7th Street Theater (2007– ) User Reviews

SO bad, that it's kind of good

[Aiwaz69 · 5/10 · 19 December 2021]

Well, what can I say about this show... it's bad. I feel like some of the high reviews comes from the fact the show is extremely Christian-centered.

In reality, the show is just not very good. It's not so much the heavy, in-your-face gospel preaching (that is to expected from a show like this) nor the cheap look (I mean, a show like this wasn't going to get a big budget), but for several other reasons.

One, the writing and dialogue is cringe. Besides repeating the same words over and over again (Such as in "A Christian Practical Joke" where they repeatedly said 'practical joke' in just a few minutes), the attempt at humor fails (The beginning of "The Vanish of New Jersey" is unfunny but annoying). The characters throw around words "Christian", "God", and "Christ" way too much to a point is almost a parody. I know many evangelicals and while they use those words often, its nowhere near as much as they do on this show. The writing tries to invoke emotion, but it comes off as funny or dull. (Hallmark does it better, and that's not saying much).

The acting is either just okay (Jack Kelly who plays Rudy) to bad (so many chose from, but my vote goes to Shane Willimon as Travis).

Characters are not very well-rounded. In the end, the viewer will know that they are very Christian and seek out to convert people. What few backstories were get are usual underdeveloped. This could have been remedy if they showed the characters interacting outside the theater (likely not done due to budget) and with others who weren't Christian. The characters are judgmental and puritanical. Like one time the character of Rudy implied anyone who simply kissed a person before marriage is impure and immoral ('One Lucky Lady'). The characters at times label other people as sad, immoral, and in need of saving. Yes, at times some of the characters get called out for being judgmental... by others who are just as bad.

Who is the worse character in this show? Hugh McLean as Gates (AKA the Tolkien Black Guy, yes there's very little representation in this show). He was the most judgmental of all the characters. Example, he passionately hated Jamie's earrings because it made him look 'gay' and repeatedly said a heckler was the Devil. He also does a stereotypical Jamaican character for the theater.

I can keep going on, but you know what... I still enjoy the show. The low budget, bad acting, and bad dialogue and a lot of the other negatives makes for enjoyable viewing of bad media. The overly wholesome and unrealistic positive nature can be quite relaxing after binge watching darker shows like 'Squid Games'. Despite major flaws, some of the characters are likable (Jamie for one).

Some of the episodes pleasantly surprise me, such as "The Heckler". In that episode, a theater patron heckler calls out the theater for what he preserved as lies and falsehoods during a show. After the incident, the theater character think the man is bad, except for Jamie, who was compassionate towards the man (which was nice to see from a character on this show). You would think from this show after Jamie tells the heckler about Jesus and stuff, the man would have a change of heart and be saved. Nope! The heckler rejects him in the end. That threw off guard and its why this was the best episode in my opinion.

Okay, this was a long review. So in short, the show is so bad, that's good. Another reviewer gave a very similar review about how he liked the show for being bad, and that's truth.

Best Show on TV By Far

[cvarietta · 10/10 · 16 September 2009]

I read the "bad" review that a person wrote and have to say whoever did that must be a "Christ-hater".

7th Street Theater is the exact opposite of what that person wrote. It is my favorite show on TV and I have seen all 41 episodes they have aired so far.

I felt like "A Postcard From Florida" was extremely well done and was very touching, especially at the end. I can see God working that way so easily.

The actor who plays Travis is one of the best actors I have ever seen. That guy plays I don't know how many different characters on the show and is great at all of them.

I commend the people who did this show...it is the only real show on TV worth watching because it's purpose is to honor my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I am looking forward to watching any more episodes they do.

If you want to grow spiritually, this is the series for you!

[acekiddn · 10/10 · 18 November 2022]

This series is filled with encouraging messages, smiles and some good laughs. For the first episode or two, you may need a little patience. It almost seems too neat. You'll find the characters don't talk over each other, aren't argumentative or violent; they have love, joy and peace. We aren't used to that nowadays and so it may seem a little unrealistic. But soon, you'll find this refreshing, like a taste of Heaven.

It really is like having true fellowship watching these believers interact. There are some twists and turns that keep you on your toes. Things do get very "real" at times. But, ultimately, I find I'm left with a glowing smile or tear in my eye after nearly every episode.

I praise God for the simplicity and integrity of this show. It may not have all the flashing lights that we see in shows today, but this gives space for the light of Jesus! It may be a little obvious at times, but I like that about it. Through this, viewers are brought back to the fundamental truths of God's word.

Worst/Best Show On Television

[maydreamsofpulsars · 10/10 · 22 June 2009]

As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of bad art, I am always on the lookout for works which fail abysmally, despite the best and courageous efforts of its producers. Never in my life have I found anything as awful/wonderful as 7th Street Theater.

Let's begin with the opening credits. The theme music is the most unabashedly sappy theme music that has ever graced the airwaves. At the same time, however, it gives the viewer the absolutely correct idea of what to expect. Ribbons of light, animated star trails, and a bell tree adorn the actors' names as a montage of short clips from the show depict the heroic actors of the 7th Street Theater. There are two fairly attractive young women who look like their response to anything in the world would be "I'll pray for you": Andi and Kelly. Two men who look like their core belief is similar: Rudy and Jamie. There is the diversity card, Hugh McLean as Gates, and the too-obese-for-television card, Travis. Oh, and then there's Joanna.

The format of every episode is exactly the same. The first segment features one of the characters with some problem. They never come straight out with the problem, however, it must be DRAGGED from them by the rest of the actors in the Theater for ten tedious minutes of television. Rudy is hardly ever a source of conflict, since he thinks every scene that is written is wonderful, and never seems to be clued into anything that is going on around him. Gates is the stock fun-loving character, so the drama almost never comes from him either. Then there's Travis. Very obese, with a horrible haircut, and almost always wearing a plain- color tee that matches his skin tone, he is a cheap and easy source of conflict. He spends 3/4 of every episode whining about something or another, and at least 3/4 of the dialog in every episode consists of the other characters consoling him and trying to get a handle on whatever issue he's having and him refusing to let it go.

By the end of the first ten minutes on-screen, anyone who has attended a nondenominational church (and became disillusioned by its naive, cloying, and generally simplistic view of Scripture and life) can predict the entire outcome of the episode. Any annoying, stupid conflict will be dragged out for 18 minutes, and it will be tied up in the most "Jesus-y" way in the last 4 minutes. Sometimes it even involves the characters refusing to take responsibility for their issues, and God magically supplying the need.

Take "A Postcard from Florida" (#41) as an example. Half the cast moved down to Florida permanently (probably because they needed to be written out of the show), and so Andi must be replaced. Who knows why no one cares about Jamie. Maybe it's because he's been replaced by "the new guy" who is so forgettable I can't even remember his name. Instead of contacting the "talent agencies" for a replacement, they just sit around and hope that God will answer their prayer and someone will magically drop from the sky. Keep in mind, they didn't want to contact the talent agency in the first place because "they wouldn't know that person very well." So the obvious solution is to just hope that some random person drops in their laps. And that's what happens at the end!! Some girl who went to Florida to join the 7th Street Theater "church plant" got the wrong audition date (God knows why she wasn't in direct communication with the theater in the first place) so couldn't be in the theater. She DRIVES UP TO MANHATTAN (who does that, by the way?), sees a show at the original 7th Street Theater, tells them her situation, and she is hired on the spot, with no audition, no resume or c.v., NOTHING. She is providentially supplied by God, so she must be good.

This episode reveals so many things about the show that are problematic. First off, do the producers expect anybody to believe that this theater is thriving in the New York City theater environment? Nothing about the atmosphere is believable. Supposedly these people are full-time, but it is clear after watching 5 minutes of the show that none of the actors portraying these actors have had any training. Every scene in every episode displays an utter lack of acting training and experience; watch the show, I don't feel the need to elaborate. Second, what is this show trying to teach people? After watching "A Postcard from Florida", I should be able to pray to God about something, sit on my a** and do nothing, and he would be obligated to supply my need. I wish the real world worked this way, but it doesn't, and I think that this attitude, which is consistently portrayed and encouraged on 7th Street Theater, is AT BEST unrealistic, and probably closer to the truth, it is utterly heretical.

I give this show a 10 because its failure is so profound. Think about it: It is a show where non-trained actors portray trained, professional actors. Scenes where the characters make judgments about other peoples' acting are hilarious, because you as the viewer have no idea what is going on until the joke is over. It's amazing that this show is still being produced, and even more amazing that the DVD of season one is $39. Think about it, I could pay $49 or so and get a season of South Park or pay $10 less and get a season of 7th Street Theater, which is NOT EVEN CLOSE in production value.

I guess they expect us to think of buying their DVDs as a charity. Or maybe Dave Christiano is really delusional enough to think that this show is worth more than a night out.

Best written and acted

[egoodu · 10/10 · 12 July 2021]

I think this series is so we'll written and produced you will find great truths and actors who do great jobs In every episode.

A Glorious Celebration of Faith and Humanity

[sonuta · 21 December 2023]

In a world thirsting for genuine connection and uplifting stories, 7th Street Theater shines like a beacon of hope and humor. This isn't just a TV show; it's a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of faith, community, and the transformative power of art.

Step into the bustling world of the eponymous theater, where a troupe of five talented actors, bound by faith and friendship, navigate the joys and trials of life both on and off the stage. Rudy, the jovial director, guides with an infectious enthusiasm, while Joanna, the ever-efficient manager, keeps the wheels turning. Each character, from the fiery Sarah to the introspective Michael, is beautifully crafted, showcasing a spectrum of personalities and struggles that resonate deeply with the audience.

The weekly stage productions, tackling relatable themes from forgiveness to self-doubt, are more than mere entertainment. They're windows into the soul, sparking introspection and offering messages of hope and encouragement. Laughter and tears mingle seamlessly as the actors pour their hearts into each performance, reminding us of the shared human experience that transcends differences.

But 7th Street Theater isn't afraid to tackle tough topics either. From confronting prejudice to navigating personal crises, the show delves into sensitive issues with grace and honesty. It invites viewers to engage in meaningful conversations, challenging us to grow and expand our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Beyond the stage, the lives of these compelling characters unfold, showcasing the messy beauty of everyday life. Their friendships offer a warm embrace, their romances blossom with tenderness, and their triumphs resonate with bittersweet joy. We root for them, laugh with them, cry with them, and ultimately, grow alongside them.

More than a Christian drama, 7th Street Theater is a universal story of human connection, resilience, and the transformative power of faith. It celebrates the beauty of everyday moments, the strength found in community, and the way creativity can illuminate the darkest corners of our lives.

If you're seeking a show that will uplift your spirit, nourish your soul, and leave you with a renewed sense of hope, look no further than 7th Street Theater. It's not just a show; it's a reminder that life's grandest performances often happen beyond the spotlight, within the sacred space of human connection and shared belief.