Evoking Esther's Epic
MARS — A new show by Jeannie Allen of Valencia tells the story of an Old Testament heroine being in the right place at the right time.
Allen has spent the better part of two years and several thousand dollars from her own pocket to bring "Esther, the Musical" to fruition. The show is being staged tonight through Sunday at Mars Alliance Church, Route 228.
A professional pianist, singer and composer, Allen has written more than 100 songs and recorded five CDs. She's traveled extensively and played at clubs and hotels.
"But I have never done a whole show before. This is like a Broadway musical," Allen said.
Her talents in music, voice and composition, combined with her passion for God, resulted in this show, she said.
The musical is based on the biblical story of Esther, who saved her people, the Jews, from destruction in Persia around 483 B.C.
"I love God and I love his word, and I felt I had a desire to write about one of the heroes of the Bible. We already have Joseph (and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) and Christmas and Easter stories," Allen said.
"I admire Esther. She's my heroine, how she saved her people, how God used her for that."
The staging of the musical coincides with the Jewish celebration called Purim, the feast of Esther, which takes place on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Light-hearted at times, though the subject matter is weighty, it's a redemptive story of how the Jews were saved from a terrible holocaust, Allen said.
"It was important to me to remain true to the Bible story of Esther," she said.
She composed the 18 songs in the show, which range in style from opera to pop to jazz. She also searched for the right actors and auditioned all the cast members herself. There are 25 people in the show.
The title character is played by Allen's daughter, Mary Phillips of Baden. "She dances and sings; she has since she was a child."
Yet Allen didn't write the show with her daughter in mind. "After I finished it, it seemed like she would be the perfect person to do it. She has the heart of Esther. She's able to portray her with great conviction."
The ballads she sings set apart Esther's devotion from the rest of the goings on.
"It's been wonderful working with her. We're close. She has the same talents I have. It just flows out of her naturally. I believe that's her gift from God," Allen said.
Phillips, a mother of two, works as a dental hygienist.
"I think that God has really opened the door and provided the time for me to do this," Phillips said. "And I'm kind of used to taking care of one thing at a time."
"I feel honored (to be playing Esther). I'm hoping that I can reach other people. I'm just so happy that I'm able to serve God this way."
Another of Allen's daughters, Kathryn Rickenback from the North Hills, also is in the show. Allen has six children, five daughters and a son.Other main characters include Haman, the king's adviser who schemes to execute the Jews in Persia. Haman is portrayed by Jay Toogood of Butler. "What a name for the villain," Allen said.King Xerxes of Persia, who makes Esther his queen, is played to stately perfection by Wes Cypher of Evans City.The character of Mordecai, a cousin of Esther who raises her after her parents die, is portrayed by Sam Bartley of Valencia. He said he's been singing since he was a little boy, has been active in his church choir at Glade Run Presbyterian and has worked with the Musical Theatre Guild and Butler Symphony Orchestra.His Jewish scribe Mordecai bemoans the fate of the Jews until a duet with Esther encourages her to try to intervene with her husband, the king. Bartley even grew a beard to appear more authentically Jewish.Having enough time to do the show was a factor for Sam as well, a teacher in the Fox Chapel School District, but he said it has worked out with the help of his supporters, daughters Sarah, 12, and Samantha, 7, and his wife, Sue."I think it's just a great witness to be able to do this," Bartley said.The stage is small; it's the sanctuary at the church. Still, the tiered floor, furnishings and multiple entrances mold to every scene. Professional set designer Sandra Wahl volunteered her time for the show, Allen said. Sumptuous fabrics and key elements, such as the stone gate, focus the audience's attention.Though Allen has directed the Choristers at St. Barnabas for about 10 years, she said this show required a different kind of directing."This is directing acting. The drama I feel because I wrote it, but it's getting them to feel what I'm feeling. They're doing a great job," she said.Allen's dream for the musical is to see it done in many places. To that end, she has invested in having the score printed, and recordings will be available at the show.In the final number, the characters speculate that God put Esther in the position of queen so she would have the opportunity to save her people. The ensemble sings about being "at this time, in this place," indicating that the audience, too, could be present for a reason.
<B>WHAT:</B> "Esther the Musical," a program by Valencia pianist Jeannie Allen based on the Old Testament Book of Esther.<B>WHEN: </B>7 p.m. tonight and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday<B>WHERE: </B>Mars Alliance Church, Route 228.<B>COST: </B>Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.
