“The DaVinci Code” Probes Murder & Deceit—at Palo Alto Players
Alli Gamlen and Christian Vaughn-Munck. Photos by Scott Lasky
Wagstaff & Abel Dive Deep into Conspiracies & Secret Societies
by Lauren Jiang
Most Christians believe that Jesus was the son of God. But what if Jesus had a wife and descendants? That’s the moral dilemma offered to the audience by “The Da Vinci Code,” a thought-provoking mystery now at Palo Alto Players.
“The Da Vinci Code” implores us to reframe Jesus and consider how a rewritten history would shatter the Western world. Adapters Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel encourage us to investigate our own faith to contemplate new possibilities. After all, humans shape history according to our own agendas. The play urges philosophical questions, as it entertains us with the suspense of a twisting mystery.
Christian Vaughn-Munck and Alli Gamlen anchor the show with grounded performances. Vaughn-Munck plays Robert Langdon, a Harvard professor of religious symbology, and Gamlen plays Sophie Neveau, a French National Police cryptographer. Together, they take us on a wild ride across Europe to investigate her grandfather’s (intriguing Stephen Sammonds) mysterious death.
Christian Vaughn-Munck and Alli Gamlen
In this dialogue-rich play, the actors shine with confidence and charm, cutting through dense symbology jargon. With Robert and Sophie’s combined skills, they tackle an impossible case. And the French police are on their trail, accusing Langdon as a suspect!
Twenty years after Dan Brown’s best-selling novel and hit movie, the story invokes today’s rampant conspiracy theories. Director Jennifer Copaken adds beautiful contemporary dance, shining a new light on the complex tale. She manipulates shapes to create symbols that constantly shift in meaning. Her fresh staging has us pondering new answers.
The Catholic extremist, real-life Opus Dei secret society, looms over them, as does an undercover fraternal group called Priory of Sion. The show is an escape room on stage, with clues hidden under blue light, in rhymes, and a cryptex puzzle box.
Monica Cappuccini and Brandon Dean
As Robert, Christian Vaughn-Munck’s earnestness and fervor sparkle as he confidently displays his expertise. He’s a passionate professor who has stumbled upon a world of secrets and mysteries.
As headstrong and smart Sophie, Gamlen brings genuine heart to the role. She cries as she recounts the story behind her estrangement from her grandfather, and she relives a disturbing event that scarred her for life.
Brandon Dean makes his stellar theatrical debut as Silas, a covert member of Opus Dei. Dean imbues his performance with passion and intensity. He first seems to be a Church spy, as he performs villainous acts to support his beliefs—much like MAGA today.
David Boyll, Christian Vaughn-Munck, and Alli Gamlen
As Sir Leigh Teabing, David Boyll displays superb craftsmanship. From a sickly old man to an eccentric intellectual, Boyll epitomizes an idiosyncratic style. He shines as Langdon’s guide and friend.
Dancers Hannah Oviatt and Arjun Sheth convey crucial events through movement. As the characters speak, the dancers re-enact the scene, imaginatively. A black-hooded chorus intones important clues to solve the murder, using multiple art forms to create a hypnotic work.
For any lover of the mysteries and secrets that surround us, “The Da Vinci Code” excites our senses. It’s a smart “whodunit?” and I recommend this Palo Alto Players’ show to all fans of crime and conspiracy.
Movement Ensemble with Brandon Dean
“The Da Vinci Code” –based on the novel by Dan Brown, adapted by Rachel Wagstaff & Duncan Abel, directed by Jennifer Copaken, scenic designer Patrick Klein, costumes by Andy Lechuga, lighting by Edward Hunter, projections by Tasi Alabastro, sound by Gregorio Perez, at Palo Alto Players, Lucie Stern Theater, Palo Alto, California.
Info: paplayers.org - to February 1, 2026.
Cast: Sarah Benjamin, David Boyll, Keith Brown, Monica Cappuccini, Alli Gamlen, Setareh Greenwood, George Alexander K., Dane Lentz, Brandon Dean, Stephen Sammonds, Christian Vaughn-Munck, Hannah Oviatt, and Arjun Sheth.