“Be not afraid”

– John Paul II


“Lolek” is a brand-new, original play by actor and playwright Jeremy Stanbary, now
touring across the country.

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What is
“Lolek live”?

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“Lolek Live” is an innovative cinematic experience of Jeremy Stanbary’s hit theatrical production about the early life of Pope St. John Paull II. “Lolek Live” brings the intimacy of live theatre into the realm of film through a fully immersive, high-quality 4k filming of the original production. And now, we’re bringing this cinematic experience on the road, presented by Jeremy Stanbary and co-star Jeromy Darling.

With a professional setup that includes a large rear-projection screen, a rich, colorful projector, and a crystal clear sound system that can fill an entire auditorium, we’re bringing the intimacy, power, and complexity of a live-stage performance to your parish, school, or event for a fraction of the cost of an actual live-stage performance. Plus, you can add a pre-show talk or a post-show Q&A at no additional cost!

Jeremy Stanbary, founder of the Twin Cities-based Open Window Theatre, has been writing, producing, and performing critically acclaimed saint dramas for the past 20 years. In 2020, Stanbary, along with a small team of other creatives, innovated a new and exciting way to share live theatre by embedding a trained cameraman onstage with the actors. Our one-of-a-kind virtual performances make you a part of the story by bringing you on stage with the actors in a way that conveys all of the power and intimacy of live theatre through a “single take” 4k recording of the show. Combine this with quality audio and professional editing, and a brand new genre of film was born. Scroll down to learn more or contact us to preview “Lolek.”

I wept, I meditated, and even dreamt about the impact of this play. I had another patron tell me last night he has seen almost everything Open Window has performed, and this was the most beautiful.
– Molly K.
The entire audience was in tears during the last 25 minutes of the show. One of the most powerful scenes that I have ever witnessed on stage.
– Dan Z.
It was very moving … phenomenal, Bravo!! … It was truly meditative and made you stop and pray and think about so many things.
– Alyssa S.
Open Window Theater has outdone itself with Frassati, which is their best play yet, with inspired script-writing by Jeremy Stanbary.  Mad props to Jeromy Darling for riveting acting.  We were moved to tears and walked out speechless.
– Eric N.
…you paralyzed myself and the rest of the audience with your accurate and profound rendition of a life worth emulating. The liberties you took were subtle, left no inaccuracies, and only deepened the mystic behind such an astounding young adult and man of faith.
Mike B.

Director’s Note

There is so much that can be said about Pier Giorgio Frassati and the impact he had in his own lifetime as well as the relevance of his story for today. As the playwright, I’m inclined to let the play speak for itself, but I will say this: I’ve attempted to write more of a spiritual biographical drama than a strictly historical biographical drama. The play is deeply rooted in historical events and people, but more than trying to tell a compelling historical story, I’m ultimately trying to tell an even more compelling spiritual story.

I was struck in my research by the many parallels between Frassati’s time and ours, both politically and culturally. It just goes to show that human nature never changes, and yet Pier Giorgio provides a beautiful example of the greatness we’re all capable of. But his greatness was not found in worldly power or might, or in grasping for the allurements and comforts of this life, rather it was found hidden within this great paradox: “whoever wishes to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” (Matt 16:25)

– Jeremy Stanbary

touring now

Bring this CINEMATIC VIRTUAL PERFORMANCE EVENT W/ LIVE Q&A to your city, school or Parish

Book Now

by the Numbers

Lolek premiered with in-person performances, at quarter capacity, October 21, 2020, in our 140-seat black box theatre and ran, on and off, for 8 months,
followed by a social media launch of our groundbreaking cinematic performance.

sold
Standing ovations
REached at virtual launch
FAQ

What to know about booking a Lolek performance

We’ve collected here some handy answers to our more frequently asked questions.

A professional, out-of-the-box cinematic event, with a high-end screen/projector/sound system, hosted by the lead actor (and, when available, the playwright), followed by a post-show Q&A.

No. You’ll need room for a 9×12 screen, 8-10ft behind the screen for a rear projector, and ideally, a fairly neutral room in terms of sound (gymnasiums, for instance, can often make the audio more difficult to hear, echoing off the floor and ceilings).

$1500 + travel reimbursement
Alternate, money-saving options:
1. If an overnight stay is necessary, we are happy to accept housing with families in the community as opposed to a hotel.
2. Travel costs may be reduced if you provide the sound system, screen & projector (must be approved in advance).

Who is Karl
Wojyla?

He was an extreme athlete, a devoted friend and prankster, a political activist, a University student, and an unexpected Saint.

The young Italian, Pier Giorgio Frassati, died suddenly from polio in 1925 at just 24 years of age and his life might have gone largely unnoticed had it not been for the throngs of people who flooded the streets to honor him during his funeral.

As stories emerged, it soon became clear that Frassati had lived no ordinary life. His story has since inspired millions in every corner of the globe and serves as a light of hope in a broken world.

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