Coal Creek Theater of Louisville presents
The Runner Stumbles
by Milan Stitt
Directed by Dan Schock
A priest sits in a jail cell in rural Michigan, accused of murdering the young nun who served at his parish. As Father Rivard awaits trial, the play moves between courtroom testimony and flashbacks that reveal the truth: two people bound by sacred vows, awakening to a forbidden love neither could suppress. Based on an actual 1911 case, Stitt's gripping drama ran nearly 400 performances on Broadway, weaving murder mystery, courtroom tension, and theological questioning into one devastating whole. The shocking climax will leave you wrestling with questions of faith, duty, and sacrifice long after the verdict.
Run Time - 2 hours and 20 minutes, with one 15-minute intermission.
Cast and Creative Team
Stage Manager - Shane Forman
Set Design - H. L. Smith & Kirsten Jorgensen Smith
Lighting Design - Shane Forman
Light & Sound Operator - Steve Rausch
Costume Design - Kathleen Boyle Rausch
Props - Peg Bolan & Sue Peterson
Cover & Poster Design - Lisa Kreinbrink
Publicity, Photography & Program - Lynn Fleming
CCTL Liaison - Dan Schock
Volunteers - Louis Clark, Brian Dowling, Lynn Fleming, Shane Forman, Michael Gurshtein, Becca Hatcher, Jay Kirby, Renee Malis, Julie Marino, Brett Nickerson, Eliza Nickerson, Melanie Petry, Kathy Rausch, Steve Rausch, Elizabel Riggs, Dan Schock, Sarah Schuetz, LH Smith, Kirsten Jorgensen Smith, Renee Sobering, Amy Sonnanstine, Emily Strand, Jes Suhowatsky, Jmi Whiteman
Production Photos
Reviews and Testimonials
“Masterfully directed by Dan Schock and led by the outstanding performances of Dowling as Father Rivard and Riggs as Sister Rita, the play moves beyond a typical performance of tortured love and into a drama with real emotional intensity.” - Aimee Drugan, On Stage Colorado
“A terrific, terrific show!! Powerful stuff and so well done... LOVED it! Kudos to all!” - Justin Regan