

This play is a creative and fantastic "Rosencrantz & Gildenstern"-style view of the life of Jesus, as told through the eyes of his younger brother James. The characters and their relationships are so rich and there is so much dramatic potential in the performance as the story careens towards the emotional (and inevitable) conclusion. A completely fresh perspective on "The Greatest Story Ever Told" and one that breathes life into familiar characters. Feriend's keen sense of humor balances the heavy moments expertly. Produce this play!

The story of Jesus and his brother James, and mother Mary, and their relationship is retold from the perspective of James, with a real family, and real relationships, squabbles, misunderstandings, and disappointments. Seen through James' eyes, it casts a new and distinct perspective on this well known, oft told story. Not preachy or an attempt to sway, it is a great new take on a story we think we all know.

This is a terrific work. By turns funny, horrifying, lighthearted, infuriating… read it yourself and fill in your own adjectives and superlatives; Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend has written quite the parable for our times here. Her use of contemporary language and mores bring the script to sharply observed life and give it an immediacy that is both hugely entertaining as well as deeply thought-provoking. I would love to see this staged.

What a hilarious and non-boring way to tell the story of Jesus with perspectives and aspects I never knew. I loved the Bible-centered jokes and the way Peter was portrayed as a bit of a weiner. This show is hilarious, I'd love to see it live, and is a really easy and fun read, which is not always the case. Great work!

What an incredible, beautiful, audacious thing Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend has achieved! Not only to tell the story of Jesus Christ from the perspective of his younger brother James, but to do it with such wit, skill, and compassion that it becomes an incredibly poignant, immediate, wonderful narrative, heartbreaking and real. This really knocked me for a loop. What bravery and talent. It's too bad the subject matter might scare off producers afraid of the blowback that an edgy Jesus story might bring, but it's absolutely their loss. I'm going to recommend this to everyone.

I cried beautiful tears through the last 20 pages of this play. It is so well written and makes Jesus and Christianity so accessible without being preachy. Jesus is Jesus, but someone you could see having a beer with while listening to his teachings. James feels like how pretty much any of us would be should we encounter a person like Jesus today. I am so in love with this play. The characters are all strong and down to earth. You don't have to be Christian to really enjoy this. Comedy, tragedy, perfection!

One of the reasons I love Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend's play is that, though it does tell the story of Jesus-- albeit from the point-of-view of His brother James--it is not preachy. It’s pro-Jesus but its goal is not to convert you. It is, however, a wonderfully written character piece, with a strong female presence and moments that gave me goosebumps. And it’s funny! Christ is portrayed as having a sense of humor which I completely buy because you can't get people to follow you unless your adept at cracking a joke or two. You should read this play.