back to top7 Comments to “Footlight gospel”

1. BY Sawgunner 11.24.07 AT 11:31 AM

   I make this statement unashamedly:
   I hope this musical goes on to a record “Cats”-like run. I hope it ignites much discussion and thru the discussion many will recognize their continual need for His amazing grace.
   If folks begin to see slavery as immoral perhaps it will even ignite a moral crusade against the abortion industry as well

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2. BY Random Name 11.24.07 AT 12:43 PM

   As a non-subscriber, I can’t read the article. As a west coast resident, I’m not likely to get to Broadway to see the show. The topic is of interest to me.

   Joel Mark (and I think some others) seem to be offended when I describe John Newton as an example of a “slapping self across the side of the head” opponent of slavery, that is a person’s whose ethical comprehension evolved to a more sophisticated level.

   Oh, I’m a Christian. I should be a slave trader either.

   I’m not sure why that brief comment is either inaccurate or offensive, but I am open to explanations why I am wrong on either, though rational non-”high horse” explanations will be more interesting to me than “how dare you say that” comments.

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3. BY Pauline 11.24.07 AT 2:26 PM

   Random,
   I’m surprised you can’t read the article. I let my subscription to WORLD lapse last spring, and I wasn’t able to read the articles in the old blog after that, but I’ve been able to read any article linked to a post in the new WoW.

   I hope the music in this musical is really good. That’s what makes a musical, in my opinion, more than the story. (Not that I don’t care about the story, but unless the music is really good it shouldn’t have tried to be a musical.) I think that’s what made those other musicals that were mentioned so popular. I never saw Godspell, but I have sung songs from it. I saw Jesus Christ Superstar once, when I was a child, and was puzzled as to what the big fuss about it was – but I know a number of the songs from it. I have seen Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat live once, and enjoyed it thoroughly, though it is hardly true to the Biblical account except the overall storyline. We have the movie version and have watched it a number of times.

   My son is playing Zebulun and the Pharoah’s butler in a production of the Joseph musical opening this Thursday. It’s being put on by the drama ministry at our church, cast entirely of students (grades 4 to 12) except for Potiphar and Joseph who are adults. I am really looking forward to it.

   Two years ago we did a musical version of It’s a Wonderful Life. At first I was surprised, since the Gospel is not presented as part of the show. (Nor is it, of course, in Joseph.) But I think the idea is to present shows that people will enjoy and that include spiritual themes, that will get people thinking and talking. The Gospel will be presented, not from the mouth of a cast member on stage, but in casual conversations about dealing with unjust suffering, or forgiveness, or whether God guides the circumstances of our lives.

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4. BY outkast 11.24.07 AT 8:01 PM

   Sounds like a nobel project. I’ll look forward to seeing it live someday.

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5. BY Anlir 11.24.07 AT 8:35 PM

   Bringing a new play/musical to Broadway is a very difficult process and very expensive. Finding a sponsor is a huge deal.

   More than likely it will appear on off-Broadway or possibly even off-off-Broadway. Some directors prefer to remain on off-Broadway because of the expense of mounting a full-scale Broadway production. Also, there is a little cache these days in being off-Broadway.

   That said, if it’s truly good, it will move up and be recognized. Broadway is always looking for the next big hit.

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6. BY James L. 11.25.07 AT 8:05 PM

   Encouraging, inspirational, and great news to hear. The story of John Newton’s conversion is powerful and the ultimate testimony of what the grace of God Almighty can do, wipe the slate clean of one who doesn’t deserve it.

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7. BY Peter L 11.26.07 AT 2:18 PM

   Sounds like a nobel project.

   While it would be great if it won the Nobel Prize, I think of it more as a noble project.

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