As the lights dimmed, the gathered crowed hushed and my heart-rate quickened. I love live theater. The movement, dances, songs, and story-telling are magical and fire my imagination. My attention is riveted where the spotlight shines. I am absorbed, engulfed, immersed.
I marvel at talented folks who can be on stage, in the spotlight, seemingly without fright. Fearless, bold, laying their souls bare in the “instant” that is live theater. One shot. One performance. In a word: Thrilling.
My wife and I had the opportunity to see an original play at LifeHouse Theater in Redlands. A small, faith-based, community theater showcasing local talent. While LifeHouse Theater also presents Broadway-type plays: Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Phantom of the Opera, etc., they also present dramas and musicals with a religious message. The play we saw was an exceptional, one-of-a-kind, rendition of the 2000-year-old tale many of us already know; told from the unique perspective of the disciples that lived with Jesus.
Our friend and PCH Architects business partner, Rick Arias, wrote the screenplay, music, and lyrics. It took him almost a full year to see his vision brought to life by a truly talented cast. Quite an accomplishment for an Architect with a full-time day job.
Rick also performed, lending his uplifting voice in song and speech to a variety of different parts. We’ve seen Rick perform before and each time is absolutely stellar.
Once again, we are amazed that our neighbors or co-workers are never fully revealed to us even though we interact with them on a daily basis.It is a blessing when they are bold enough to share their not-so-hidden talents with us and the world.
