," according to the promotional materials.The script is based on the gospel of Matthew. I think I myself would have described it as "a timeless tale of love, betrayal and faith."
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse is a remarkably professional venue down the road at Johnson's corner on the turnoff from Loveland to Greeley. We bought tickets for the production as a treat for our first anniversary. We had three 30-something house guests join us, which added to the fun, if not the romance, of the evening.
The set was the construction site for a Habitat for Humanity home being built by volunteers, with Jesus (the one in the white overalls, as the crew leader, who tells them stories during their breaks. The crew members take turns acting out the stories, which range from hilarious to poignant. The soloists have strong, moving voices; the choreography is inventive and delightful.
The recitation of the Beatitudes was back and forth "playing the dozens." Judas says, "When men shall persecute You and revile You: What?" Jesus looks taken aback, looks at the sole of one of their shoes, and says, "Rejoice." The disciple responds, "No, it says Rebock." "Rejoice," Jesus says firmly, and they are off to the parable of the Prodigal Son, and the band become the loose women and disciples portray the greedy pigs.
In this telling, the turning point for Judas was not being able to condemn the woman caught in adultery, which was too much for his faith, and he turns to betray Jesus. Jesus suffering in Gethsemene with a pile of softly snoring disciples and then his betrayal by Judas, climaxed in his crucifixion on the beams of the Habitat House--solemn, moving. No Seven Last Words for the gospel of Matthew.
The morning after, the disciples/builders are seen comforting each other, and singing, "Long live God." On that testimony Jesus returns to them for the exciting conclusion. Instead of a bravo, I could only clap and shout, "Amen!"