Anne L. Thompson-Scretching’s The Fall from Grace Explores Paradise—and Innocence—Lost

“I am coming, mortal… enjoy this strange light that illuminates your world. It cannot protect you. I am coming, mortal… wait for me.”

From the powerful and prolific pen of Anne L. Thompson-Scretching comes The Fall from Grace, an epic drama inspired by John Milton’s Paradise Lost. Reimagined for a modern audience, this ambitious play does far more than entertain—it invites viewers to reflect on the nature of good and evil, the consequences of free will, and humanity’s place in an increasingly uncertain world.

The production (directed by the author) opens with a striking narrated video sequence depicting the angels before their fall from Heaven, featuring atmospheric projections by Jake Minter. Once God’s favored angel, Lucifer is consumed by jealousy as the Son is proclaimed the Anointed One. He launches a war he cannot possibly win and is cast into Hell alongside seven fallen colleagues.

Now ruling the Netherworld, Lucifer presides over a fractured court where the Fallen constantly bicker and erupt into violence. Envious of God’s creation of Earth and humankind, Lucifer agrees with Beelzebub’s suggestion that the surest path to revenge is to corrupt God’s latest invention. Thus begins his journey to Eden, where a certain forbidden tree awaits.

Jake McMichael delivers a commanding performance as the cunning yet despairing Lucifer (alternating in the role with Laquan Hailey). His intensity commands the stage, capturing both the character’s seductive charisma and profound bitterness. Adam Lyons is terrifying as the furiously wrathful Beelzebub, while Courtney Everette brings quiet authority and steely resolve to Moloch. Kevin Leonard is excellent as Astarte—the Grand Duke of Hell—whose growing unease over Lucifer’s leadership provides an effective counterpoint to the Adversary’s ambition. Astarte has claimed to have seen the light of God even as Lucifer has begun his infiltration of His Creation, and realizes that the notion of any demonic plot against Him going unseen is impossible.

“Clearly as I speak to you now, He knows that the Adversary stands at the edge of his world, and stopped him not, as he could not…foolish lord to think He knows not what we do, or our thoughts.”

Each of the fallen princes is vividly realized, with every actor creating a distinct and memorable personality. Christian Miranda is Belial; Alex Silverman is Abdiel and the Herald; Jonathan Beebe is Mammon. Beebe also serves as Fight Choreographer, and architect of a pivotal, expertly realized climax that brings Theo Nóbrega’s Thumuzz to the forefront. (Benedict Burgess is Swing for Beelzebub.)

The constant friction among Hell’s rulers adds another fascinating layer to the drama. After witnessing rebellion in Heaven, one begins to wonder whether rebellion in Hell is equally inevitable.

Gia Smith’s scenic design brilliantly transforms the John Cullum Stage into the executive headquarters of Hell. The concept is inspired, blending the fiery depths of Hades with the cold efficiency of a corporate boardroom. Dominated by crimson and black, the set features Lucifer’s imposing throne flanked by the desks of his princes beneath towering projections of roaring flames. Everette Clark’s costumes are equally impressive, dressing the fallen angels in elegant dark robes accented by magnificent, weathered wings that reinforce both their former glory and present damnation.

Far from simply retelling a familiar biblical tale, The Fall from Grace speaks directly to the present moment. Its themes of pride, ambition, corruption, and moral compromise resonate powerfully in the weary landscape of the mid-2020s. The play poses an unsettling question: when we look at today’s world, can we honestly say Lucifer’s plan did not succeed?

The Fall from Grace is another triumph from Anne L. Thompson-Scretching and a shining jewel in the crown of the American Theatre of Actors as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The Fall from Grace runs at The American Theatre of Actors through September 6, 2026.

ALL PHOTOS BY DAN LANE WILLIAMS