Latest news with #Gethsemane
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legendary rock opera 'Jesus Christ Superstar' coming to Renaissance Theatre
The Renaissance Theatre is presenting Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's legendary rock opera, "Jesus Christ Superstar," for a limited engagement the next two weekends. The musical, which has drawn in audiences worldwide for more than 50 years, reimagines the final days of Jesus through the eyes of Judas Iscariot, set to a 1970s rock score. 'Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic show because it challenges audiences to see 'The greatest story ever told' from a different perspective,' director Ryan Shealy said. 'This production is emotional and deeply human; audiences are in for something truly extraordinary.' This production features a cast led by guest artist Caleb Predeep Mathura as Jesus of Nazareth, as well as Ohio-based talent and three women in the roles of Judas, Mary and Pilate; two of which are traditionally male roles. Shealy shares some of his considerations when making those casting decisions. 'This adaptation asks the audience to understand that there are good and bad in all people, including the usual 'villains.' By casting these characters more diversely, we can see more of ourselves in this story and relate its lessons to today's world," she said. Since its Broadway debut in 1971, "Jesus Christ Superstar" has attracted audiences with its blend of rock and theatrical storytelling. The show features songs such as 'Superstar,' 'I Don't Know How to Love Him' and 'Gethsemane,' performed by a cast that includes: Kelly Knowlton as Judas Iscariot Shauna Marie as Mary Magdalene Samantha Woodill as Pontius Pilate Robert Hardin-Leeth as King Herod Jacob Poiner as Caiaphas Nikki Stitak as Annas Ensemble: Darius Darmody, Carter King, Molly McClanahan, Jackie Metz, Zakari Ramos, Christian Shepherd and Torre Webber About Caleb Predeep Mathura A Trinidadian-American performer, Mathura is a graduate of the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University with a BFA in musical theatre and a minor in dance. His career includes starring roles in "Come Fall in Love" (The Old Globe), "David" (Off-Broadway) and "Pippin" (The Pittsburgh Playhouse), along with his acclaimed portrayal of Jesus in "Jesus Christ Superstar" at Timberlake Playhouse. Show times are 7:30 p.m. March 8 and March 15 and 2:30 p.m. March 9 and March 16. Tickets start at $15 and are available now at or by calling or visiting the Renaissance Theatre box office at 419-522-2726, 138 Park Avenue West. This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Classic rock opera coming to Renaissance Theatre
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Manchester church to close in May
Jan. 27—A church that has stood in Manchester's North End since the 1880s has been put up for sale and will close this spring, officials announced Sunday. The Church Council of Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at 65 Sagamore St., said "after great thought and prayer" the congregation voted to close the church on May 18. Gethsemane, a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), was founded when a group of Swedish immigrant workers from the Amoskeag Mills constructed the church on land donated by the Amoskeag Company, officials said. "It has proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ in that location continuously since its founding," church officials said in a statement. "Services were held in Swedish until the early 1950s, when English became the language used. "In recent years, declining membership, increased expenses and the dispersal of families has led to the decision to close." Services at the church are expected to continue through the winter and spring under the direction of Interim Pastor Don Larsen, with a Service of Celebration for the congregation, community and fellow worshipping communities scheduled for May 4. A final service for congregation members will be held May 18. Specific times for both special services have yet to be announced. "The real estate of the congregation has been listed for sale, and closure is being coordinated with the New England Synod of the ELCA," church officials said. According to Manchester's online property valuations available through the city website, the church and associated land at 65 Sagamore St. were valued at $1,468,500 as of 2022. According to the church's website, Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in 1882 in response to an "enormous influx of Swedish immigrants" working in local mills. Early on services were held in "The Mission Chapel" on the corner of Beech and Merrimack streets, but as membership grew it was decided in 1885 to construct a new building to house the church on land donated by Amoskeag Mills. The central part of the church includes some 20 stained-glass windows created in the 1940s by Whittemore Associates, Boston depicting the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In 2008, Gethsemane received permission from the city to occupy a new addition to the Sagamore Street church of 3,596 square feet and renovate another 4,289 square feet, including bathrooms, classrooms and offices.
