Never Did that Before! - Part Two

Two Theatres... Two days... Two states... Two unique experiences

Part Two: Pondering and Processing ...
Theatre number 1 was the reason we made this whirlwind tour in the first place. Attending the "Sight and Sound Theatre" in Lancaster Pennsylvania was on invitation by another family heading down to celebrate a 13th birthday. We'd heard about this Christian mega theatre with live animals and incredible sets for years, but this was the impetus we needed to drive down and make attending a reality.
 

"It's a palace!" exclaimed Anna-Lee

2,000 + seats, and 300 foot wrap around stage

The Lion lays down with the Lamb fountain

There is no doubt that this was a grand theatre, with spectacular set, design, costumes, music, and props.
But it was also Scripture.

The show was the Biblical account of the Book of Jonah (with artistic license for the parts not contained in Scripture although done in a very realistic and probable way, with a tad of humour thrown in)!
This is the Jonah that was sent to Nineveh, didn't want to go, ran away, big storm, tossed overboard, swallowed by a "big fish," spit up on shore, went to Nineveh, Ninevites repented and were saved, Jonah sulked. That Jonah!

When the show was over and the families met up for dinner, of course the question was asked - "What did you think?"  "Wasn't that amazing?  "Did you like it?"...

Here's a secret about me though... the deeper something is...  the more something affects my heart... the quieter I get. I need time to process and ponder.
And this presentation certainly had depth..

Dealing with topics of  unforgiveness, mercy, judgement, repentance, freedom, obedience, God's compassion, humility, and declaring truth without love... how does one swim from that depth back to the surface?

Well, I've now had some time to ponder and we all agree, we want to go back next year for thier production of "Jesus."

Theatre number 2 was in Charlottesville Virginia. It was a small local black box community theatre. The show was done to a story written by a local author, put into production using the talent of a local producer, local young actors, and the scores were written by local musicians.

But that does not mean it was not deep.
The plot and subplots dealt with grief, friendship, being true to oneself, taking off masks, and honesty.

A friend of Anna-Lee's had the lead in this musical, so having already driven to Lancaster, we agreed it would be great to carry on the next few hours to Charlottesville Virginia.  

Will = Wilhelmina  (Mia Buckley - Anna-Lee's friend) and Whit = Hurricane Whitney

Both of these productions have stayed with me as I think through their messages. Yay for script writers, and all the work that goes into producing, directing, song writing, singing and acting in theatres of all sizes.
These two experiences at two theatres, in two states, alongside new and wonderful friendships were definitely worth the 13 hour drive back home the next day!