Believe it or don’t

Kurt Johnson gives the tortured performance of a lifetime as Pastor Paul, leader of a nondenominational church on the verge of great things or collapse in Lucas Hnath’s The Christians now at B Street Theatre. As the minister tries to reconcile his belief in a loving god and a vengeful one who condemns nonbelievers to hell, he questions much about himself and his faith—and the audience does, too. The show runs through February 11. 2 p.m and 7 p.m. Thursday, January 19; 7 p.m. Friday, January 20; 8 p.m. Saturday, January 21; 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 24 and Wednesday, January 25; $26-$38. B Street Theatre, 2711 B Street; (916) 443-5300; www.bstreettheatre.org.