I had an experience of a lifetime recently when I witnessed the production of "Jesus" at the Sight & Sound Theater near Lancaster, Pa. I can't stop thinking about what an amazing event it was!
First, the theater. Beautiful building, the architecture and immaculate grounds resembling the Middle East, specifically Jerusalem. A huge sculpture of The Lion and the Lamb greets you in front of the building Fountains flow. Inside, gazing up at the dome in the lobby, it's as if one is looking at the Sisitne Chapel, only this painting is of soft white, puffy clouds before a background of sky blue.
Pretty impressive and we aren't even in the theater yet.
Once in the theater, we are awestruck again/It holds about 2,000 people in stadium seating. Everything is wooden and follows the decor of the outside. Tones of deep reds and browns abound, a rustic look.
For someone with special needs, specifically in a wheelchair, the ailes are very wide and the ramp to the theater area is beautifully done. One can tell they had disabled folks and the elderly in mind when they build this complex.
The theater wraps around the seating on three sides and we soon find out why. The actual handicapped seating area is lower lever, middle with a nice view of the stage, huge screen and surrounding side sets.
The production is fabulous, from the colorful costumes and four story sets, to the gorgeous music ( no live orchestra..the sound system is clear and not too loud). The actors, specifically the guy playing the title role of Jesus, were outstanding. He makes an effective Lord, with a warm, soft voice, as he kneels to greet the lame, hugs greeters and tells stories to children.
There are a ton of cast members, from extras who do nothing more than mill around the authentic looking sets, to dancers, and multitudes of children.
The play touches upon the life of Jesus. The only boyhood scenes are those of Jesus in the temple, taking on the wise scribes. His miracles are shown in loving detail, from rising Lazarus from the dead to healing the blind and walking on water.
Act 1 runs roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes. Everything is precise and timed exactly, even before the show begins when they seat people with special needs 45 minutes before the curtain rises. Very well-organized!
"Jesus" has been playing form early March until early October, twice daily, so they have to be organized.
Anyway, there is a 15 minute intermission before Act 2 begins. Most of the latter act deals with Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection. Jesus himself is ascended in Heaven, and an angel also floats from in back of the theater on Easter morning. All pretty amazing stuff.
The Crucifixion scenes are dealt with gracefully, with no torturous scenes which may scare children. Speaking of which, the theater was jam-packed, mostly with older adults. Buses of seniors and church groups gathered, and yes, a few children were seen in the audience.
What makes the Sight & Sound productions unique is the live involvement. Live animals, such as camels, goats, horses, pigs and donkeys appear on stage as well as lumber up and down the aisles. One can smell the horses, even feet away. It's all very real, and soon you wonder what is real, what is special effects and what is taped prior to.
At the 2 1/2 hour epic story is over, there is a chance to pray with some of the cast in the lobby area. In no time at all they need to get ready for the next performance 9 We attended the 11:00 am. show; there is also a 3:00pm. show too).
Tickets were well worth it- $60 for a decent seat. I wouldn't think there is a bad seat in the house, as even the upper deck offers stunning visions of the landscape all around and inside the theater and stage.
It was a wonderful experience seeing the production of "Jesus." I whole-heartedly recommend it. Other bible stories have been produced in Lancaster as well, such as "Noah," "Samson," and this November, "Miracle of Christmas.'
Whether you truly believe or not, please see a show at Sight & Sound soon. For the believers it will only add to your faith. to the skeptics, well, maybe it will make you think a bit. At the very least you will enjoy the lavish production, similar to the quality of a Broadway show.
I give the overall experience *** 1/2 stars out of four. The show was long and they don't introduce the main cast at the conclusion, otherwise it was a perfect way to spend a few hours in late summer.
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