THIS JUST IN: 3 Living Nativity Shows Added Due to Popular Demand

REVIEW: A Living Nativity at Living Hope Church

I asked my friend and guest blogger, Dennis Sparks, to give you an unbiased review of the Living Hope LIVING NATIVITY since I (Greg) worked on the lighting for the show. Here's his take:

This hour-long program is presented annually during the Christmas Season at Living Hope Church, 2711 NE Andresen Rd. (the old K-Mart building). For more information you can go to their site at www.livinghopechurch.com

“Tis the Season…”

This Christmas time of year is a joyous time for many people and our media reflects that as well. There are the classics, such as It’s A Wonderful Life, a story of Renewal and Belief in the Goodness of Man; Miracle on 34th Street, about the St. Nick, or Santa Claus, the Giver of Love and Happiness; and, of course, Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, a tale of Redemption.

But there is also a much older story, The Nativity, which includes all the attributes of the former ones I mentioned. After all, that’s what this Season is about, isn’t it? So, let’s not forget, the One “…who made lame beggars walk and blind men see” (Cratchit from Dickens’s A Christmas Carol).

The story of The Nativity comes from the New Testament in the Bible. According to prophesy, a Child would be born who will be the Savior of Mankind, Prince of Peace, King of the Jews. He was born of a Virgin in a stable in Bethlehem. 

And he was adored by some shepherds from the field and Magi from the East. He was called Jesus and his birth changed the direction of much of the world.

Live Animals

Pastor John Bishop with Curly the Camel.

A couple things unique about this production: 1) It has live animals—a burro, a lamb and even a camel. 2) It has a live baby. Thus, the term “living.” The sheep had some very spirited comments throughout the narration (by Pastor John Bishop), accenting some of his story with “Baaaa.” And the burro was stomping his hoof, as emphasis, I assume, to the Pastor’s tale. But these diversions did fit with the celebratory mood of the occasion.

The other approach to this well-known story is Bishop’s relating the background or facts to the times. Mary, Jesus’ mother, was betrothed at the time of her pregnancy to Joseph, a carpenter, and of the House of David. This would have been a stoning offense or, at the very least, a legitimate reason for divorce. Also the trip, with a very pregnant Mary, was about 90 miles over some very harsh terrain. And the manger and stable were actually a trough and cave.

Also, the shepherds were considered the lowly of the low in society and couldn’t even worship in the temples. Perhaps a comment on the class system, as they were some of the few to witness this Birth.

And the Magi, or wise men, came from Persia and had been studying the stars for many years to discover this moment and place in time. They brought gold, a symbol of royalty; Frankincense, a spice; and muir, an embalming ingredient, to foreshadow the Child’s death, perhaps.

Lively Show

Bishop is very appealing as the narrator and very down-to-earth as he makes comments on the proceedings. The gal who plays Mary, has a very pleasant voice in the song she sings and a nice stage presence. The costumes were super, adding very much to the reality of the moments. And the lighting by Greg and Isaiah Zschomler had some nice touches, such as the strobe effects when the angle spoke, the bathing of Mary in a shadowy blue light during her song and the bluish night effects over the stage.

Sorry, I wasn’t able to give credit to more people but there were none listed in the program nor was there a phone number.

Overall, well done. I do recommend this show, especially for the live animals and sense of reality that was added to this famous story. Also, it sure beats the plastic or porcelain Christmas that some people adore at this time of year. 

There are three remaining shows all at 7 p.m.: tonight, Wed. Dec. 18; Thur., Dec. 19 and Fri., Dec. 20. There are children's activities before and after the program in the foyer, including a themed petting zoo. If you do go, please tell them Dennis sent you.

Video Preview

Review by Dennis Sparks, guest blogger. http://dennissparksreviews.blogspot.com/

Photos and Video Provided.

REVIEW: “A Living Nativity” at Living Hope Church, a Live Journey Through Time

The reason for a “living” Nativity is, not only do human actors represent the main characters of the story but live animals are included. They consist of sheep, a mule, cows and even a camel (also a petting zoo for the kids). Pretty impressive and very much adds to the atmosphere of the proceedings.

The Three Wisemen or Kings bow before the Christ-child.

The depicted story should be very familiar to most Americans: Mary and Joseph are returning to Bethlehem for a census. Since there is no room for them at the Inn, they are forced to stay in a stable with animals. The baby Jesus is born there in a manager. A very bright star induces some shepherds to this place, as well as three Kings from the East, in which they all bow down and adore him, as the Savior that has been prophesied.

Shepherds adore the infant in the manger with Mary and Joseph.

There is very little interaction in dialogue among the cast (except for the sheep, who bleat in whenever they feel like it). The Mary does have a lovely singing voice. And a choir, bedecked with candles, underscores the events. There is an off-stage narrator (Mark Kelly) who outlines these proceedings from the New Testament. But the main Host for the evening is John Bishop, Senior Pastor. He intersperses the scenes with factual items from that period of time.



He also adds how these events and the teachings of Jesus are reflected in the modern world. The history, in particular, is quite interesting. And Pastor Bishop seems a very personable and approachable man and his easy, conversational style of speaking are very effective in this type of environment. As mentioned, the only editorial comments seem to come from the four-legged creatures that also inhabit the space.

Pastor John Bishop (who once pet a tiger) with Curly the Camel.

The set was effective and the lighting (designed by Gregory Zschomler and Roy Fisher) was quite good, especially with the strobe (lightning) effects at the beginning. The miking was clear and the costuming also effective. The live animals were definitely an asset, adding an authenticity to the production.

The only drawback for this reviewer was that there was no program. No way to give credit to the actors or director or crew. The show is about an hour long and definitely a family affair. This is the popular show's fourth year and the second at the City Campus. Weekend shows, especially Sunday (especially 11 a.m.) will be quite full. Go early for a good seat.

An angel choir sings against the starry night sky.

Remaining Dates and Times: Thursday, December 20, 7 p.m.; Friday, December 21,7 p.m.; Saturday, December 22, 6 p.m.; and Sunday, December 23, 9 a.m., 11 a.m. (deaf interpreted) and 1 p.m. Living Hope Church City Campus is located at 2711 NE Andresen Road, Vancouver, Wash. in the old K-Mart building.

My best to you and yours on this Blessed Celebration! “God Bless Us All, Every One!”

Visit http://alivingnativity.com/ for more information.

By Dennis Sparks, guest reviewer (www.dennissparksreviews.blogspot.com for Portland and Ashland area theatre reviews)
Photos and video provided.

HEADS UP: Dramatic Church Christmas Productions to Inspire Spirit

We're trying to get the word on all the Christmas productions being offered by local churches this season. So far we have the details on these two:

FIRST CHURCH of GOD presents their 40th Annual Singing Christmas Tree celebrating the wonderful story of Christmas. The variety show will offer music, dancing, and a drama piece.

Dates and Times: December 5 (Wednesday) and December 7 (Friday) at 7 p.m., December 8 (Saturday) and December 9 (Sunday) at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. First Church of God is located at 3300 NE 78th Street in Vancouver, Wash.

www.vanfcog.org
360-574-1611

LIVING HOPE CHURCH offers their 4th Annual Living Nativity retelling the true Christmas story with drama, music and live animals, including Curly the camel. We know you will love this short and moving presentation of the birth of Christ, and so will your children. [Editor's Note: I and my son, Isaiah, design the lighting. ~ Greg]

Dates and Times: Tuesday, December 18, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, December 19, 7 p.m.; Thursday, December 20,7 p.m.; Friday, December 21,7 p.m.; Saturday, December 22, 6 p.m.; and Sunday, December 23, 9 a.m., 11 a.m.* and 1 p.m. Living Hope Church is located at 2711 NE Andresen Road, Vancouver, Wash. in the old K-Mart building.



www.livinghopechurch.com                                    *sign-language interpreted

360.944.3905

BOTH EVENTS ARE FREE!

BOTH WILL BE REVIEWED BY US AFTER OPENING NIGHT.