LifeHouse Theater continues to be a hub of activity as we conclude our current season with an amazing premiere musical and prepare for the beginning of our dazzling new 17^th season…

“PURSUED—A JONAH STORY” OPENS TO ACCLAIM

It has been a rich blessing to see “Pursued—A Jonah Story” open to standing ovations issued by audiences profoundly affected by the spiritual odyssey they have witnessed on stage.   This thought provoking new musical never fails to move me, challenge me, encourage me and inspire me.  I have already received several letters from guests expressing similar sentiments.  Many who have seen the production have told me they intend to come back and bring others.  It’s truly that kind of experience.  Please join me in inviting friends and family to share in this new musical adventure, now playing through September 19.

“LITTLE WOMEN” IN REHEARSAL TO LAUNCH OUR 17^th SEASON

What a joy it has been to meet personally with the dozen lead storytellers from the cast of our musical “Little Women.”  We recently spent two hours together analyzing the story and characters that have made this classic novel a favorite for generations of readers.  The new insights of our actors and the thoughtful homework and research they pour into their performances are part of what makes these stage productions so memorable.  Rehearsals have begun in earnest now under the direction of veteran actor Rick Arias, whom many will recall as the man who artfully directed our production of the acclaimed drama “Shadowlands”—the powerful C.S. Lewis stage biography.  In the next few weeks, Rick will spend more than 60 hours in rehearsals working with our dedicated acting team.  Please pray for all involved in this heartwarming story that so movingly portrays the values of loving family relationships, courage in adversity and faith in God—refreshing themes in this troubled time.

“LIFEHOUSE THEATER ON THE AIR”  MOVING  AHEAD

The SmartLifeStyle TV Channel is preparing for the promotion and premiere of our new weekly broadcast in September.  Our original musical “Pilgrim’s Progress” will launch the series, which will be broadcast to nine million subscribers in the United States as well as Central and South America.  Aired in six parts, the series features my introductions giving historical background for the story, as well as interviews with writer-composer Ken Wright and actor Shane Litchfield, who is featured as the pilgrim Christian.  I’ll be relating much more about our exciting series in coming weeks.  In the meantime, visit SmartLifeStyleTV.com and our own websites for the latest developments.

“Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” will be our newest audio drama release the second week of September.  It’s an action-packed story from Kipling’s “Jungle Book” that will delight everyone.  It joins “The Count of Monte Cristo,” “The Princess and the Pigs,” “Job—A Modern Man” and “Trapped in Aesop’s Fables” in this dynamic series of imaginative storytelling.  Our hilarious new rendition of “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” is next on our schedule of releases.

LIFEHOUSE THEATER OUTREACH  CONTINUES POPULAR TOUR

Christ Community Church (Moreno Valley, October 3), The River Church (Redlands, October 17) and San Jacinto First Assembly of God (December 3) are among the upcoming stops for “A Song In My Heart,” the LifeHouse touring production under the direction of Eric Bishop.  This dramatic portrayal of stories behind great hymns has been well received by enthusiastic audiences.   The production comes to LifeHouse Theater for special performances in January.  For the latest information and “behind-the-scenes” insights, be sure to visit our LifeHouse Theater Outreach website.

Now that “The Little Mermaid” has concluded its popular run of successful performances,  all of our focus is on the premiere of LifeHouse Theater’s latest new musical, “Pursued—A Jonah Story.”  Opening on Saturday evening, August 21, this fresh and innovative look at the beloved Old Testament account will arrest your senses and pull you into another time and place.  It is an unforgettable journey well worth taking.

I cannot convey how excited I am about this production.  In my capacity as Executive Producer, I have prowled about the theater during select rehearsals, silently lurking  unobserved in corridors and backstage, taking in the highly creative process of mounting a new musical—one that has been two years in the making.

The music is epic and evocative.  The vocals are stunning—some of the finest singing in LifeHouse history.  The cast of storytellers is packed with veteran performers whose combined experience would easily add up to a century or more.  Their expertise and dedication shows.  The story is powerful, inspiring and the kind that causes me to search my soul.  I will never think of Jonah the same way again.  And my hope is that you will have the same experience.

How well I remember first discussing the concept for this production with Dr. George Christison over two years ago.  His unique approach to this amazing story captivated me from the first draft.  It is truly rewarding to see all that George has carefully researched and written now come to life.

As I turn my pen over to George, he has graciously offered to share some of the mystique of Jonah as well as his own thoughts about what makes Jonah’s story so compelling and convicting…

What to make of the book of Jonah?  It is regarded as a masterpiece of ancient Hebrew literature.   It is tiny – in some Bibles it fits on just two pages -  48 verses packed with surprising events and powerful emotions.  Viewed through our storytellers’ eyes, two questions pulsate at the book’s dramatic core.

First, about Jonah:  there is reason to believe that he was not inherently rebellious toward God.  We know he was a true prophet – a man through whom God spoke.  We can tell from his book that Jonah was deeply acquainted with God’s compassion and abundant  lovingkindness.  It is not a leap to presume that Jonah knew personally of God’s love, and loved Him in return.

What would bring such a man to the point of rejecting his calling from God and to run as far away as possible?

His reasons must have been very powerful – and likely very personal.  The Bible is nearly silent on this.  No flashbacks.  No back story.   To avoid engaging in wanton speculation about personal events motivating the historical Jonah, we chose to re-tell the story through the eyes of a similar prophet living in another time in an imagined place on Earth.   And yet with the same God.

God is the focus of the second dramatic question at the core of this dense little book.  God wanted a prophet to preach to Nineveh.   Jonas refused and ran away.  Why didn’t God move on and just choose someone else?

Why did God pursue Jonah?

These questions drive the story we present, a story that parallels, and hopefully illuminates, that of the historical Jonah…

It’s a blessing to report that the return of our “Little Mermaid” musical has been well received and highly attended.  Guests have been commenting on the beautiful set and singing.  Laughter is filling the theater and children are lining up to get autographs of their favorite characters.  We are, however, approaching the final performances. If you haven’t already, be sure to reserve your seats and join us before our silly sea saga goes out with the tide.  We’re also offering our special weeknight performance on Thursday, August 5^th, at 7:30 PM before our final August 8^th performance.

LifeHouse continues to be a dynamo of activity this summer on many fronts.  Among the highlights:

• “Pursued: A Jonah Story” continues in rehearsal under the skillful direction of Sarah Ayotte. She reports that the cast of this latest new musical from LifeHouse is excited and energized as they work to bring our fresh perspective on the ancient biblical story to life.   Dr. George Christison has spent most of the last two years researching, writing and work shopping this unique look at a compelling story of God’s merciful compassion for His people and His relentless pursuit of a wayward prophet. You will never look at the story of Jonah in the same way after you experience the adventure of
  his life’s mission and his relationship with God.

Orchestrator Daniel Semsen, who gave us the beautiful music of this season’s “Pride and Prejudice,” is transforming composer Amy Muthersbaugh’s rich melodies into a lush, epic score that compliments the unique universe portrayed on stage.  The amazing events of the story combine with evocative choreography, colorful costumes, arresting stage combat and riveting performances for an unforgettable theater experience.  Dustin Ceithamer leads a cast of LifeHouse veteran all-stars, including Nathan Riley, Hannah Ayotte, David and Sarah Christison, Jonathan Bushey, Mark and Lauren Mosher, Tim and Leah Simpson, Chris and Cathy Flores and many others.

Be sure to spread the word about “Pursued: A Jonah Story” (August 21-September 19) and consider organizing a special group from your church, office or other organization to join us.

• LifeHouse Theater Outreach is changing lives under the leadership of Eric Bishop as the touring company of “A Song in My Heart” continues performing throughout the Inland Empire.  This production depicting the true stories behind great hymns of faith recently made an amazing impact when it was presented at the Chino Women’s Prison.  You can read the touching stories of lives transformed by following the link to LTO’s website.  You’ll also find all the latest information about upcoming performances. “A Song in My Heart” features the talents of Jeremy Yeo, Aaron and Peter Milligan, Tim and Leah Simpson, Amy Muthersbaugh, Jason Robbins, Jennifer DeWitt, Emily Yeo, Jennifer Small, Jonathan Bushey, Richard Bennett and many others.  The production will also be returning to LifeHouse Theater for encore performances in January, 2011.

• LifeHouse Theater On-The-Air audio dramas on CDs and stage presentations recorded live on DVD will be represented at a variety of marketing conventions beginning August 7 in Ontario, CA through the remainder of this year and well into 2011 at locations around the nation.  Audio dramas “Trapped in Aesop’s Fables!” and “Rikki Tikki Tavi” will be released in early August, joining “The Count of Monte Cristo,” “The Princess and the Pigs” and “Job: A Modern Man” in the growing series.  The editing work on DVD versions of “Pilgrim’s Progress” and “Peter Pan” has recently been completed and post production work on “Beauty and the Beast” and “Unto Us: A Nativity Story” is nearly finished as well.  These titles will be joined by several others, including “Robin Hood,” “Pride and Prejudice,” “Ecclesiastes,” “Esther” and “Cinderella” for release between August 7 and late September.

LifeHouse Theater On-The-Air television broadcasts will premiere on the new SmartLifeStyle TV channel in September.  We’ll have many exciting details to share in our next newsletter.  Be sure to check out our new website for all the latest broadcast news and related links.

• Casting is underway for the first musical of our new 2010-11 season, “Little Women.”  Auditions brought many talented performers from all areas and walks of life—a terrific blend of new faces and favorite veterans.  The cast will be announced August 17 on our website and director Rick Arias is preparing for the start of rehearsals August 24.

Please join me in prayer for all these ongoing activities and for God’s favor in outreach as we prepare for the launch of our new 17^th season.  I deeply appreciate your prayer partnership and look forward to seeing you soon here at LifeHouse Theater.

Be prepared to groan as you read this…”The Little Mermaid” has been launched, the performances have been going swimmingly, and I think you’ll not only have a whale of a time diving into the story, you’ll also be reel hooked as you watch the “boy meets gill” romance,  themes of unshellfish devotion,  and comedy that is shore to keep you laughing to the fin-ish… All right, I think I have it all out of my system!

It’s been about a dozen years since we have attempted to mount our original musical, “The Little Mermaid,” and I think you’ll technology we didn’t have when our musical first premiered and the results are delightful.   As He always seems to, God graciously gave us a well received opening.  Audience comments have been quite positive. Please join us between now and August 8th and share in the fun of our soggy saga!  Hope to “sea” you there.

Meanwhile, “Pursued: A Jonah Story”  has begun rehearsals under the outstanding direction of Sarah Ayotte.  This is an ambitious, powerful change-of-pace production that will creatively challenge our thinking and provide new insights into an amazing story.  “Pursued” is a fresh, yet faithful interpretation of Jonah’s biblical story.  Our staging parallels the events of the Book of Jonah in an exciting setting that makes the events highly accessible to today’s audiences.  The inspiring focus is on God’s caring compassion and His relentless pursuit of our hearts and minds—even when we try to outrun Him.

Will you consider assembling special church groups, inviting friends, family and co-workers,  and also enfolding folks new to LifeHouse? I appreciate anything you may do to help be an ambassador for our arts outreach.  In these challenging times, we are more grateful than ever for your support!

We also continue to be as busy as ever this summer.  Among many current and upcoming activities at LifeHouse—

• Our LifeHouse Theater Outreach touring production of “A Song In My Heart” is making appearances at Chino Women’s Prison and Harvest Fellowship.

• We are preparing our marketing campaign for the national release of our new LifeHouse Theater On-The-Air audio drama series on CD and our DVD editions of our musicals recorded live on stage.

• Auditions for the first production of our new 17th season, “Little Women,” are coming up on July 29th.

• A special night of inspirational music and singing is planned for Sunday evening, August 1, 6:30 PM, here at LifeHouse Theater.

I look forward to all that is coming up at LifeHouse and to sharing in it with you!

I cannot recall another period in our history when LifeHouse Productions has more resembled the proverbial beehive of activity.  What an exciting time!

• COMING UP ON STAGE

Our stellar cast of “Esther” just completed a well attended performance run and now our “Little Mermaid” team isworking hard to present a dazzling new incarnation of this LifeHouse favorite.  There’s a new storyline, new set, new choreography, new costumes and many new surprises.  Emily Lopez is charming in the title role and she is joined by hilarious LifeHouse veterans Jonathan Blair, Amy Bell, Rick Arias and an ocean full of terrific talent.  Anyone who likes to laugh will have a lot of fun with this one.  And we are beginning rehearsals for “Pursued: A Jonah Story,” which promises to reveal amazing insights into the famous biblical account.

• OUR STELLAR NEW  17^th SEASON

Intense planning is underway for the launch of our new 2010-11 17^th season.  Yes, I’m biased, but…with titles like “Revelation,” “Ruth,” “The Jungle Book” and “Les Miserables,” who on earth would miss any of it?  This month is the time to get the very best value on a season subscription. 

We are also looking forward to our “Scrooge” Season Special at Redlands’ Clock Auditorium.  This new Inland Empire Christmas attraction promises to be a powerful outreach and may establish a new community tradition.  It’s not too early to spread the word about this special presentation as we hope to host several thousand people at the auditorium this December.  If your church group or organization would like to join us, please let us know.

• LIFEHOUSE THEATER ON THE AIR

We are also about to release two new audio dramas, “Trapped in Aesop’s Fables” and “Rikki Tikki Tavi”—delightful presentations that will enchant everyone.  Our new “LifeHouse Theater On The Air” television series will begin next month with the premiere of “Pilgrim’s Progress” on BrightStar’s SmartLifestyle channel.  I’ll also be attending marketing conventions for the promotion of our new audio and DVD series throughout the summer.  You’ll be hearing much more about these exciting series in the coming weeks.  And be sure to look for feature stories coming up in The Christian Examiner and many other Inland Empire media publications.

I’m especially keen on sharing with you the latest news regarding our newest endeavor—LifeHouse Theater Outreach (LTO).   It’s already having a mighty impact.  LTO is a revival of our touring company under the leadership of Eric Bishop.  Eric is directing and coordinating “A Song In My Heart,” a celebration of well known classic hymns and the stories behind them.   The outstanding reception this production experienced at LifeHouse last autumn prompted Eric to pray about whether to help us take it “on the road.”  God has been opening doors ever since.

If you’ll glance over my shoulder, so to speak, take a look at this letter that just crossed my desk written by a pastor whose church hosted “A Song In My Heart”…

“Your theater group delivered a marvelous play.  It was heart touching and eye opening. It isn’t every day that someone is able to crack open a door to the past and unite three generations of audiences.  Our young people will always remember the lives behind the music and our seniors relived some great old songs and stories that seem to have gotten misplaced.  Even our children loved it and were captured by the interesting story line and songs.  I highly recommend “A Song In My Heart” to any church interested in assisting their members to gain a much higher appreciation of the traditional songs which have been handed down for generations.  Thank you again for a well thought out program which was only matched by an outstanding performance…”

Would you consider two action points in light of what you have just read?  First, please pray for upcoming performances of this play.  Amazingly enough, it will be performed July 17 at the Chino Women’s Prison.  Over 350 inmates are expected to witness these touching stories and hear the incredibly redemptive and uplifting lyrics to the hymns as they are sung.  Pray that hardened hearts will melt and be open to God’s grace…Also, please pray for performances at Harvest in Riverside on July 24 at 6 PM—where a thousand guests are expected to attend—and for additional church performances in August…And secondly, please consider whether your own church or other organization might be a good venue to host this production.  If so, contact Eric through our box office and he will be happy to make the arrangements.

Please know what a blessing your interest in our work is!  We cannot exist without your involvement and support, and we never take either for granted.  We’ll continue working to earn your confidence and appreciate your joining us in prayer for God’s hand on all our activities under the LifeHouse Productions banner.