THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 31, 1996 TAG: 9603300098
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover Story
SOURCE: BY JO-ANN CLEGG, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Long : 119 lines
THE ANGELS WERE nibbling on ham and cheese sandwiches, the dancers were French-braiding each others' hair, the horse - the one pulling the chariot - was not at all sure this was his kind of gig and several people were looking for the lord.
Welcome to a full dress rehearsal of Kempsville Presbyterian Church's 12th annual production of ``The Man Called Jesus.''
Eventually the sandwiches were finished, the hair was braided, the horse was convinced and Jesus - in the person of full-time teacher and part-time actor Robert Klein - was found.
The show was, at last, ready to go on.
With a cast of 175 humans and enough cows, sheep, goats and horses (along with an even-tempered camel named Karima) to keep a small farmer in business, it has evolved over the past dozen years into an internationally recognized production.
For most of that time, the fast-paced musical show played to capacity audiences in the 800-seat church sanctuary. For two years, until fighting the uncertainties of early spring weather drove it back inside, it was held at Mount Trashmore.
Back at the church, the lack of seating again became a problem. The show, which had originally played three performances, had expanded to 10 and was still completely sold out.
A successful venture into a favorite old-time type of ministry by the Christian Broadcasting Network gave the Presbyterian group just the location it needed.
When CBN erected a tent at the corner of Indian River Road and Centerville Turnpike for Revivalfest last fall, it was expected to be a temporary thing. Once the event, which brought several of the country's top evangelists to the area was completed, CBN organizers expected to fold up the tent and return it to the company from which they had rented it.
Because response to the old-fashioned setting was so positive, they decided instead to keep it as a permanent fixture on the grounds of the Founders Inn. Big enough to accommodate a 40-by-100-foot stage and 1,900 people, the tent appears to be the perfect setting for ``The Man Called Jesus.''
``It's got chairs, it's got nice clean straw on the floor, it's heated and it's nice and cozy,'' said Marie Umidi who wrote and directs the production.
The size also allows for nice wide aisles - big enough to drive a chariot through. ``Much of the action does take place in the aisles,'' Umidi said. ``So no matter where you sit, something will be going on around you.''
``The Man Called Jesus'' concerns itself not only with the traditional Eastertide topics of Christ's death and divinity, but also with his life and humanity.
One of the liveliest scenes takes place at the wedding in Cana of Galilee where Christ performed his first miracle, turning water into wine. It is also in that setting that the play shows the human side of Jesus as he dances and joins in the general merry-making with the other guests at the celebration.
``We think he really enjoyed a good party,'' said Kempsville Presbyterian's director of music and art, Barbara Barclift.
``So many think of the sorrow of the crucifixion, but the show is really a celebration of Christ who rose again. It gives us a chance to see Jesus as a man, to see the Gospels really come alive,'' she explained.
Those who sing, dance and act in the show see it as all that and more.
``Each year it's a renewing of my faith,'' said 20-year-old Shannon Van Slycke, a student at Tidewater Community College who has danced in each of the last six productions. ``The story of Jesus just becomes so much more real for me,'' she added.
For the Van Slyckes, ``The Man Called Jesus'' is a family affair. Shannon's sister, 15-year-old Kelley, who attends Bayside High School, is dancing in the show for the fourth time and their father, Dana, plays multiple parts. His wife, Gail, does make-up.
The continued involvement of the Van Slyckes is not unusual. ``Each year at least 50 percent of our cast returns,'' Umidi said. ``Some have been with the show since the beginning.''
About 80 percent of those involved are members of Kempsville Presbyterian. The remainder come from eight to 10 other churches in the area.
Although most cast members are amateurs, the production itself is anything but. It is both evolving and highly professional.
``People come expecting the old `bathrobe' bit,'' Umidi said, referring to the standard biblical costumes of amateur church plays. ``They are very, very surprised,'' she concluded. ``This show is on a par with Broadway level productions.'' MEMO: AT A GLANCE
What: ``The Man Called Jesus''
When: Presented each night through Saturday April 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: CBN Ministry Tent, corner of Indian River Road and Centerville
Turnpike.
Tickets: $8 each for all ages. Arrangements may be made for
handicapped individuals. Tickets are available at Kempsville
Presbyterian Church, Founders Inn Guest Services and from the Harvest
Company's Providence Square and Volvo Parkway locations.
More information: Call 474-0242.
Related story on page 17.
ILLUSTRATION: Color photo on cover by GARY KNAPP
Robert Klein portrays Jesus carrying the cross through the streets
of Jerusalem on the way to his crucifixion.
Photos by GARY KNAPP
Robert Klein as Jesus is raised on the cross by Roman soldiers,
flanked by crucified thieves, played by Steven Ganaway, left, and
Bob Ivy, right.
A Pharisee, played by Carl Witten, meets secretly at night to
discuss matters of faith with Jesus.
During his ministry, Jesus cures a leper, played by Benedicta
Abode.
In a miracle scene, Jesus revives a dead child, played by
Sarah-Grace Jackson, 5. At right are Jesus' mother, Mary, played by
Jackie Chaplin, and Mary Magdalene, played by Edie Wasserberg.
by CNB