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.

LIVING NATIVITY Drama Opens Tonight

Read our review here tomorrow.

Nativity Promo from Living Hope Church on Vimeo.

"A Christmas Carol" and "Christmas Comes to Us Indians..." with Serendipity at VOCA

You need a Christmas Dickens fix? 

Serendipity's got it and more. Check out their reader's theater shows coming Dec. 20 and 21. All the information is here.

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/
event/517743

REVIEW: Vancouver's Singing Christmas Tree

THEY LIED TO ME! There was no Singing Tree! For forty years, there have been people singing in a tree. No longer so, but advertised as such. THAT was a major shock; I walked in and my mouth dropped open...several bulbs in the string shorted out, but, fortunately, the rest stayed lit.

One of those amazing panoramic shots you can take with an iPod shows the
new stage layout without a tree-shaped choir riser.

The Vancouver Singing Christmas Tree at the Vancouver First Church of God has long been a standing tradition and the highlight of the season for thousands. For more than forty years the church has offered this variety Christmas show FREE to the public.

For 40 years, up until the this year, the
choir sang from a tree-like structure.
(This photo from 2012.)

This year the 41st annual Singing Christmas Tree changed things up quite a bit by omitting the tree and by bringing in a couple of guest artists: Timothy Greenidge and pianist Jim Fischer. But then, the production team has always been looking for a fresh cut.

I worked on the show as TD and Creative Consultant five years running. While several traditions remain from the beginning (like the choir, an angel choir, the pajama choir and the nativity tableau) many things have, indeed, changed. During the time I worked on the Tree we endeavored to add more pop music, more kid-friendly features, and more glitz. 

Image made with white gloves under UV.

Blacklight (UV) effects, a percussion group reminiscent of STOMP, colorful kites, streamers, bubbles, sacred dance, snow falling over the audience, and even pyro have all been part of the show over the years.

During it's heyday the Tree show was divided into two sections: a secular first half and a sacred second half. It also played over two weekends and to more than 10,000 patrons. In the past few years it has been seen by only 6,000 or so over one weekend plus a day (Wed.). Maybe, in part, dwindling audiences (or perhaps church-wide volunteer enthusiasm) is (are) why new changes have been made?

You can see more photos of the former look and read more about the show's history and some speculations I made in last year's review here.

The Show

Okay, I was disappointed that the tree--the singing structure--was gone (but, it was always a bear to set up). I got over it (but the name should change to be truthful). I liked the show which consisted of three acts. It still had the children's PJ choir (that's something that could go in my opinion) and a fantastic blacklight hand mime. There were hand bells and dancing angels.

It still had dramatic elements, too, though pared back. The drama had a tad of humor, but other than that the whimsy and comedy have been greatly truncated. I especially enjoyed the running monologue presentation A Visit from Dr. Luke which was so well delivered by Jan van Amerongen.

Screens flank the stage showing nostalgic film of bygone
Christmases during Somewhere in My Memory.

Another endearing element, which was presented during the song "Somewhere in My Memory," was the video footage (which had to have been transferred from 8mm film) from Christmases in the early 1960's. I was a kid then (yeah, I'm as old as dirt) and it brought back many cool memories. Perhaps I enjoyed this most of all. The girl trio consisting of Gwendolyn Cayle,  Grace and Sereena Oberst sang nicely.

But, I also greatly enjoyed the LIVE accompaniment by Jim Fischer (piano) and band. Previous trees, at least those I saw or worked on, used tracks--that keeps everything consistent and sounding perfect. However, there's nothing like a great live band and this one was. It wasn't big or orchestral, but it sounded great. All accompaniments were exceptional, but the highlight piece was "Christmas Fantasy," a medley of Christmas classics headlined wonderfully by Fischer.

The Singers

Timothy Greenidge (center) and Jim Fischer (at piano).

The choir, under the direction of Randy Frasier,  never sounded better and the soloists were awesome. But there was a problem with that, too. There were very few solos and they were all taken by Ashlee Waldbuaer and Greenidge. So, instead of showcasing the church's talent (Waldbuaer is a member, Greenidge is not), the church brought out the "pros." I'm not sure I like that; I'm not sure I don't. Both sang marvelously. [The sound team could punch up the solo volume a bit though.]

The hand mime song "The Prayer," was, once again, a touching highlight. Well sung by the choir and well delivered visually by the mime ensemble under the direction of Julie Murphy and, of course, blacklight. The bell choir, under the direction of Mark Kelly, has also never been better.

The Staging

Okay, I already said: No tree. That was a bit to shake, but I did. There were a few hiccups opening night, but nothing serious that wasn't remedied, and they probably won't be seen again.

After years of stagnation, the lighting design (by TD/LD Nathan Allsworth) has been completely reworked and nicely done at that. There was an overall good look, though at times uneven, and several scenes were delightfully colored.

I did miss the color-flashing Christmas lights that adorned the former tree. Perhaps in the future some programmable synchronized lighting (like you see in housing displays these days) could be used. That would be attractive and contemporary.

The Skinny

The Tree continues this Friday, December 11 and Friday, December 13 at 7 p.m., as well as Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Performances are at the church, 3300 NE 78th St., Vancouver, Wash. I suggest you come early as the show can pack out, and please bring a fresh canned food donation for The Giving Closet, to help those in need this Christmas season!

And next year, if you're done with the tree structure, let's (truthfully) call it for what it is.

Review by Gregory E. Zschomler.

Photos by various Zschomlers.

"The Best Christmas Pageant EVER" at 1st UMC

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" will be presented by Vancouver's First United Methodist Church Players and feature Portland's North End Players' regulars Debbie Larsen Walker, Sue Harris, and Amy Harris, under the direction of Tim Luke.

I have never seen this play, so here's the synopsis from Samuel French: 

"In this hilarious Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids--probably the most inventively awful kids in history. [In the book they swear, smoke cigars, are abusive, etc., but according to Samuel French there are no cautions for the play.] You won't believe the mayhem, and the fun, when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on!" [I also understand the show is quite touching and redemptive.]

December 13, 14 and 15, Friday and Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. The shows are FREE (donations for the theater ministry are gladly accepted). Shows are at the First United Methodist Church, 401 E. 33rd Street, Vancouver, Wash.

Even though it's a short run, I plan to review the show just for fun (and no more rhyming, I mean it...).

REVIEW: "Uh-Oh, Here Comes Christmas" Presented by Longview's Rising Star Prod.

UH-OH, HERE COMES CHRISTMAS, based on Robert Fulgram's book, and adapted to stage by David Caldwell and Ernest Zulia, and presented by Rising Star Productions, opened December 6 at the Rising Star Theater in Kelso, Wash.

"I'm not often aware that I am happy, but I am aware that I have been happy often." ~ from the show

The Story

The show features fifteen holiday stories from the international best-selling author of All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten which have been crafted into an engaging evening of storytelling and song. This charming show takes a funny, heartwarming and often poignant look at the struggle to find the spirit of the holidays amid the avalanche of commercialism, stress and chaos that crashes down every December. 

There are many delightful, inspiring, often humorous and sometimes touching stories--generally delivered as monologues, though some are given as vignettes. This is the ideal vehicle for this theater and ensemble and an excellent alternative for those tired of the "same ol', same ol'" holiday play (another "Christmas Carol" anyone?).

The Songs

There are a couple of familiar Christmas songs as well as five others you may not know that will delight audiences. One of them, "The Christmas Wrap," was composed by Greg Moore, the show's able accompanist. Each song was presented perfectly--the right harmony, the right feel--and could be heard well. I especially enjoyed "The Marvelous Toy" which I remember from my youth.

Note: There are two stage versions of this work and it can be offered with four musical pieces written for the show or there is a version without music. RSP chose the non-musical version and then added their own songs (which I think were better).

The Stars

L to R: Melanie Portwood, Laurel and Greg Moore (seated),
Jueanne Meyers, and Eric Gerdlund. Photo provided.

The "cast" of Uh-Oh consists of Eric Gerdlund, Jueanne Meyers (Artistic Director), Melanie Portwood, and the husband and wife team Greg and Laurel Moore. (A mime is also performed by Kyrie Huggins.)

The ensemble was a near ideal grouping. They each sang well on their own and harmonized very well together, too, voices blending nicely. They had their parts down and diction was clear.

Each player had their moment to shine and each shared the spotlight as well. If I were to choose a standout--and this is a hard one since the cast was so well matched--I'd choose Gerdlund. He seemed to convey a real connection with his material--especially the one about wanting his childhood back.

The Staging

As usual with Rising Star Productions, the set was not very complex or expensive. One simple "Christmassy" set here did the trick just fine. Remember, this was not so much a play as it is something of a "variety show."

This show was well suited to Rising Star Productions and accomplished what they aim for: Good, clean, family entertainment that builds and showcases community talent. The show runs less than two hours and can be enjoyed by the whole family (although I think that those who've been around for a few holiday seasons may relate better than the young).

The Seats

All performances are presented in their space at the Three Rivers Mall; December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. with additional matinees on December 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 general, $5 for children (12 and under) and $8 for seniors (65+). Come early and enjoy the pre-show Christmas sing-a-long. Tickets at: http://www.risingstarproductions.org/tickets.html

Review by Gregory E. Zschomler.

Photo provided.

Two Christmas Shows Coming to Town

UH, OH, HERE COMES CHRISTMAS, based on Robert Fulgram's book, and adapted to stage by David Caldwell and Ernest Zulia, and presented by Rising Star Productions, will open December 6 in at the Rising Star Theater in Kelso, Wash. All performances are presented in their space at the Three Rivers Mall; December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. with additional matinees on December 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 general, $5 for children (12 and under) and $8 for seniors (65+). Tickets at: http://www.risingstarproductions.org/tickets.html

Our review will appear here on the morning of Sat., Dec. 2.

The show has been an annual event for more than 30 years!

AND we'll be reviewing the annual Vancouver SINGING CHRISTMAS TREE at Vancouver First Church of God on Wednesday night, December 11, too. The show will feature guest artists Timothy Greenidge and Jim Fischer and is FREE.

The show runs the following weekend only! Showings are: Wednesday and Friday, December 11 an 13 at 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15 at 3 p/m. and 7 p.m. at the church, 3300 NE 78th St, Vancouver, Wash.

Seating is limited to 1,200 and packs out, so come an hour early to be assured a seat. And please bring a fresh canned food donation for The Giving Closet, to help those in need this Christmas season!

Our review will appear here Thursday morning, Dec. 12.

In Addition: New Openings at a Theater Near You, Just in Time for the Holidays

MACBETH, the Shakespeare tragedy, opens tonight, November 22 at Evergreen High School at 7 p.m. and also plays tomorrow night. The Bard's bloody classic is presented  with a contemporary twist by the school's theater department in their auditorium, 14300 NE 18th. Tickets are $7 or $5 for students. For more information call 360-604-3716 or see www.ehsdrama.com.

THE MATCHMAKER, Thornton Wilder's classic comedy, will also be presented by Washougal High School at 7 p.m. tonight and tomorrow night at the Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th St. in Washougal, Wash. Tickets are $6 or $5 for students and seniors. Call 360-954-3136 for more information.

COMING SOON:

UH, OH, HERE COMES CHRISTMAS, based on Robert Fulgram's book, and adapted to stage by David Caldwell and Ernest Zulia, and presented by Rising Star Productions, will open December 6 in at the Rising Star Theater in Kelso, Wash. All performances are presented in their space at the Three Rivers Mall; December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. with additional matinees on December 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 general, $5 for children (12 and under) and $8 for seniors (65+). Tickets at: http://www.risingstarproductions.org/tickets.html Keep an eye peeled for our upcoming review.

TUNA CHRISTMAS also opens at Longview's Stageworks Northwest December 6 and runs through December 29. Shows are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

In this hilarious sequel to (the also hilarious) "Greater Tuna," it's Christmas in the third smallest town in Texas. Radio station OKKK news personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie report on various Yuletide activities, including hot competition in the annual lawn display contest. In other news, voracious Joe Bob Lipsey's production of "A Christmas Carol" is jeopardized by unpaid electric bills. Many colorful Tuna denizens, some you will recognize from "Greater Tuna" and some appearing here for the first time, join in the holiday fun. All seats are $12. Click here for tickets. And watch for our review, too.

Magenta's Improv Theater (MIT) opens their Christmas Improv the following week on December 13 at the Magenta Theater, 606 Main St. in Vancouver. MIT gets into the (family-friendly) Holiday Spirit with a very special weekend of seasonal inspired holiday shows! Join them as they spice up their improv and sprinkle it with some extra special musical goodness! Featuring a few special guest musicians from Magenta’s own Bad Agent Band, they will make you laugh, chuckle and guffaw, and maybe even sing-along or hum a happy tune!

And let’s not forget the Kids! They will also have a special matinee show just for them! It’s a special Kids inspired MIT show filled with lots of fun and games destined to trigger fits of kid-sized giggles (and laughs for the grown-ups, too)!

Presented Friday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m. Doors Open at 7:00 p.m. Evening Shows General Admission Seating Tickets are $12. The Kid's Matinee is Saturday, December 14 at 2 p.m. at tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children (12 and under). For information visit their website. Tickets Available Now - Click Here.

THE TRIAL OF EBENEZER SCROOGE, by Mark Brown, will be presented in cooperation with Woodland's Love Street Playhouse and Longview's Columbia Theatre, December 19 through 22. There are five shows, three evening and two matinee.

A year after his miraculous transformation, Scrooge is back to his old ways, suing Marley and the Ghosts. Directed by Melinda Leuthold, with a great talent line-up, this "Trial of the Century," is sure to bring laughs (and insight). Performances are at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in Longview and tickets are $16.50 to $21.50. Maybe that seems a bit on the high side, but based on the quality of Love Streets past productions and the class of this historic (and new renovated) theater it will be money well spent.

For more information and a link to the ticketing site click here. And be sure to watch this blog for our upcoming feature story and review (the Friday following Thursday's opening).

ONE WEEK LEFT TO BACK THIS SHOW!

Love Street Playhouse, The Columbia Theatre to Collaborate on "The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge!"

The Teasing Tickler Tile released early this week.

The Columbia Theatre in Longview, Wash. and Love Street Playhouse in Woodland, Wash. are teaming up to present "The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge" a holiday sequel to the Charles Dickens classic Christmas tale.

The play was written by Mark Brown, an award-winning writer and actor (his plays include "Around the World in 80 Days").

The show will be produced by the Columbia Theatre and directed by Melinda Leuthold, Owner and Artistic Director of the Love Street Playhouse in Woodland, Wash.

ABOUT THE PLAY

"The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge"

One year after his miraculous transformation, Ebenezer Scrooge appears to have reverted to his old ways. Amidst plenty of mayhem and laughter Scrooge indignantly files suit against Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. The charges: breaking and entering, kidnapping, attempted murder and the intentional infliction of emotional distress. With Scrooge representing himself (to save a pound), and London’s charismatic and clever barrister, Solomon Rothschild representing the ghosts, what will become of the spirit of Christmas? The classic Dickens’ characters return to take the witness stand in this courtroom farce. The final verdict: Disorder in the court!

AUDITION NOTICE:

Auditions for this 8 character, full-length play will be Monday, August 12th at 7:30 pm at the Columbia Theatre, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview, Wash. (360.575.8499). Full details and an audition form can be obtained from the Love Street website http://www.lovestreetplayhouse.com Call 360.907.9996 for additional information.

WHY THE COLLABORATION?

“Over the past three years, we have been exploring opportunities to collaborate on a number of community projects in order to make the most of the Columbia as a cultural asset,” says Columbia Theatre executive director Gian Paul Morelli. 

“I was especially keen on 'spicing up' the holiday season with a homegrown effort. It was our technical director, Kelly Ragsdale [who has been doing the lighting designs at LSP since Joe Jenkins moved to Utah], who kept urging me to visit Love Street to see Melinda’s work. I did. I was charmed and delighted by the quality,” he continued.

“If this project succeeds, the Columbia hopes it will be the start of an annual holiday tradition—an event that showcases the richness and depth of talent Southwest Washington has to offer. Working with Melinda [Leuthold] and the Love Street Playhouse gives both our organizations an opportunity for more exposure in each other’s community.”

Melinda Leuthold

“As the owner and artistic director of Love Street Playhouse it is my joy and passion to present quality theater to the southwest Washington region,” said Melinda Leuthold. “Over the past 7 years Love Street has reached thousands of patrons and now, with the opportunity to present at the Columbia Theatre, we can reach an even larger audience.”

“Collaborating with the Columbia and getting to work with some of my favorite people in the industry is just another step toward reaching more people in our area," said Leuthold.

"I am thrilled to get to work at this lovely theater while offering my local theater patrons the option of attending 'The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge' up north in Longview and/or joining us at Love Street for another traditional Christmas production in early December. This Christmas season will be a real treat for Love Street fans!”

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

The comedy will run five performances, December 19 - 22 at the Columbia Theatre. Ticket prices are $16.50 for Students/Seniors and $21.50 for Adults. Tickets will be on sale beginning July 1st through the Columbia Theatre Ticket Office.

For more information call 360.575.8499 or at www.columbiatheatre.com or http://www.lovestreetplayhouse.com. In addition, tickets are also available (cash and check only) at Columbia Bank, 782 Goerig St., Woodland, Wash.

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.

REVIEW: Slocum's "It's a Wonderful Life" is Wonderful

Chances are you're quite familiar with the holiday movie classic "It's a Wonderful Life" starring Jimmy Stewart. If not here's the basic synopsis:

It's the Christmas season and George Bailey's life is falling apart. In despair he gets drunk and, then after running his car into a tree, decides to jump off a bridge. An angel, named Clarence, saves his life, but he "awakes" in a life where he never existed and, therein, gets to see that his life has mattered and that his friends and family are truly dear to him. He "reawakens" to the moment he was about to jump and finds that things really do work out for good.

The Show Must Go On

The cast and "radio studio"set for Slocum Players It's a Wonderful Life.

After months of hiatus, the Slocum Players are back and open their resurrected life with a classic story of resurrection. "It's a Wonderful Life" (by Joe Landay) will be presented as a live radio show now through Dec. 16 at the Friends of the Carpenter workshop/warehouse, 1600 W. 20th St. in Vancouver, and Dec. 22 as a dinner theater at Tommy O's, 831 Washington St., Vancouver. Their own Sassy Ape Theater has not yet been approved for occupancy.

Encore! Encore!

John Borgen

The costumed production, presented with a minimal set and live sound effects, is wonderfully directed by Corrie Graham and Jamie Montgomery and features John Borgen, Mickey McGee, John Richards, Danyelle Tinker Lowder, Susan Van Atter and The Foley Sisters: Lynn Lampkin and Glydene Reinmiller.

If the line-up sounds familiar that's because Slocum presented the show last year with the exact same cast.

Mickey McGee

And that cast is mighty talented. Each plays several parts (though some more than others). The guys especially were good at doing multiple voices. All were exceptional, but Borgen and McGee really had to lay down a variety of characters. Richards' George Bailey voice was much akin to that of Jimmy Stewart. In fact, the voicings all paid homage to the movie characters you love. Several of the actors had to switch instantly and seamlessly between two or even three voices in a single conversation (with themselves)! I thought only Robin Williams could do that. ;)

John Richards

Pre-show (just before "going on the air") the ensemble does interact in character with the audience which adds to the evening's charm. Midway they also present a couple humorous "sponsor" commercials.

While the set was a bit on the iffy side, the costumes, hair and makeup were marvelous and technically the show came off like a dream. Lighting was simple (four Fresnels and an overhead pan), but was all that was required. The Foley (sound) effects were effective, but were subjected to the back of the stage where they could not be watched (which is part of the fun for these "live radio" shows). Also I felt that the musical tracks could have been a little hotter.

Danyelle Tinker Lowder

Less than ideal was the setting: a slightly chilly warehouse/carpentry shop. Somewhat make-shift, but an available space none-the-less. Friends of the Carpenter was good enough to open their building (free of charge) to the Slocum Players since their own space (Sassy Ape Theater) has not been approved for occupancy. Friends of the Carpenter is a unique ministry that helps the homeless by giving them training and employment through woodworking. Their showroom is open to the public prior to and after the show (and they have a large assortment of nice pieces for purchase).

Susan Van Atter

I think one thing would go a long way to improve the viewing experience: a black drape upstage. Otherwise, I pretty much got lost in the show and forgot where I was.

It's a Wonderful Show

This production has a very talented cast and they are a joy to watch and hear. If you love the movie you will probably love this presentation. I know I did. Very enjoyable, very well done, and very merry. Please go and help Slocum Players raise the funds they need to get Sassy Ape open!

Glydene Reinmiller

If you plan to go to the regular (non-dinner) show, dress warmly and Google Map the route or use your GPS; several patrons got lost. General directions are: Drive west on Mill Plain over the railway tracks and take the first right following the white sandwich board signs that say "Slocum Players".

Showtimes are as follows: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8, 14 and 15; 2:30 p.m. Dec. 9 and 16 and the Dec. 22 dinner theater begins at 6 p.m. with curtain at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 at the door.

Dinner Theater

Lynn Lampkin

The Dec. 22 Dinner Theater at Tommmy O's includes hors d’ourves, of Hawaiian Meatballs, Stuffed Phyllo Shells, Fruit and Cheese Platter, Spiced Nuts; a Salad Course of Organic Mixed Greens with Balsamic Vinaigrette and Ranch Dressing and Hawaiian Sweet Rolls with Butter all served family style at tables of 4-7 people. Plus Entrée Selections (choice of): Sweet and Spicy Papaya “Airline” Chicken Breast, Coffee Rubbed Flat Iron Steak (both are gluten-free) or a Vegetarian selection of Tofu and Vegetable Curry served over garlic mashed potatoes and a vegetable medley; and, of course, a dessert of assorted cupcakes, cookies and bars by Treat Bakery.

John Richards as George Bailey speaks with 

Susan Van Atter as Violet Bick.

The agenda for that evening is as follows: Doors open at 6 p.m.; guests will be seated at 6:45 and order dinner entrees; the show begins at 7 p.m.; Intermission will be at 7:40 p.m.; dinner will be served at 7:45 p.m.; the second act will begin at 8:20 p.m.; and dessert and coffee will be served at 9 p.m.

RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED!

The actual running time of the show is about 90 minutes.

Christmas decorations grace the front window of Slocum Players' not yet opened Sassy
Ape Theater. You can help open their doors by attending this production. Photo provided.

Dinner Show tickets are $50 per person (includes ticket price, dinner, tax and gratuity). All beverages (aside from the coffee with dessert) can be purchased for an additional charge the night of event. Tickets are sold through Tommy O’s Bistro ONLY.

Review, photographs and video (except as noted) by 
Gregory E. Zschomler

REVIEWS: Singing Christmas Tree an Annual Holiday Treat for 40 Years

Following are not one but TWO REVIEWS of the Vancouver First Church of God "Singing Christmas Tree."

Review #1 by Gregory E. Zschomler

The Vancouver "Singing Christmas Tree" has been a hometown favorite for 40 years! It has seen many changes over the years, but three things are certain: 

Christmas Carolers (under the direction of Terry Mendenall) lead
patrons in "Deck the Hallls" at Vancouver First Church of God.

1. There is a tree
2. There is singing, and 
3. There is a Christ-child

This year's anniversary offering mixes those elements with drama, dance, and other visual treats. No other Vancouver Christmas production is so long running and so inspirational. I've been going to this production for twenty years and some years ago I worked on it as Tech. Director.

Here's how I think this year's show added up:

The Singing Christmas Tree Choir.

More than 150 people participate on stage and behind it. There are 50+ voices in the tree choir. There are angel dancers (very nicely choreographed by Lyndsay Abulan, Rhonda Ward, Christina Wilder and McKayla Wixom) and shepherds (who also dance--badly), Wisemen (awesome costumes by Ruth Zschomler), and a Christmas star shining above the Holy Family (with a live baby) in a manger.

The drama features Rich Liedtke (R) as
a pastor trying to bring hope to his city.

A drama, by John R. Plastow, (ably directed by Marla Riley) weaves through the production between musical numbers. It is a message of hope presented in modern times and centers on characters that gather near a newsstand in a city park. An inner-city church decides to bring their annual Christmas production outside the church walls and into the park. The pastor goes about inviting each of the token characters (the busy businessman, the bag lady, the sullen teen, and the religious searcher) to the program. The drama culminates in the Nativity and each character responds in their own way. The script could have been better, but the performances were fine.

Blacklight (UV) lit miming hands form
the Christmas star.

There's also a touching blacklight (UV) hand mime, choreographed by Julie Murphy, to the beautiful song "Beyond the Manger." The longtime (too long, in my opinion) traditional pajama (toddlers) choir (Babette Terry, dir.), the Kingsway school choir (Darrell Hossler, dir.), a hand bell choir (Nola Olson, dir.), carolers (Terry Mendenall, dir.), and more in the two-hour presentation.

The Tree choir, under the direction of Randy Frasier, has never sounded better. The numbers were big and bold and rich. Especially nice were Celebration!, All Glory, and Beyond the Manager. Oddly the show's final number and one of my all-time favorite songs, This Little Child, needed some work. Other songs included a carol medley, Join the Angels (with angel dance), Thine is the Kingdom and the bouncy Somethin's Up (with the dumb shepherd dance).

This photo shows the full set for the production.

The sets were nicely designed, though simple, and constructed in an easy-to-use fold-out fashion. The lighting, after ten years unchanged, was simplified, but still effectively lit the show. Less flashy and a tad less dramatic. The audio was clear and crisp and nearly perfect. Very little video was used in the show.

History

Vancouver First Church of God's annual Singing Christmas Tree has seen a lot of change over the past 40 years. I can only speak to the last twenty.

About twenty years ago, under the direction of Frank Yerden, when Gerald Marvel was pastor, the tree grew in popularity. Yerden began introducing innovation. He flew an angel over the congregation. He had the pastor ride his Harley into the sanctuary and sing like Elvis. He expanded the musical repertoire to include pop sounds and secular songs with a live orchestra and organ.

Bob Velkinburg has long volunteered as the green Wiseman; he's
always the one who picks up the baby Jesus for blessing.

Ten years ago, under the direction of Lynn Higgins, and when Mitchell Burch was pastor, the Tree took on the personification of a variety show. The first act was secular pop Christmas songs, the second half sacred songs and hymns. Higgins introduced dancing angels, expanded drama sketches, a percussion group known as THUMP, a Gospel quartet, blacklight effects, bubbles, snowfall over the audience, multimedia, tableau, kites, confetti and much more. He mixed live orchestra and tracks--eventually going to tracks only.  During this heyday upwards of 10,000 people could see the show in ten performances over two weekends--some with standing room only and people turned away.

Angels dance in praise to the Lord Jesus.

About seven years ago, after Higgins and Burch left, the Tree came, for a short time, under the direction of Jeff Waldbauer who went for a more formal and sacred approach. Eventually Don Doe became pastor and the Tree's direction came under under Randy Frasier. While the program is still of highest quality and very inspirational it has, in recent years, been decreasing in popularity. There are now only six performances over a one week period, meaning only about 6,000 people can see it any given year.

Angels surround the manager in the Nativity tableau.

Perhaps, sadly, at forty years it is time to retire the production? Or, perhaps, it can be rekindled and hit fifty with a new fire. I don't think the decline has a lot to do with the quality of the show; I think that the general public is taking less interest in the spiritual meaning of Christmas, too distracted by all the secular commercialism. Which is, perhaps, all the more reason to keep offering the program.

How To Go to the Show

The annoyingly cute pajama choir.

The FREE show can be seen 7 p.m. Friday, December 7; 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, December 8 and 9. Patrons are encouraged to bring a canned food donation for The Giving Closet, to help those in need this Christmas season! Come early for a good seat; doors open one hour prior to curtain.

First Church of God is located at 3300 NE 78th St. Vancouver, Wash. 

Call 360-574-1611 if you have questions.

All photographs by Gregory E. Zschomler

Review #2 by Dennis Sparks:

The Christmas Story

The "Singing Christmas Tree" is a well-established American tradition and the format is used at a number of Churches and theaters. They take a great deal of time and effort to construct, as they consist of many boughs and lights, in order to resemble a giant Christmas Tree, replete with human singers interwoven among them. This one is quite impressive, with the singers doing traditional Christmas songs as well as some modern interpretations.

There was also a story interspersed among the songs reflecting a part of our modern world and how we may have forgotten the true message of Christmas. Among the characters representing various factions of our society were a stock broker, an intellectual, a street person, a possible runaway, a book seller and a Pastor of a small church in the community. The story revolves around the Pastor instituting discussions around the state of the world and the importance of the Christmas message to change the condition of things.

The script, by Mr. Palstow, was quite good. Although it didn’t cover all the various opposing elements in the world, it did a fair job of creating a microcosm of a portion of them. All the actors were good, in particular those portraying Charlie, Ben and Pastor Tom. The timing was uneven though and cues could have been picked up faster at times, but nicely done, nevertheless. 

The Staging

Technically the miking was very good, as were the lights. The flow of the show was relatively smooth, as it changes from one scene to another. The mobile church doors were a nice touch. And the costuming of the Wise Men was very impressive, showing off the rich fabrics and colors.

Some highlights were the dancing angels and shepherds, expressive and well choreographed. The Hallelujah Bells also gave the show an exciting touch, playing Calkin’s I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, with text by Longfellow, and Tchaikovsky’s Trepak. And the voice choir did a rousing rendition of Celebration and the powerful Thine is the Kingdom (arrangements by Dave Williamson) were impressive.

But, by far, the stars of the evening were the Hand Mimes (directed by Julie Murphy)--a group of individuals with white gloves and a blacklight on them, against a dark background, stole the show. They mimed to the song, Beyond the Manager (well sung by Rebecca J. Peck), creating various images from the song such as a manager, a dove, the cross, etc. with only their gloved hands. Very moving. This alone was have been worth the evening. 

The Conclusion

Unless you get there early, parking can be a problem. It was a packed house so best plan on getting there an hour ahead of time.  But the evening's show, running about two hours, has some impressive moments. It’s worth your time and, I think, you’ll agree.