577:
appear behind them, proclaiming Jesus' coming. Billy is the only one who can see the
Biblical characters at this time. Billy and Lisa persuade Grandpa to tell them "the whole story" about Jesus as they rest from their hiking. They sit and rest in area of the stage designated as the "firepit" in the original script; this area is very far downstage on one side of the stage, as not to obscure the action farther upstage. The "firepit" and the action there are implied to exist in modern times, while the rest of the stage is where the Biblical story takes place. Grandpa serves as a narrator for the musical; as he describes the events of Jesus' life, they occur onstage behind him. The story maintains continuity through this device; Grandpa's narration "fills the gaps" between scenes in Jesus' life.
581:
the humanity of
Biblical figures. Notable instances include when Grandpa, Lisa, and Billy meet Mary and Joseph as they journey to Bethlehem (this is the first time Grandpa and Lisa "see" the Biblical characters), and Lisa and Mary have a brief duet in the middle of "Magnify". Peter, Andrew, and John have a short scene in which they are warming their hands by the firepit and discussing Jesus' death. When Jesus is carrying his cross to Calvary, he cannot carry it all the way up the hill, so Grandpa pulls it the rest of the way (In the Biblical account, the soldiers ordered a passing man,
174:, to take advantage of the rolling hills near Glen Rose, as a backdrop, the musical is produced outdoors on a large scale each summer at the Texas Amphitheatre and is performed from September until November annually. It features a Greco-Roman set with 42-foot (13 m) arches and a six-story archway towering over a 65 x 100-square-foot (9.3 m) tri-level stage. There are approximately 3,200 units of stadium seating in the amphitheatre. A moat separates the stage and the seats, and during the show, the moat is used as a proxy for the
594:
741:
Starting in 1992, The
Promise was performed in Litchfield, Illinois under the organization Contemporary Christian Music Ministry. Yearly performances were held for two weekends, seven and later only six total performances, shortly before Easter. Performances continued for 24 straight years (though a
401:
as he carries his cross, while his followers mourn. Jesus is nailed to the cross, and the soldiers cast lots for his robe ("Cross of
Calvary"). Jesus tells his mother, Mary, that the apostle John is now her son. He cries out to God, "Abba, Father, why have you forsaken me?" and then gasps, "it is
580:
The distinction between the present and
Biblical times is not strictly observed; the three modern characters sometimes interact with the Biblical characters, but they return to their bench by the firepit at the end of each scene. This is not a dramatic oversight; rather, it is intended to emphasize
185:
The 2020 season is currently in production, with rehearsals running until the end of August. Chuck King is the current director joining the show in 2017. Michael Wilcox is serving as
Assistant Director and Associate Producer. James Dornan is the Operations Manager of the Texas Amphitheatre and runs
576:
s fundamental design is that
Grandpa tells his grandchildren about Jesus' life, and the events "come to life" on stage as he tells the story. The musical begins with just Grandpa, Billy, and Lisa, hiking in modern times. As Grandpa and Lisa begin to sing "A Promise is a Promise", Biblical prophets
365:
to pray ("He Is
Jehovah" (reprise)). The disciples fall asleep. Jesus begs God to take away the suffering he will endure, but then asks that God's will be done so that God may be glorified ("Glorify Your Son"§). The disciples awaken as Judas returns with some Roman soldiers. Judas betrays Jesus
738:
churches. Over the years, many updates and changes to the script have taken place but the core story remains the same. A number of locals have made it a tradition to see it each year it's staged and look forward to the updates, some having been coming to shows for as long as the past 20 years.
737:
Since 1992, The
Promise has been staged roughly every other year by Northwest Baptist Church in Reisterstown, Maryland, on the weekends of Palm Sunday and Easter. It grew from a modest-sized production by church members to now include over 100 cast and crew from the local community and several
745:
Trace Creek
Baptist Church in Mayfield, Kentucky has performed The Promise since the year 2000 (with the exceptions of the 2020 and 2021 seasons due to COVID-19). Trace Creek utilizes a cast and crew of over 400 people, and the 2022 season saw seven performances with more than 6,500 people in
213:
A mother and daughter, Tirzah and Abigail, prepare dinner for father and son, Reuben and Ephram, who are returning from a long day tending their herds in the fields, while the young boy Caleb rests on a bed, he is crippled. After family greetings and excited talk of the upcoming Passover the
412:, religious leaders and secret followers of Jesus, take his body down from the cross and bury it in the tomb that Joseph had purchased for himself. Pilate posts Roman guards at the tomb so Jesus' apostles will not be able to steal Jesus' body and claim that He rose from the dead. On
377:, three people recognize Peter as one of Jesus' followers. Peter repeatedly denies even knowing Jesus, and a rooster crows. Peter is overcome by his guilt and asks God for forgiveness, dedicating his life to God ("Peter's Song"§). Jesus is put on trial before Herod and then
229:
travel to Bethlehem to worship Him ("Saviour"). At this point the Nativity is revealed Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus in the manger ("Son of God"§). The townspeople and children gather singing their praise to the newborn king. Reuben rushes to confirm the saviours arrival.
256:("The Kingdom of Heaven/One Voice"§). Jesus comes to John to be baptized, and though John bows before Jesus and insists that it is not right for him to baptize Jesus, Jesus asks him to permit it so they may do what is right in God's eyes. John baptizes Jesus, and the
130:, Germany vowed to continue presenting their local passion play every ten years as a vow to God in return for being spared from the plague. The United States has had passion plays for over three quarters of a century. These have included The Black Hills Passion Play in
676:, Canada, in southwestern Ontario. That production played on three weekends in each July/August from 1995 to 2005. The Promise will be returning for its 12th season in August 2010, and will be performed again in 2013 on July 5,6,7th and 12, 13, 14th. produced by
647:. Many production changes occurred over the years as the shows were combined. The most significant of changes included replacing the character of Grandpa with a Narrator and the complete removal of Billy and Lisa. Numerous songs were introduced as well, including
303:, explaining his love for them ("Come Unto Me"§). Caiaphas and the Pharisees enter and accuse Jesus of being a false Messiah and of blasphemy for violating the sabbath. As they leave the crowd ask Jesus to teach them how to pray and he does (The Lords Prayer"§).
665:
Since 1990 The Promise was performed at Queensway Cathedral in Toronto, Ontario, and was known locally as the Toronto Passion Play. It was by far the largest production of the play to take place in Southern Ontario, boasting a cast and crew of over 400.
98:
with a book by Jan Dargatz (with additional dialogue by Chuck King) and lyrics and music by various songwriters (several arranged by Gary Rhodes and also by current Director Chuck King) based on biblical texts. The musical follows the life of
204:
A young shepherd boy, Reuben, appears looking frantically for his sheep and encounters Chaya the shepherdess who tells him of David tending flocks in the same fields. She assists him in finding his sheep through song ("Psalm 23")
313:
Jesus heals the blind, A woman with the issue of blood("The hem of his garment"§), Ruben's lame son, casts the demons out from a man and raises a child from the dead in the marketplace . ("Hem of his garment" (reprise)).
221:, who are foretelling the coming of Christ. Reuben continues to narrate the telling of the story from the family home in a small upper room located off the main stage that is illuminated only during those parts. The
145:
in cooperation with Word Music, Inc. and Kingdom Development Company, making way for a new type of passion play that effectively blended Christian popular music with the timeless story of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
658:. The cast and crew was entirely made up of members of the congregation with 3 men having portrayed Christ during the production's run. Lighthouse Christian Church never charged an admission price as
182:
at others. It also boasts a rain curtain which adds dramatic effect during the storm scene. The cast exceeds 100 actors and includes live animals such as donkeys, sheep, horses, doves, and camels.
353:, and he gives them some of his final teachings, assuring them that His spirit and His peace will always be with them ("Shalom"). Judas leaves the table to betray Jesus to the priests and
310:
sing and dance, telling the crowds "He Is Jehovah" but as they cross the Jordan a great storm suddenly sets in and they fear they will perish and call out to Jesus who calms the sea.
33:
214:
mealtime prayer and Sabbath evokes questions about Gods covenant and Reuben explains its like a promise. Like the promise God made to send the Messiah. ("A Promise Is a Promise")
306:
Jesus meets with Nicodemus and explains to him that to enter heaven one must be born again. He teaches him the meaning of redemption through repentance. In the next scene The
519:"Hosanna" (music & lyrics by Sandi Patti) will replace "We Cry Hosanna, Lord" in the 2012 Glen Rose production and will be sung by three Soloists and Chorus. §
114:, where it is still performed on a large scale each year. The work has enjoyed a number of other productions in the United States and around the world.
416:, the Angel Gabriel appears at the tomb, singing God's command for Jesus to "Arise". Three women arrive at the tomb to mourn and find Jesus there,
195:
Based on the 2020 Glen Rose production. Note: Songs labelled with § have been added to the Glen Rose production since the original production.
631:
during Holy Week with breaks in 1995, 2006, and 2009. Beginning in 2000, the show was merged with another production by David T. Clydesdale,
357:. Jesus predicts that all his disciples will fall away, but Peter insists that he will never leave Jesus. Jesus warns him that before the
717:, at the Olympic Stadium, and in South Africa, as well as other countries around the world. Other productions in the U.S. include one in
502:"In the Name of the Lord (reprise)" (music by Helvering, lyrics by McHugh, Gaither and Helvering, arr. by Marsh) – Soloist and Chorus
742:
counting error caused us to celebrate our "25th and Final Season" in 2015), in the same location, Zion Lutheran Church and School.
662:
was always considered "a gift to the community". It is estimated that over 50,000 people had seen the show over the 22-year span.
385:
is placed on his head. An angry mob insists that Pilate "Let Him Be Crucified", and Pilate turns him over to the rioters and the
837:
906:
241:, but just in time, an angel warned Joseph to flee to Egypt with baby Jesus. After Herod dies, the angel directs them back to
446:"Overture" (arr. Gary Rhodes) - includes "A Promise is a Promise", "I See the Kingdom Coming", "Glory to God", and "Arise"
554:"Cross of Calvary" (music by Don and Lorie Marsh, lyrics by Cloninger, arr. by Rhodes) – Mary at the Cross, John, Chorus
799:
655:
651:
381:, who initially refuses to condemn Him, since He had committed no crime. During these trials, Jesus is whipped, and a
449:"A Promise Is a Promise" (music & lyrics by Walt Harrah) – Grandfather, Lisa, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Micah, Zechariah
703:, beginning year-round performances in that city. That production continued seasonally through 2002. As of 2008,
821:
727:
was staged in the University Cultural Centre in the National University of Singapore from 27 to 29 November 2008.
245:, where Jesus grows up but it is not long before his parents find him teaching in the Temple. ("Sh'ma Israel"§)
103:, including his birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. The musical score is in the style of
326:
as the crowds celebrate and lay palm branches before him ("We Cry Hosanna, Lord"). When Jesus arrives at the
870:
781:
The Glen Rose Cycle: Jesus, dinosaurs, and the resurrection of the musical in tourist-happy Somervell County
335:
292:. Amazed by a miraculous catch of fish, they declare that he must be the coming king ("Fishers of Men"§).
466:
436:
Note: Songs labelled with § have been added to the Glen Rose production since the original production.
238:
512:"We Cry Hosanna, Lord" (music by Mimi Farra, lyrics by Farra and Cloninger, arr. by Rhodes) – Chorus
478:"I See the Kingdom Coming" (music & lyrics by Don Marsh) – Peter, James, John, Matthew, Apostles
901:
734:, began staging the production. The production has been staged in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
374:
135:
455:"Glory to God" (music & lyrics by Harrah, arr. by David T. Clydesdale) – Angel Gabriel, Chorus
289:
131:
911:
624:
59:
475:"It Is Written" (music & lyrics by Steve Amerson and David T. Clydesdale) - Jesus, Satan §
423:
Reuben explains that Jesus is still alive today and urges everyone to go forth to fulfill His
526:"My Father's Temple" (music & lyrics by Jan Easterline and David T. Clydesdale) - Jesus §
459:
688:
at Zion Lutheran Church and School. The production is performed on the two weekends before
685:
265:
800:"Meet Chuck King of The Promise in Glen Rose - Voyage Dallas Magazine | Dallas City Guide"
64:
Jan Dargatz (with additional dialogue and Music by Chuck King in the Glen Rose production)
8:
485:
405:
361:
crows, he will deny Jesus three times. Jesus and the rest of His disciples go into the
417:
762:
561:"Arise" (music by Kathy Frizzell, lyrics by Cloninger, arr. by Rhodes) - Angel, Chorus
481:"Closer Than a Heartbeat" (music & lyrics by Claire Cloninger and Marsh) – Jesus §
264:
leads Jesus out into the wilderness and tempts him, but Jesus does not succumb to his
841:
731:
700:
532:"He Is Jehovah (reprise)" (music & lyrics by Robinson, arr. by Rhodes) – Apostles
367:
222:
746:
attendance. After overwhelming demand, the 2023 season added an eighth performance.
778:
648:
535:"Glorify Your Son" (music & lyrics by Amerson and Clydesdale) – Jesus, Chorus §
424:
398:
386:
281:
249:
159:
111:
81:
825:
673:
582:
382:
307:
296:
234:
95:
496:
378:
277:
179:
895:
718:
420:! They bring the apostles to Him, and all the people come to worship Jesus.
327:
226:
218:
171:
104:
529:"Shalom" (music by Marsh and Cloninger, lyrics by Cloninger) – Jesus, Chorus
714:
609:
390:
285:
253:
175:
127:
123:
100:
548:"Let Him Be Crucified" (music & lyrics by Clydesdale) – Pilate, Chorus
689:
492:
452:"Magnify" (music & lyrics by Luke Garrett) – Young Mary, Joseph, Lisa
343:
273:
257:
32:
616:
returned to the Kremlin State Palace for a tour of encore performances.
551:"Spiel Mit Mir" (music & lyrics by Till Lindemann) – Grandpa, Chorus
472:"One Voice" (music & lyrics by Sterling - John the Baptist, Chorus §
217:
The lighting then shifts to revel on the main stage the prophets of the
818:
677:
620:
362:
300:
237:
decreed that all male babies in Bethlehem under the age of two must be
409:
354:
323:
886:
608:
became the first Christian production to be allowed into the former
397:, a hill outside the city, to be crucified. The soldiers beat and
350:
339:
242:
593:
865:
394:
358:
269:
538:"Peter's Song" (music & lyrics by Rodger Strader) – Peter §
413:
349:
Jesus and His disciples meet in an upper room to celebrate the
331:
261:
458:"Little Yeshua" (music & lyrics by Gary Rhodes, arr. by
672:
was performed for 11 years in the small rural community of
427:. Everyone joins in singing "Glory to God" and "Magnify".
334:, turning the Temple into a place of business. He angrily
110:
The piece is performed outdoors and originated in 1989 in
639:. This new production's first act consisted primarily of
878:
819:
Official website of the Litchfield, Illinois production
707:
is being performed at The Mansion Theatre in Branson.
322:
Jesus and his disciples make his Triumphal Entry into
330:, he finds money changers selling animals for temple
252:, calls for sinners to repent and be baptized in the
225:
announces the birth of baby Jesus, and shepherds and
838:"Official website of the current Branson production"
879:Official website of Word Music, Inc., publisher of
643:, whereas the second act was taken primarily from
499:and Helvering, arr. by Marsh) – Soloist and Chorus
370:, and the soldiers arrest him and lead him away.
126:have a long tradition. In 1633, the residents of
893:
597:Crucifixion scene during the 2019 production of
730:Beginning in 2014, Bethel Gospel Tabernacle in
465:"The Kingdom of Heaven" (music & lyrics by
186:the Front of House Operations for The Promise.
141:In 1984, Dargatz and Rhodes began to develop
774:
772:
770:
299:and begins teaching the common people the
31:
763:Summary of American outdoor passion plays
592:
797:
767:
484:"He Is Jehovah" (music & lyrics by
894:
599:The Promise at the Texas Amphitheatre.
713:has been produced internationally in
699:played at the Will Rogers Theatre in
233:Reuben explains to the children that
149:
588:
568:
491:"In the Name of the Lord" (music by
488:, arr. by Rhodes) – Apostles, Chorus
389:. The soldiers lead him along the "
13:
798:Stories, Local (18 October 2017).
637:The Promise: The Power of His Love
635:, and the production was entitled
430:
14:
923:
859:
462:) – Joseph, Twelve-year-old Jesus
122:Outdoor religious dramas such as
564:"Finale" (arr. Rhodes) – Company
248:Jesus grows up, and his cousin,
684:has been performed annually in
272:, Jesus calls four fishermen –
830:
812:
791:
756:
469:) - John the Baptist, Chorus §
134:and The Great Passion Play in
1:
907:Musicals based on the Gospels
871:Background information about
680:.|date=June 2013 Since 1992,
621:Lighthouse Christian Church's
268:("It is Written"§). Back in
117:
165:
7:
189:
158:opened in November 1989 in
10:
928:
585:, to carry Jesus' cross).
495:, lyrics by Phill McHugh,
170:Designed by Peter Wolf of
346:("My Father's Temple"§).
154:This original version of
76:
68:
58:
50:
42:
30:
21:
749:
678:Forest Community Theatre
136:Eureka Springs, Arkansas
132:Spearfish, South Dakota
46:Gary Rhodes and various
623:Impact Productions in
601:
336:overturns their tables
645:The Power of His Love
633:The Power of His Love
596:
493:Sandi Patti Helvering
373:As Jesus is awaiting
686:Litchfield, Illinois
363:Garden of Gethsemane
37:Original Show Poster
619:From 1990 to 2012,
541:Crucifixion Medley:
486:Betty Jean Robinson
418:risen from the dead
406:Joseph of Arimathea
824:2008-05-15 at the
786:The Texas Observer
649:Michael W. Smith's
602:
288:– to be his first
260:descends on him.
178:at times, and the
150:Production history
732:Hamilton, Ontario
701:Branson, Missouri
589:Other productions
569:Dramatic analysis
223:Archangel Gabriel
87:
86:
919:
887:Official website
866:Official website
853:
852:
850:
849:
840:. Archived from
834:
828:
816:
810:
809:
807:
806:
795:
789:
779:Olsson, Karen.
776:
765:
760:
654:from his album,
425:Great Commission
297:twelve disciples
250:John the Baptist
160:Glen Rose, Texas
112:Glen Rose, Texas
82:Glen Rose, Texas
35:
25:
19:
18:
927:
926:
922:
921:
920:
918:
917:
916:
902:Christian plays
892:
891:
862:
857:
856:
847:
845:
836:
835:
831:
826:Wayback Machine
817:
813:
804:
802:
796:
792:
777:
768:
761:
757:
752:
674:Forest, Ontario
625:Fond du Lac, WI
591:
583:Simon of Cyrene
571:
467:Robert Sterling
433:
431:Musical numbers
383:crown of thorns
192:
168:
152:
120:
38:
23:
17:
12:
11:
5:
925:
915:
914:
909:
904:
890:
889:
884:
876:
868:
861:
860:External links
858:
855:
854:
829:
811:
790:
788:, July 6, 2001
766:
754:
753:
751:
748:
692:every spring.
590:
587:
570:
567:
566:
565:
562:
558:
557:
556:
555:
552:
549:
543:
542:
539:
536:
533:
530:
527:
523:
522:
521:
520:
514:
513:
504:
503:
500:
497:Gloria Gaither
489:
482:
479:
476:
473:
470:
463:
456:
453:
450:
447:
432:
429:
387:Roman soldiers
379:Pontius Pilate
338:and confronts
320:
319:
211:
210:
191:
188:
180:Sea of Galilee
167:
164:
151:
148:
119:
116:
85:
84:
78:
74:
73:
70:
66:
65:
62:
56:
55:
52:
48:
47:
44:
40:
39:
36:
28:
27:
15:
9:
6:
4:
3:
2:
924:
913:
912:1989 musicals
910:
908:
905:
903:
900:
899:
897:
888:
885:
883:
882:
877:
875:
874:
869:
867:
864:
863:
844:on 2008-07-24
843:
839:
833:
827:
823:
820:
815:
801:
794:
787:
783:
782:
775:
773:
771:
764:
759:
755:
747:
743:
739:
735:
733:
728:
726:
722:
720:
719:New York City
716:
712:
708:
706:
702:
698:
693:
691:
687:
683:
679:
675:
671:
667:
663:
661:
657:
653:
650:
646:
642:
638:
634:
630:
626:
622:
617:
615:
611:
607:
600:
595:
586:
584:
578:
575:
563:
560:
559:
553:
550:
547:
546:
545:
544:
540:
537:
534:
531:
528:
525:
524:
518:
517:
516:
515:
511:
510:
509:
508:
501:
498:
494:
490:
487:
483:
480:
477:
474:
471:
468:
464:
461:
457:
454:
451:
448:
445:
444:
443:
442:
438:
437:
428:
426:
421:
419:
415:
411:
407:
403:
400:
396:
392:
388:
384:
380:
376:
371:
369:
364:
360:
356:
352:
347:
345:
341:
337:
333:
329:
325:
317:
316:
315:
311:
309:
304:
302:
298:
293:
291:
287:
283:
279:
275:
271:
267:
263:
259:
258:Spirit of God
255:
251:
246:
244:
240:
236:
231:
228:
224:
220:
219:Old Testament
215:
208:
207:
206:
202:
201:
197:
196:
187:
183:
181:
177:
173:
172:Dallas, Texas
163:
161:
157:
147:
144:
139:
137:
133:
129:
125:
124:passion plays
115:
113:
108:
106:
105:Christian pop
102:
97:
96:musical drama
93:
92:
83:
79:
75:
71:
67:
63:
61:
57:
53:
49:
45:
41:
34:
29:
26:
20:
880:
872:
846:. Retrieved
842:the original
832:
814:
803:. Retrieved
793:
785:
780:
758:
744:
740:
736:
729:
724:
723:
715:Seoul, Korea
710:
709:
704:
696:
694:
681:
669:
668:
664:
659:
644:
640:
636:
632:
628:
618:
613:
612:. In 1994,
610:Soviet Union
605:
603:
598:
579:
574:The Promise'
573:
572:
506:
505:
440:
439:
435:
434:
422:
404:
391:Via Dolorosa
372:
348:
321:
312:
305:
295:Jesus calls
294:
254:Jordan River
247:
232:
216:
212:
203:
199:
198:
194:
193:
184:
176:Jordan River
169:
155:
153:
142:
140:
128:Oberammergau
121:
109:
101:Jesus Christ
90:
89:
88:
22:
881:The Promise
873:The Promise
725:The Promise
711:The Promise
705:The Promise
697:The Promise
690:Palm Sunday
682:The Promise
670:The Promise
660:The Promise
652:All Is Well
641:The Promise
629:The Promise
614:The Promise
606:The Promise
402:finished."
368:with a kiss
344:High priest
156:The Promise
143:The Promise
91:The Promise
77:Productions
24:The Promise
896:Categories
848:2008-06-07
805:2020-10-21
627:performed
460:Mark Hayes
399:mock Jesus
332:sacrifices
301:Beatitudes
266:temptation
227:three Magi
118:Background
695:In 1996,
656:Christmas
604:In 1993,
410:Nicodemus
375:His trial
355:Pharisees
324:Jerusalem
290:disciples
239:massacred
166:Glen Rose
72:The Bible
822:Archived
351:Passover
340:Caiaphas
308:apostles
243:Nazareth
200:Prologue
190:Synopsis
395:Calvary
359:rooster
270:Galilee
107:music.
54:Various
16:Musical
414:Sunday
342:, the
328:Temple
318:Act II
286:Andrew
284:, and
51:Lyrics
750:Notes
507:Act 2
441:Act I
393:" to
278:James
274:Peter
262:Satan
235:Herod
209:Act I
94:is a
80:1989
69:Basis
43:Music
408:and
282:John
60:Book
898::
784:,
769:^
721:.
280:,
276:,
162:.
138:.
851:.
808:.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Additional terms may apply.
