Salvationist musical

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34127, 13 April 1976, Page 27

Salvationist musical

A Christchurch Salvationist Theatre Group will present its musical, from April 17 to 24.

The cast of 65 members of Salvation Army corps has b **n rehearsing for four ~ f° r the musical, Spirit . which was written and set to music by two British Salvationists, Major X Larsons and Major J. Gowans. It has been produced in Christchurch by Gwen Miller, who also produced the 1974 musical. Jesus Folk."

The two other productions by the Salvationist Theatre Group were “Hosea” in 1970 and 'Takeover Bid” in 1968.

A theatre spokesman said that “Spirit” dealt with the first 12 chapters of the Book of Acts, beginning with the ascension of Jesus Christ, and the command to the Disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they were imbued with “power from on high”. Act I showed the Holy Spirit descending in the waiting Disciple band, and especially on doubting Thomas; the incident where they spoke in tongues; the beginnings of evangelism;

and the flogging of the Disciples by the Jewish Sanhedrin. Act U deals with the stoning of Stephen, the Dam-

ascus Road conversion of Saul of Tarsus, and the spread of the Church. The production team were unanimous that the musical was the best the theatre group had staged. It carried plenty of punch, but was

"It is going to convey the message we intend it should," the spokesman said. Sets and costumes are minimal, and symbolic in character. Backing will be by an orchestra of 10 under the baton of Thomas Brown, conductor with the Christchurch Orchestral Society. “Spirit" is one hour and three-quarters long; time enough for 35 songs and snatches of drama.

Costs will be recouped by ticket sales and a buffer fund.