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The Promise (Passion Play)
Encyclopedia
The Promise is a musical drama
with a book by Jan Dargatz (with additional dialogue by Travis Tyre) and lyrics and music by various songwriters (several arranged by Gary Rhodes) based on biblical texts. The musical follows the life of Jesus Christ, including his birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. The musical score is in the style of Christian pop music.
The piece is performed outdoors and originated in 1989 in Glen Rose, Texas
, where it is still performed on a large scale each year. The work has enjoyed a number of other productions in the United States and elsewhere.
, Germany vowed to continue presenting their local passion play
every ten years as a vow to God in return for being spared from the plague. The Oberammergau passion play will be performed next in 2010. The United States has had passion plays for over three quarters of a century. These have included The Black Hills Passion Play in Spearfish, South Dakota
and The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
. The Promise is a musical, which distinguishes it from the other American passion plays.
In 1984, Dargatz and Rhodes began to develop The Promise in cooperation with Word Music, Inc. and Kingdom Development Company. This version of The Promise opened in November 1989. Designed by Peter Wolf of Dallas, Texas
, to take advantage of the rolling hills near Glen Rose, Texas
, as a backdrop, the musical is produced outdoors on a large scale each summer at the Texas Amphitheatre and is performed a few dozen times over the course of the summer. It features a Greco-Roman set with 42 feet (12.8 m) arches and a six-story archway towering over a 65 x 100 square feet (9.3 m²) tri-level stage. There are approximately 3,000 units of stadium seating in the amphitheatre. A moat separates the stage and the seats, and during the show, the moat is used as a proxy for the Jordan River at times, and the Sea of Galilee
at others. The cast exceeds 100 actors. Travis Tyre directed the 2008 production of the musical, and Felecia Benton choreographed.
Act I
A grandfather and his grandchildren, Billy and Lisa, explore the banks of the Paluxy River
in Glen Rose, Texas, looking for dinosaur tracks. When the topic of conversation turns to the upcoming birth of the grandchildren's youngest sibling, they are reminded that every life is special to God. The grandfather begins to relate the story of one baby who was so special that God gave Him as a promise.
The characters soon find themselves among the prophets of the Old Testament
, who are foretelling the coming of Christ ("A Promise Is a Promise"). As Grandfather begins to tell the story of Jesus' birth, the family meets Mary
and Joseph
as they journey to Bethlehem
("Magnify"). The Archangel Gabriel announces the birth of baby Jesus, and shepherds and three Magi
travel to Bethleham to worship Him ("Glory to God"). Grandpa explains to the children that Herod
decreed that all male babies in Bethlehem under the age of two must be massacred
,but just in time, an angel warned Joseph to flee to Egypt with baby Jesus. After Herod dies, the angel directs them back to Nazareth
, where Jesus grows up in Joseph's carpenter shop. Jesus learns His earthly father Joseph's business, but Joseph reminds Him that he is God's son ("Little Yeshua").
Jesus grows up, and his cousin, John the Baptist
, calls for sinners to repent and be baptized in the Jordan River ("The Kingdom of Heaven/One Voice"§). Jesus comes to John to be baptized, and though John bows before Jesus and insists that it is not right for him to baptize Jesus, Jesus asks him to permit it so they may do what is right in God's eyes. John baptizes Jesus, and the Spirit of God
descends on him. Satan
leads Jesus out into the wilderness and tempts him, but Jesus does not succomb to his temptation
("It is Written"§). Back in Galilee
, Jesus calls four fishermen – Peter
, James
, John
, and Andrew
– to be his first disciples
. Amazed by a miraculous catch of fish, they declare that he must be the coming king ("I See the Kingdom Coming").
Jesus calls twelve disciples and begins teaching the common people the Beatitudes
, explaining his love for them ("Closer Than a Heartbeat"§). The apostles sing and dance, telling the crowds "He Is Jehovah". Jesus heals the blind, lame, sick, and leperous, and a woman in the marketplace declares that he comes "In the Name of the Lord". The disciples wonder amongst themselves how Jesus will become king, especially since He says He will die by crucifixion
. Jesus even raises his friend Lazarus
, who had been dead four days, back to life ("In the Name of the Lord" (reprise)).
Act II
Jesus and his disciples make his Triumphal Entry
into Jerusalem as the crowds celebrate and lay palm branches before him ("We Cry Hosanna, Lord"). When Jesus arrives at the Temple
, he finds money changers selling animals for temple sacrifices
, turning the Temple into a place of business. He angrily overturns their tables
and confronts Caiaphas
, the High priest
("My Father's Temple"§).
Jesus and His disciples meet in an upper room to celebrate the Passover
, and he gives them some of his final teachings, assuring them that His spirit and His peace will always be with them ("Shalom"). Judas leaves the table to betray Jesus to the priests and Pharisees
. Jesus predicts that all his disciples will fall away, but Peter insists that he will never leave Jesus. Jesus warns him that before the rooster crows, he will deny Jesus three times. Jesus and the rest of His disciples go into the Garden of Gethsemane
to pray ("He Is Jehovah" (reprise)). The disciples fall asleep. Jesus begs God to take away the suffering he will endure, but then asks that God's will be done so that God may be glorified ("Glorify Your Son"§). The disciples awaken as Judas returns with some Roman soldiers. Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss
, and the soldiers arrest him and lead him away.
As Jesus is awaiting His trial
, three people recognize Peter as one of Jesus' followers. Peter repeatedly denies even knowing Jesus, and a rooster crows. Peter is overcome by his guilt and asks God for forgiveness, dedicating his life to God ("Peter's Song"§). Jesus is put on trial before Herod and then Pontius Pilate
, who initially refuses to condemn Him, since He had committed no crime. During these trials, Jesus is whipped, and a crown of thorns
is placed on his head. An angry mob insists that Pilate "Let Him Be Crucified", and Pilate turns him over to the rioters and the Roman soldiers
. The soldiers lead him along the "Via Dolorosa
" to Calvary
, a hill outside the city, to be crucified. The soldiers beat and mock Jesus as he carries his cross, while his followers mourn. Jesus is nailed to the cross, and the soldiers cast lots for his robe ("Cross of Calvary"). Jesus tells his mother, Mary, that the apostle John is now her son. He cries out to God, "Abba, Father, why have you forsaken me?" and then gasps, "it is finished."
Joseph of Arimathea
and Nicodemus
, religious leaders and secret followers of Jesus, take his body down from the cross and bury it in the tomb that Joseph had purchased for himself. Pilate posts Roman guards at the tomb so Jesus' apostles will not be able to steal Jesus' body and claim that He rose from the dead. On Sunday
, the Angel Gabriel appears at the tomb, singing God's command for Jesus to "Arise". Three women arrive at the tomb to mourn and find Jesus there, risen from the dead! They bring the apostles to Him, and all the people come to worship Jesus.
Grandfather explains to Billy and Lisa that Jesus is still alive today and urges them to go forth to fulfill His Great Commission
. Everyone joins in singing "Glory to God" and "Magnify".
Note: Songs labelled with § have been added to the Glen Rose production since the original production.
Act 2
Note: Songs labelled with § have been added to the Glen Rose production since the original production.
The distinction between the present and Biblical times is not strictly observed; the three modern characters sometimes interact with the Biblical characters, but they return to their bench by the firepit at the end of each scene. This is not a dramatic oversight; rather, it is intended to emphasize the humanity of Biblical figures. Notable instances include when Grandpa, Lisa, and Billy meet Mary and Joseph as they journey to Bethlehem (this is the first time Grandpa and Lisa "see" the Biblical characters), and Lisa and Mary have a brief duet in the middle of "Magnify." Peter, Andrew, and John have a short scene in which they are warming their hands by the firepit and discussing Jesus' death. When Jesus is carrying his cross to Calvary, he cannot carry it all the way up the hill, so Grandpa pulls it the rest of the way (In the Biblical account, the soldiers ordered a passing man, Simon of Cyrene
, to carry Jesus' cross).
. In 1994, The Promise returned to the Kremlin State Palace for a tour of encore performances.
The Promise was performed for 11 years in the small rural community of Forest, Ontario
, Canada, in southwestern Ontario. That production played on three weekends in each July/August from 1995 to 2005. The Promise will be returning for its 12th season in August 2010, produced by Forest Community Theatre. www.forestcommunitytheatre.com
Since 1992, The Promise has been performed annually in Litchfield, Illinois
at Zion Lutheran Church and School. The production is performed on the two weekends before Palm Sunday
every spring.
In 1996, The Promise played at the Will Rogers Theatre in Branson, Missouri
, beginning year-round performances in that city. That production continued seasonally through 2002. As of 2008, The Promise is being performed at The Mansion Theatre in Branson.
The Promise has been produced internationally in Seoul, Korea, at the Olympic Stadium, and in South Africa, as well as other countries around the world. Other productions in the U.S. include one in New York City
.
"The Promise" was staged in the University Cultural Centre in the National University of Singapore from the 27th to the 29th of November 2008.
Musical theatre
Musical theatre is a form of theatre combining songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance. The emotional content of the piece – humor, pathos, love, anger – as well as the story itself, is communicated through the words, music, movement and technical aspects of the entertainment as an...
with a book by Jan Dargatz (with additional dialogue by Travis Tyre) and lyrics and music by various songwriters (several arranged by Gary Rhodes) based on biblical texts. The musical follows the life of Jesus Christ, including his birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. The musical score is in the style of Christian pop music.
The piece is performed outdoors and originated in 1989 in Glen Rose, Texas
Glen Rose, Texas
Glen Rose is a city in Somervell County, Texas, United States. It is the county seat of Somervell County. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,444. Glen Rose is part of the Granbury micropolitan area.-19th century:...
, where it is still performed on a large scale each year. The work has enjoyed a number of other productions in the United States and elsewhere.
Background
Outdoor religious dramas have a long tradition. In 1633, the residents of OberammergauOberammergau
Oberammergau is a municipality in the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, in Bavaria, Germany. The town is famous for its production of a Passion Play, its woodcarvers, and the NATO School.-Passion Play:...
, Germany vowed to continue presenting their local passion play
Passion play
A Passion play is a dramatic presentation depicting the Passion of Jesus Christ: his trial, suffering and death. It is a traditional part of Lent in several Christian denominations, particularly in Catholic tradition....
every ten years as a vow to God in return for being spared from the plague. The Oberammergau passion play will be performed next in 2010. The United States has had passion plays for over three quarters of a century. These have included The Black Hills Passion Play in Spearfish, South Dakota
Spearfish, South Dakota
Spearfish is a city in Lawrence County, South Dakota,United States. The population was 10,494 at the 2010 census.- History :Prior to the Black Hills Gold Rush of 1876, the area was used by Native Americans who would spear fish in the creek...
and The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs is a city in Carroll County, Arkansas, United States. Along with Berryville, it is one of the two county seats for the county. It is located in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas. According to 2006 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the town is 2,350...
. The Promise is a musical, which distinguishes it from the other American passion plays.
In 1984, Dargatz and Rhodes began to develop The Promise in cooperation with Word Music, Inc. and Kingdom Development Company. This version of The Promise opened in November 1989. Designed by Peter Wolf of Dallas, Texas
Dallas, Texas
Dallas is the third-largest city in Texas and the ninth-largest in the United States. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is the largest metropolitan area in the South and fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States...
, to take advantage of the rolling hills near Glen Rose, Texas
Glen Rose, Texas
Glen Rose is a city in Somervell County, Texas, United States. It is the county seat of Somervell County. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,444. Glen Rose is part of the Granbury micropolitan area.-19th century:...
, as a backdrop, the musical is produced outdoors on a large scale each summer at the Texas Amphitheatre and is performed a few dozen times over the course of the summer. It features a Greco-Roman set with 42 feet (12.8 m) arches and a six-story archway towering over a 65 x 100 square feet (9.3 m²) tri-level stage. There are approximately 3,000 units of stadium seating in the amphitheatre. A moat separates the stage and the seats, and during the show, the moat is used as a proxy for the Jordan River at times, and the Sea of Galilee
Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee, also Kinneret, Lake of Gennesaret, or Lake Tiberias , is the largest freshwater lake in Israel, and it is approximately in circumference, about long, and wide. The lake has a total area of , and a maximum depth of approximately 43 m...
at others. The cast exceeds 100 actors. Travis Tyre directed the 2008 production of the musical, and Felecia Benton choreographed.
Synopsis
(Based on the 2008 Glen Rose production)Act I
A grandfather and his grandchildren, Billy and Lisa, explore the banks of the Paluxy River
Paluxy River
The Paluxy River is a river in the U.S. state of Texas. It is a tributary of the Brazos River. It is formed by the convergence of the North Paluxy River and the South Paluxy River near Bluff Dale, Texas in Erath County and flows a distance of before joining the Brazos just to the east of Glen...
in Glen Rose, Texas, looking for dinosaur tracks. When the topic of conversation turns to the upcoming birth of the grandchildren's youngest sibling, they are reminded that every life is special to God. The grandfather begins to relate the story of one baby who was so special that God gave Him as a promise.
Old Testament
The Old Testament, of which Christians hold different views, is a Christian term for the religious writings of ancient Israel held sacred and inspired by Christians which overlaps with the 24-book canon of the Masoretic Text of Judaism...
, who are foretelling the coming of Christ ("A Promise Is a Promise"). As Grandfather begins to tell the story of Jesus' birth, the family meets Mary
Mary (mother of Jesus)
Mary , commonly referred to as "Saint Mary", "Mother Mary", the "Virgin Mary", the "Blessed Virgin Mary", or "Mary, Mother of God", was a Jewish woman of Nazareth in Galilee...
and Joseph
Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph is a figure in the Gospels, the husband of the Virgin Mary and the earthly father of Jesus Christ ....
as they journey to Bethlehem
Bethlehem
Bethlehem is a Palestinian city in the central West Bank of the Jordan River, near Israel and approximately south of Jerusalem, with a population of about 30,000 people. It is the capital of the Bethlehem Governorate of the Palestinian National Authority and a hub of Palestinian culture and tourism...
("Magnify"). The Archangel Gabriel announces the birth of baby Jesus, and shepherds and three Magi
Biblical Magi
The Magi Greek: μάγοι, magoi), also referred to as the Wise Men, Kings, Astrologers, or Kings from the East, were a group of distinguished foreigners who were said to have visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh...
travel to Bethleham to worship Him ("Glory to God"). Grandpa explains to the children that Herod
Herod the Great
Herod , also known as Herod the Great , was a Roman client king of Judea. His epithet of "the Great" is widely disputed as he is described as "a madman who murdered his own family and a great many rabbis." He is also known for his colossal building projects in Jerusalem and elsewhere, including his...
decreed that all male babies in Bethlehem under the age of two must be massacred
Massacre of the Innocents
The Massacre of the Innocents is an episode of infanticide by the King of Judea, Herod the Great. According to the Gospel of Matthew Herod orders the execution of all young male children in the village of Bethlehem, so as to avoid the loss of his throne to a newborn King of the Jews whose birth...
,but just in time, an angel warned Joseph to flee to Egypt with baby Jesus. After Herod dies, the angel directs them back to Nazareth
Nazareth
Nazareth is the largest city in the North District of Israel. Known as "the Arab capital of Israel," the population is made up predominantly of Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel...
, where Jesus grows up in Joseph's carpenter shop. Jesus learns His earthly father Joseph's business, but Joseph reminds Him that he is God's son ("Little Yeshua").
Jesus grows up, and his cousin, John the Baptist
John the Baptist
John the Baptist was an itinerant preacher and a major religious figure mentioned in the Canonical gospels. He is described in the Gospel of Luke as a relative of Jesus, who led a movement of baptism at the Jordan River...
, calls for sinners to repent and be baptized in the Jordan River ("The Kingdom of Heaven/One Voice"§). Jesus comes to John to be baptized, and though John bows before Jesus and insists that it is not right for him to baptize Jesus, Jesus asks him to permit it so they may do what is right in God's eyes. John baptizes Jesus, and the Spirit of God
Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit is a term introduced in English translations of the Hebrew Bible, but understood differently in the main Abrahamic religions.While the general concept of a "Spirit" that permeates the cosmos has been used in various religions Holy Spirit is a term introduced in English translations of...
descends on him. Satan
Satan
Satan , "the opposer", is the title of various entities, both human and divine, who challenge the faith of humans in the Hebrew Bible...
leads Jesus out into the wilderness and tempts him, but Jesus does not succomb to his temptation
Temptation of Christ
The temptation of Christ is detailed in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. According to these texts, after being baptized, Jesus fasted for forty days and nights in the Judean desert. During this time, the devil appeared to Jesus and tempted him...
("It is Written"§). Back in Galilee
Galilee
Galilee , is a large region in northern Israel which overlaps with much of the administrative North District of the country. Traditionally divided into Upper Galilee , Lower Galilee , and Western Galilee , extending from Dan to the north, at the base of Mount Hermon, along Mount Lebanon to the...
, Jesus calls four fishermen – Peter
Saint Peter
Saint Peter or Simon Peter was an early Christian leader, who is featured prominently in the New Testament Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. The son of John or of Jonah and from the village of Bethsaida in the province of Galilee, his brother Andrew was also an apostle...
, James
James the Just
James , first Bishop of Jerusalem, who died in 62 AD, was an important figure in Early Christianity...
, John
John the Apostle
John the Apostle, John the Apostle, John the Apostle, (Aramaic Yoħanna, (c. 6 - c. 100) was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He was the son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother of James, another of the Twelve Apostles...
, and Andrew
Saint Andrew
Saint Andrew , called in the Orthodox tradition Prōtoklētos, or the First-called, is a Christian Apostle and the brother of Saint Peter. The name "Andrew" , like other Greek names, appears to have been common among the Jews from the 3rd or 2nd century BC. No Hebrew or Aramaic name is recorded for him...
– to be his first disciples
Disciple (Christianity)
In Christianity, the disciples were the students of Jesus during his ministry. While Jesus attracted a large following, the term disciple is commonly used to refer specifically to "the Twelve", an inner circle of men whose number perhaps represented the twelve tribes of Israel...
. Amazed by a miraculous catch of fish, they declare that he must be the coming king ("I See the Kingdom Coming").
Jesus calls twelve disciples and begins teaching the common people the Beatitudes
Beatitudes
In Christianity, the Beatitudes are a set of teachings by Jesus that appear in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The term Beatitude comes from the Latin adjective beatus which means happy, fortunate, or blissful....
, explaining his love for them ("Closer Than a Heartbeat"§). The apostles sing and dance, telling the crowds "He Is Jehovah". Jesus heals the blind, lame, sick, and leperous, and a woman in the marketplace declares that he comes "In the Name of the Lord". The disciples wonder amongst themselves how Jesus will become king, especially since He says He will die by crucifixion
Crucifixion of Jesus
The crucifixion of Jesus and his ensuing death is an event that occurred during the 1st century AD. Jesus, who Christians believe is the Son of God as well as the Messiah, was arrested, tried, and sentenced by Pontius Pilate to be scourged, and finally executed on a cross...
. Jesus even raises his friend Lazarus
Lazarus of Bethany
Lazarus of Bethany, also known as Saint Lazarus or Lazarus of the Four Days, is the subject of a prominent miracle attributed to Jesus in the Gospel of John, in which Jesus restores him to life four days after his death...
, who had been dead four days, back to life ("In the Name of the Lord" (reprise)).
Act II
Jesus and his disciples make his Triumphal Entry
Triumphal Entry
A triumphal entry is a ceremonial entry by a person into a city.*The term originates from the Roman triumph, awarded to successful generals in Ancient Rome*Metaphorically, the term is applied to Christ's entry to Jerusalem, commemorated on Palm Sunday...
into Jerusalem as the crowds celebrate and lay palm branches before him ("We Cry Hosanna, Lord"). When Jesus arrives at the Temple
Second Temple
The Jewish Second Temple was an important shrine which stood on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem between 516 BCE and 70 CE. It replaced the First Temple which was destroyed in 586 BCE, when the Jewish nation was exiled to Babylon...
, he finds money changers selling animals for temple sacrifices
Korban
The term offering as found in the Hebrew Bible in relation to the worship of Ancient Israel is mainly represented by the Hebrew noun korban whether for an animal or other offering...
, turning the Temple into a place of business. He angrily overturns their tables
Jesus and the Money Changers
The narrative of Jesus and the money changers, commonly referred to as the cleansing of the Temple, occurs in all four canonical gospels of the New Testament....
and confronts Caiaphas
Caiaphas
Joseph, son of Caiaphas, Hebrew יוסף בַּר קַיָּפָא or Yosef Bar Kayafa, commonly known simply as Caiaphas in the New Testament, was the Roman-appointed Jewish high priest who is said to have organized the plot to kill Jesus...
, the High priest
Kohen Gadol
The High Priest was the chief religious official of Israelite religion and of classical Judaism from the rise of the Israelite nation until the destruction of the Second Temple of Jerusalem...
("My Father's Temple"§).
Passover
Passover is a Jewish holiday and festival. It commemorates the story of the Exodus, in which the ancient Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt...
, and he gives them some of his final teachings, assuring them that His spirit and His peace will always be with them ("Shalom"). Judas leaves the table to betray Jesus to the priests and Pharisees
Pharisees
The Pharisees were at various times a political party, a social movement, and a school of thought among Jews during the Second Temple period beginning under the Hasmonean dynasty in the wake of...
. Jesus predicts that all his disciples will fall away, but Peter insists that he will never leave Jesus. Jesus warns him that before the rooster crows, he will deny Jesus three times. Jesus and the rest of His disciples go into the Garden of Gethsemane
Gethsemane
Gethsemane is a garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem most famous as the place where, according to Biblical texts, Jesus and his disciples are said to have prayed the night before Jesus' crucifixion.- Etymology :...
to pray ("He Is Jehovah" (reprise)). The disciples fall asleep. Jesus begs God to take away the suffering he will endure, but then asks that God's will be done so that God may be glorified ("Glorify Your Son"§). The disciples awaken as Judas returns with some Roman soldiers. Judas betrays Jesus with a kiss
The Kiss of Judas
According to the Synoptic Gospels, Judas identified Jesus to the soldiers by means of a kiss. This is the kiss of Judas, also known as the Betrayal of Christ, which occurs in the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper, and leads directly to the arrest of Jesus by the police force of the...
, and the soldiers arrest him and lead him away.
As Jesus is awaiting His trial
Sanhedrin Trial of Jesus
The Sanhedrin trial of Jesus refers to the Canonical Gospel accounts of the trial of Jesus before the Jewish Council, or Sanhedrin, following his arrest and prior to his trial before Pontius Pilate...
, three people recognize Peter as one of Jesus' followers. Peter repeatedly denies even knowing Jesus, and a rooster crows. Peter is overcome by his guilt and asks God for forgiveness, dedicating his life to God ("Peter's Song"§). Jesus is put on trial before Herod and then Pontius Pilate
Pontius Pilate
Pontius Pilatus , known in the English-speaking world as Pontius Pilate , was the fifth Prefect of the Roman province of Judaea, from AD 26–36. He is best known as the judge at Jesus' trial and the man who authorized the crucifixion of Jesus...
, who initially refuses to condemn Him, since He had committed no crime. During these trials, Jesus is whipped, and a crown of thorns
Crown of Thorns
In Christianity, the Crown of Thorns, one of the instruments of the Passion, was woven of thorn branches and placed on Jesus Christ before his crucifixion...
is placed on his head. An angry mob insists that Pilate "Let Him Be Crucified", and Pilate turns him over to the rioters and the Roman soldiers
Cohortes urbanae
The cohortes urbanae of ancient Rome were created by Augustus to counterbalance the enormous power of the Praetorian Guard in the city of Rome and serve as a police force...
. The soldiers lead him along the "Via Dolorosa
Via Dolorosa
The Via Dolorosa is a street, in two parts, within the Old City of Jerusalem, held to be the path that Jesus walked, carrying his cross, on the way to his crucifixion. The current route has been established since the 18th century, replacing various earlier versions...
" to Calvary
Calvary
Calvary or Golgotha was the site, outside of ancient Jerusalem’s early first century walls, at which the crucifixion of Jesus is said to have occurred. Calvary and Golgotha are the English names for the site used in Western Christianity...
, a hill outside the city, to be crucified. The soldiers beat and mock Jesus as he carries his cross, while his followers mourn. Jesus is nailed to the cross, and the soldiers cast lots for his robe ("Cross of Calvary"). Jesus tells his mother, Mary, that the apostle John is now her son. He cries out to God, "Abba, Father, why have you forsaken me?" and then gasps, "it is finished."
Joseph of Arimathea
Joseph of Arimathea
Joseph of Arimathea was, according to the Gospels, the man who donated his own prepared tomb for the burial of Jesus after Jesus' Crucifixion. He is mentioned in all four Gospels.-Gospel references:...
and Nicodemus
Nicodemus
Saint Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, who, according to the Gospel of John, showed favour to Jesus...
, religious leaders and secret followers of Jesus, take his body down from the cross and bury it in the tomb that Joseph had purchased for himself. Pilate posts Roman guards at the tomb so Jesus' apostles will not be able to steal Jesus' body and claim that He rose from the dead. On Sunday
Easter
Easter is the central feast in the Christian liturgical year. According to the Canonical gospels, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. His resurrection is celebrated on Easter Day or Easter Sunday...
, the Angel Gabriel appears at the tomb, singing God's command for Jesus to "Arise". Three women arrive at the tomb to mourn and find Jesus there, risen from the dead! They bring the apostles to Him, and all the people come to worship Jesus.
Grandfather explains to Billy and Lisa that Jesus is still alive today and urges them to go forth to fulfill His Great Commission
Great Commission
The Great Commission, in Christian tradition, is the instruction of the resurrected Jesus Christ to his disciples, that they spread his teachings to all the nations of the world. It has become a tenet in Christian theology emphasizing missionary work, evangelism, and baptism...
. Everyone joins in singing "Glory to God" and "Magnify".
Note: Songs labelled with § have been added to the Glen Rose production since the original production.
Musical numbers
Act I- A Promise Is a Promise (music & lyrics by Walt Harrah) – Grandfather, Lisa, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Micah, Zechariah
- Magnify (music & lyrics by Luke Garrett) – Young Mary, Joseph, Lisa
- Glory to God (music & lyrics by Harrah, arr. by David T. Clydesdale) – Angel Gabriel, Chorus
- Little Yeshua (music & lyrics by Gary Rhodes, arr. by Mark HayesMark Hayes (composer)Mark Hayes is an American composer and arranger. His predominant output is of choral music in the Christian sacred music and gospel music genres.- Biography :Hayes was born in Ladysmith, Wisconsin...
) – Joseph, Twelve-year-old Jesus - The Kingdom of Heaven/One Voice (music and lyrics by Robert SterlingRobert Sterling (musician)Robert Sterling is a songwriter, arranger, and record producer. His songs have been recorded by a variety of Christian artists, notably including Point of Grace, Gold City and Sandi Patty. His tunes have worked their way to the top of the Christian pop, Southern Gospel, and inspirational radio charts...
) - John the Baptist, Chorus § - It Is Written (music & lyrics by Steve AmersonSteve AmersonSteve Amerson born March 28, 1954, in New Albany, IN, is a singer, songwriter, and recording artist with 17 albums.During his 20-plus-year career, Amerson has been heard on over 160 films, countless commercials, and television shows. Additionally, Amerson has had approximately 100 compositions...
and Clydesdale) - Jesus, Satan § - I See the Kingdom Coming (music & lyrics by Don Marsh) – Peter, James, John, Apostles
- Closer Than a Heartbeat (music & lyrics by Claire Cloninger and Don Marsh) – Jesus §
- He Is Jehovah (music & lyrics by Betty Jean Robinson, arr. by Rhodes) – Apostles, Chorus
- In the Name of the Lord (music by Sandi Patti HelveringSandi PattySandra Faye "Sandi" Patty is an American Christian music singer. For many years she was known as Sandi Patti. She has been dubbed "The Voice" by critics, because of her wide range and flexibility.-Early life:...
, lyrics by Phill McHugh, Gloria GaitherGloria GaitherGloria Gaither is a Christian songwriter, author, speaker, editor, and academic. She is the wife of Bill Gaither and also sang in the Bill Gaither Trio, one of the most influential groups in recent Christian music.-Early Years:...
and Helvering, arr. by Marsh) – Soloist and Chorus - In the Name of the Lord (reprise) (music by Helvering, lyrics by McHugh, Gaither and Helvering, arr. by Marsh) – Soloist and Chorus
Act 2
- We Cry Hosanna, Lord (music by Mimi Farra, lyrics by Farra and Cloninger, arr. by Rhodes) – Chorus
- My Father's Temple (music & lyrics by Jan Easterline and Clydesdale) - Jesus §
- Shalom (music by Marsh and Cloninger, lyrics by Cloninger) – Jesus, Chorus
- He Is Jehovah (reprise) (music & lyrics by Robinson, arr. by Rhodes) – Apostles
- Glorify Your Son (music & lyrics by Steve AmersonSteve AmersonSteve Amerson born March 28, 1954, in New Albany, IN, is a singer, songwriter, and recording artist with 17 albums.During his 20-plus-year career, Amerson has been heard on over 160 films, countless commercials, and television shows. Additionally, Amerson has had approximately 100 compositions...
and Clydesdale) – Jesus, Chorus § - Peter's Song (music & lyrics by Rodger Strader) – Peter §
- Crucifixion Medley: Let Him Be Crucified (music & lyrics by Clydesdale) – Pilate, Chorus
- Via Dolorosa (music & lyrics by Billy Sprague and Niles Borop, arr. by Ken Barker) – Grampa, Chorus
- Cross of Calvary (music by Don and Lorie Marsh, lyrics by Cloninger, arr. by Rhodes) – Old Mary, John, Chorus
- Arise (music by Kathy Frizzell, lyrics by Cloninger, arr. by Rhodes) - Angel Gabriel, Chorus
- Finale (arr. Rhodes) – Chorus
Note: Songs labelled with § have been added to the Glen Rose production since the original production.
Dramatic Analysis
The Promises fundamental design is that Grandpa tells his grandchildren about Jesus' life, and the events "come to life" on stage as he tells the story. The musical begins with just Grandpa, Billy, and Lisa, hiking in modern times. As Grandpa and Lisa begin to sing "A Promise is a Promise", Biblical prophets appear behind them, proclaiming Jesus' coming. Billy is the only one who can see the Biblical characters at this time. Billy and Lisa persuade Grandpa to tell them "the whole story" about Jesus as they rest from their hiking. They sit and rest in area of the stage designated as the "firepit" in the original script; this area is very far downstage on one side of the stage, as not to obscure the action farther upstage. The "firepit" and the action there are implied to exist in modern times, while the rest of the stage is where the Biblical story takes place. Grandpa serves as a narrator for the musical; as he describes the events of Jesus' life, they occur onstage behind him. The story maintains continuity through this device; Grandpa's narration "fills the gaps" between scenes in Jesus' life.The distinction between the present and Biblical times is not strictly observed; the three modern characters sometimes interact with the Biblical characters, but they return to their bench by the firepit at the end of each scene. This is not a dramatic oversight; rather, it is intended to emphasize the humanity of Biblical figures. Notable instances include when Grandpa, Lisa, and Billy meet Mary and Joseph as they journey to Bethlehem (this is the first time Grandpa and Lisa "see" the Biblical characters), and Lisa and Mary have a brief duet in the middle of "Magnify." Peter, Andrew, and John have a short scene in which they are warming their hands by the firepit and discussing Jesus' death. When Jesus is carrying his cross to Calvary, he cannot carry it all the way up the hill, so Grandpa pulls it the rest of the way (In the Biblical account, the soldiers ordered a passing man, Simon of Cyrene
Simon of Cyrene
Simon of Cyrene was the man compelled by the Romans to carry the cross of Jesus as Jesus was taken to his crucifixion, according to all three Synoptic Gospels...
, to carry Jesus' cross).
Other productions
In 1993, The Promise became the first Christian production to be allowed into the former Soviet UnionSoviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
. In 1994, The Promise returned to the Kremlin State Palace for a tour of encore performances.
The Promise was performed for 11 years in the small rural community of Forest, Ontario
Forest, Ontario
Forest is a small town located near Sarnia, Ontario in Canada. It is very close to the shore of Lake Huron and is part of the municipality of Lambton Shores and the county of Lambton.- Population :...
, Canada, in southwestern Ontario. That production played on three weekends in each July/August from 1995 to 2005. The Promise will be returning for its 12th season in August 2010, produced by Forest Community Theatre. www.forestcommunitytheatre.com
Since 1992, The Promise has been performed annually in Litchfield, Illinois
Litchfield, Illinois
Litchfield is a city in Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. The population was 6,815 at the 2000 census, and 6,588 in 2009. It is located in south central Illinois, south of Springfield and on the northern edge of the Greater St. Louis Metro-East area.-Attractions:The Ariston Cafe is one of...
at Zion Lutheran Church and School. The production is performed on the two weekends before Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is a Christian moveable feast that falls on the Sunday before Easter. The feast commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event mentioned in all four Canonical Gospels. ....
every spring.
In 1996, The Promise played at the Will Rogers Theatre in Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri
Branson is a city in Taney County in the U.S. state of Missouri. It was named after Reuben Branson, postmaster and operator of a general store in the area in the 1880s....
, beginning year-round performances in that city. That production continued seasonally through 2002. As of 2008, The Promise is being performed at The Mansion Theatre in Branson.
The Promise has been produced internationally in Seoul, Korea, at the Olympic Stadium, and in South Africa, as well as other countries around the world. Other productions in the U.S. include one in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
.
"The Promise" was staged in the University Cultural Centre in the National University of Singapore from the 27th to the 29th of November 2008.