Although the Simpatico Theatre Project chose to revive Renegade Theatre’s incisive production of Jessica Dickey’s The Amish Project long before the Sandy Hook shooting, the decision proves timely. In this exploration of the 2006 Nickel Mines schoolhouse shooting in Lancaster, Janice Rowland plays seven community members with unique connections to the tragedy. I felt stricken and disturbed — in a good way — when I had the good fortune to catch Renegade’s brief 2011 run. Simpatico not only adds enhanced production values and more performances, but teams with the Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia to join the suddenly intense national debate.
Through Feb. 3, $10-$22, Walnut Street Theatre, Studio 5, 825 Walnut St., 215-423-0254, simpaticotheatre.org.
