Salvation Road

Denise Kozak was always an independent thinker, or so her family thought

A talented musician with a rebellious streak, she cultivated a passionate social conscience, to the irritation of her younger brother Cliff, 17

He was just the opposite - a bit cynical, priding himself on his calm, rational approach to the universe

Cliff’s declared philosophy: “If it doesn’t kill me, I don’t care"

But when Denise leaves for college and falls in with a charismatic church, her family and friends notice a strange shift in her personality and interests

Denise believes The True Disciples has the answer to all that life holds

She neglects her music and abandons her studies to volunteer with the church, all the while talking obsessively about the church and its founder, Reverend Douglas

Her parents’ concerns intensify when Denise refuses to come home for the holidays

When her father tries to force the issue, she declares her family a "toxic influence to her newfound faith - and disappears

Months go by without a word, driving a rift between their parents as Cliff and his younger sister, Jill, struggle to hold it all together

Cliff pretends that he isn’t hurt that Denise cut him out of her life

Jill worries that she is somehow to blame for it

One day, Cliff’s best friend, Duffy, comes to them with the startling news that he found Denise

A chance sighting of her selling flowers at a New Jersey strip mall has convinced him that she’s in trouble and needs their help

Cliff resists at first, but Jill persuades him to start the search, a decision that propels Cliff and Duffy onto a road trip into the heart of a deepening mystery

Why would a smart and talented girl like Denise fall for the hollow promises of a preacher whose private life doesn’t line up with his public message?

And where do you draw the line between faith and fanaticism?

With the help of a savvy nun and a former member of The True Disciples, cynical, agnostic Cliff finds himself embarking on a spiritual search of his own

REVIEWS

"Salvation Road follows a neat narrative arc that is never too predictable, and profound themes are balanced by lighthearted moments and funny dialogue” ~ Arts-Louisville.com

"The overall effect of Salvation Road is not unlike that of a cultish devotion: simultaneously satisfying and terrifying” ~ Washington CityPaper

“It’s got some strong, touching moments, some snappy humor, and a well-informed look at the world of religious cults” ~ DC Theatre Scene