Jesus, is being shown at the Sight & Sound Theatres in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for the first time on stage. The first performance was on March 10, 2018 and will play until January 5, 2019 (https://www.sight-sound.com/shows/lancaster/jesus/2018). The running time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. There are a total of 25 scenes over 2 acts with an intermission after the first act. Act 1 has 13 scenes and Act 2 has 12 scenes.
Jesus Playing Now 2018 - Youtube.com
A Word from the Director
From the Jesus guide/program, Producer and Director Joshua Enck shares that Jesus was 3 years in the making and it all started with the production team's immersion with the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The immersion led to an "overwhelming sense of God's love [that] filled [their] hearts…love that rescues." Josh closes by saying, "It is not even necessarily a story of Jesus' life. It is a story of Jesus' love, which we believe, is life."
Storytelling and Scenes
On the way to the theatre I kept thinking, "what scenes where going to be shown?" If they show all in the Bible about Jesus, 2 hours and 45 minutes is not enough. However, what would they include to tell the story of Jesus sufficiently? I was impressed with the way they were able to tell more about Jesus by maximizing the 180 degree stage. It was through the use of memories (e.g. when Mary remembered the time with Joseph and Jesus as an infant. Some scenes would use either the main or side stage as the person remembering while the memory would play either simultaneously with the main character would narrate or would pause.
A Bird's Eye View (of Production)
From a bird's eye view, there were a few scenes that received more attention compared to the many versions of Jesus movies I have seen. Among them are:
Nicodemus explaining to the Pharisees that Jesus has shown and is God's Love; (John 3:16-17 (KJV) 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."
The man in Gadarenes who was freed from Legion;
Lazarus' time with his sisters, the time before his death, and the time after his resurrection from death. While Jesus was on the way back to see Lazarus four days after he died, he said that Lazarus was sleeping; when the disciples did not understand Jesus explained that Lazarus was dead. When the disciples had questioned the timing of their return and why they could not return earlier, Jesus said that it was so "their faith would be built/increased."
Scenes were added to show more about Judas Iscariot and how part of the betrayal of Jesus was fed by Judas' desire to become a merchant and his perception that Peter and fisherman were gullible in following Jesus.
The show starts almost in darkness with the only visible light coming from the lights in the ceiling which look like stars. Then a voice is heard reading from John chapter 1: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1:1-5)"
In addition to the "love that rescues" the stage production of Jesus echoes the words in John 1 verses 9 through 14 "That (Jesus) was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
Scene 2 adds to a powerful beginning of the show with the introduction and singing by the Boanerges brothers (Mark 3:17), James and John, named by Jesus as the sons of Thunder. The introduction of Peter was more subtle with a seagull relieving itself above his head, and then Jesus going on his boat. Jesus called Peter unto the boat and asked him to sail and cast his net. As they were leaving the dock, a voice shouts (Peter's mother), "Who is that with you?" This left me to ponder that Jesus also wants to go with us even before we know who He is. This scene shows that He wants to be next to us while we are working. Peter was a fisherman and He went out on one of His fishing trips. Most importantly, that any work we do simply on our own strength is in vain (when Jesus asked Peter to take out his boat and cast his net, he had just come back from a fruitless fishing trip); but when Jesus is with us from the beginning of the trip (or with us from the beginning of the day-or project-or work) then that work will be greatly blessed. The time when Jesus was with Peter and he cast the net on the "right" side, there was a plentiful bounty!
Production
It was about 2 years in (2016) since the last time I have been to the Sight & Sound Theatres. They have definitely improved and raised the bar in live stage production. There were two scenes where the Sight & Sound's trademark use of "flying" appeared in Jesus. The first was the angel flying high above the audience towards the stage after Jesus was buried and placed behind the stone. The second was after Jesus' resurrection and was received up into heaven (Mark 16:19).
The combination of both stage and screen effects to tell the story was excellently planned and executed. This was best experienced in scenes where there was water. The stage effects were clearly seen and experienced in the stage production of Moses, where he was floated by his mother in a basket (an ark of bulrushes daubed with slime and with pitch - Exodus 2:3) along the Nile River (as an infant). The stage effects helped the audience feel that basket float along the Nile river.
There were numerous scenes in Jesus that simply raised the bar. First was when Jesus had asked Peter to sail out again after he had just returned with empty nets. When they went out again to the sea in the "deep waters" the catch was so large they could hardly fit the bounty onboard the boat. Another was crossing the sea of Galilee to the Gadarenes. Maybe, the most iconic is when Jesus was on the boat with the disciples during the storm that was calmed and when Peter literally walked on water like Jesus and was walking towards him. The audience truly reacted the moment that Peter lost focus on Jesus and started sinking and was instantly helped up by Jesus when he called out his name for help. It was powerful visually and also powerful spiritually. By visually seeing that Peter was raised up and in faith walking on water; spiritually, we are shown that we too do not have to sink or drown underwater in the issues of life…we simply have to call on the name of Jesus, "cast our cares upon Jesus" who hears us, and responds by supernaturally letting us walk on water.
The stage production was amazing, the scenes were fluid, the lighting was on point; with both stage sets, lighting, acting (dialogue) and choreography all in-sync and backed by a Hollywood grade soundtrack.
Animals
The use of animals in the stage production of Jesus helped place a feeling of authenticity to the time period that could not be achieved alone with the use of sets and wardrobe/costume design. There were real live doves, goats, sheep, horses, camels, dogs, cats. Some of these animals that ran or walked through the aisles, such as horses, goats, and camels, gave the audience members a close-up feel of the action. There were also a few times when doves were released in the air.
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Roman soldier on horseback.
Where it was not possible to show animals in scale, there was use of animatronics, as in scenes 2 and 3 where there was a seagull in the docks of Capernaum; there was also the computerized/digital rendering and animation of the fish under the boats after Peter takes the boat out with Jesus after the first time they meet (scene 4 miraculous catch).
Jesus - Sermon on the Mount
Summary
In all, I was intrigued throughout the entire production, for the beautiful way the stage was used to share memories and other moments in the life of Jesus that would have taken too long if they were made separate scenes. The intermission was just a nice break to get the sweet almond snacks to munch on throughout the second Act. There were properly placed moments throughout to breathe and just be still and know that God was there. In the Sight & Sound production of Jesus, the Bible and the gospel (the Word of God) truly came to life on stage and in the hearts of the audience. God's love through God's Living Word, Jesus Christ, was evident through every scene; especially when the disciples did not want Jesus to die-but Jesus responded that if He were not to go to the cross, then the Holy Spirit would not be able to come to Earth. At that moment, it was clear, despite the struggle and prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, that Jesus would obey unto the death. That obedience allowed for Jesus' death over victory. Jesus' victory over death (seen with resurrection of Jesus and appearance after the resurrection) is God's ultimate love and reason for sending His only begotten Son to the world…so that we may be saved. Truly the audience becomes a witness of God's love through the life of Jesus Christ.
More photos below from Sight & Sound - Jesus (show at 3pm, November 10, 2018 at the Sight & Sound Theatres in Lancaster, PA)
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Judas Iscariot making a deal with the chief priests for 30 silver coins in return for turning over Jesus (Mathew 26:14-15).
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Jesus with the man at Gadenes.
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Jesus with the man at Gadenes.
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Jesus expelling Legion from the man at Gadenes into the pigs.
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Jesus with the man at Gadenes.
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Jesus called on Lazarus to come forth after being dead for 4 days.
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Jesus on his way to Jerusalem. "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" (Luke 19:41)
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Jesus washing the feet of the disciples during the last supper before His Crucifixion.
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Jesus in the garden of Gethsemene fervently praying, while the disciples fell asleep.
Sight & Sound - Jesus - on the cross between the two thieves.
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Joseph of Aramathea takes the body of Jesus to bury him.; fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 53:9 "And He made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth."
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Nativity
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Roman soldiers guarding the tomb.
Sight & Sound - Jesus -
Sight & Sound - Jesus - An angel flies atop the audience to the stage.
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Jesus telling people the parable of the Prodigal son.
Sight & Sound - Jesus - actors walking through the aisles towards the stage.
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Jesus walking on water. Peter is saved from drowning calling on Jesus.
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Jesus on his way to Jerusalem. "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" (Luke 19:41)
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Nativity Scene.
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Jesus ascends to heaven.
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Jesus ascends to heaven.
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Disciples during Pentecost.
Sight & Sound - Jesus - Peter throws out the net after Jesus is on-board his fishing boat.
Take a look behind the scenes with the Sight & Sound - Jesus Design Team
Take a look at the costumes designed by the Sight & Sound - Jesus Costume Design Team
Just like the exodus of Moses and the Israelites from Egypt, through the desert, and then the promised land; the production of MOSES has trekked from the stage, through cinemas in the United States, and then on to your living room (or mobile device).
The epic biblical presentation of MOSES started on
stage.First, in the Sight & Sound
Theatres in Lancaster County, PA.It premiered in March of 2014 and ran straight
through April of 2015.MOSES continued
stage production in Branson, MO during the 2016 and 2017 seasons.The Moses stage production was seen and
experienced by 2 million people.
From the live stage, it went to theatres nationwide in the
United States on September 13, 15, and 20, 2018.It was originally scheduled for two shows; the
first on September 13 and the second on September 15; however, due to increased
demand, an additional showing on September 20, 2018 was included.
The cinema showings included a behind-the-scenes look at the
40-year history of Sight & Sound Theatres which has reached more than 23
million visitors.
Original Cinema showings for September 13 and 15, 2018 in theaters nationwide.
In case you missed both the stage and cinema showings; not
to worry, as of October 16, 2018 MOSES is now available to watch on your home
Television.The DVD recording involved
filming 2 days, over 4 different shows with 8 cameras.Each show was filmed to show different camera
positions and angles so that the live theater experience can be captured and
enjoyed as much as possible in your own living room.
So, make a bag of popcorn and find you comfy spot.You can get your very own copy of MOSES on
DVD (on Amazon, Walmart, Target, Christianbook.com, Barnes & Noble).It is available digitally via Amazon Prime
Video and can be rented at HD quality for $5.99 or purchased at HD quality for
$12.99.MOSES is also available on
iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/moses/id1435927854)
and can be rented for $4.99 or purchase for $12.99.
Whether you experience or have experienced MOSES on the
stage, the movie theater, or your home; you will see over 60 sets that required
two years to build (with some reaching three stories high), animals including
horses, camels, donkeys, sheep and goats.There were also over 880 costumes created for the production backed by a
musical score created by Don Harper.Don
Harper is the composer including films as National Treasure, The Lion King 1 ½.
Katie Miller, Corporate Communications Manager, is from the
third generation of the family that started Sight & Sound Music
Theatres.Her goal is “a passionate
experience in both locations [Lancaster, PA and Branson, MO]” and added that
the “experience must be cohesive.”There
are only minor differences between the two theatres; with those differences
being in the Branson location and a result of improvements of the original
Lancaster design.
The journey of MOSES from stage, to the theatre, and to your
living room is like the scene where God makes Moses’ hand leprous and then healed
in an instant, someone says “this is magic.”But they are corrected by someone who says “This is the hand of God
reaching out.”The hand of God reaches
out so that people may know He is real... The Great I Am.God reaching out so that people may know He
is real matches the core vision of Sight & Sound in “Bringing the Bible to
life” so that people may see and experience God’s Word and we can honor and
love each other.
