Performer Honors Late Pope during Year for Priests

Jeremy Stanbary Stars in One-Man Drama about Pope John Paul II

Minneapolis, Minn. (Vocus) July 2, 2009 -- Pope Benedict XVI opened the Year for Priests (www.EpiphanyStudio.com) in St. Peter's Square on Friday, June 19. He called for the special year to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Vianney, who was famed for his priestly ministry. The year hopes to celebrate the life, mission and vocation of priests, the Church's spiritual fathers.

Jeremy Stanbary has found a unique way to celebrate the Year for Priests. Stanbary, founder and executive director of the Minneapolis-based Epiphany Studio Productions (www.EpiphanyStudio.com), is performing his one-man play called "Lolek." The drama is a stirring portrayal of Karol Wojtyla, the man who later became Pope John Paul II. Known as "Lolek" to his closest friends, Wojtyla was ordained to the priesthood on November 1, 1946 and elected Pope on October 16, 1978.

Stanbary says "Lolek" is one of the most popular plays in his repertoire. "'Lolek' looks at the young adulthood of Pope John Paul II, his discernment and calling to the priesthood," said Stanbary. "The play recounts his heroic vocational journey amidst great adversity and ends with a moving depiction of his ordination."

Set in occupied Poland, "Lolek" is a riveting drama that provides insight into the experiences and influences that formed one of the most intriguing and beloved figures of all time.

Like the late pope an actor and playwright himself, Stanbary has combined his love of acting with his passion for working with youth and his love of the Catholic Faith. He hopes his performances will entertain, educate and inspire audiences. Stanbary has performed at World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany and Sydney, Australia.

Stanbary will be performing "Lolek" in Chicago from October 1-5. In November, "Lolek" is being performed at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin for the Diocese of La Crosse Youth Conference. For more information about these and other performances by Stanbary, please visit www.EpiphanyStudio.com.

To schedule an interview with Stanbary, please contact Christine Schicker with The Maximus Group at 404-610-8871.

If your church or organization would like to book Stanbary for a performance of "Lolek," please contact Tina Remmert with The Maximus Group at 386-763-9127.

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