The play is also about the departure of a vanishing breed..."[2] In a townhouse in the Beacon Hill area of Boston, an elderly couple, Fanny (in her 60s) and Gardner (in his 70s) Church, are packing.
[4] The production was directed by Carole Rothman, set design by Heidi Landesman, costumes by Linda Fisher, and lighting by Frances Aronson.
The play was revived Off-Broadway by the Keen Company at Clurman Theatre in 2012, starring Kathleen Chalfant (Fanny), John Cunningham (Gardner) and Kate Turnbull (Mags).
[9] Frank Rich wrote in his review of the 1983 original production in The New York Times: " 'Painting Churches,' which opens the Second Stage's season at its temporary new home on Theater Row, is in the dreamiest impressionistic spirit.
It remakes reality with delicate, well-chosen brush strokes, finding beauty and truth in the abstract dance of light on a familiar landscape...
"[10] The Variety reviewer wrote of the 2012 revival: "Howe has written poignant solo moments for each of her fondly observed characters... 'Painting Churches' is still a stunner, a group portrait painted in a soft, impressionistic style.
He praised the production: "Then there is the captivating rhythm established by writer Tina Howe and director Jack O'Brien, who skillfully wend their way in and out of various moods without signaling where they're going next.