Through their Eyes
PENN TWP — Sing Hosanna!'s Easter production this year will depict the life, death and resurrection of Jesus through the eyes of three priests.
"More Than Just a Man" by Chris Machen and Kim Messer will emerge through the insights of Caiaphas, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, members of the Sanhedrin, an assembly of Jewish judges who constituted the Supreme Court and legislative body of ancient Israel
"I enjoy the telling of the Easter story from different perspectives," said Ralph Christy Jr., director.
"The role of Jesus in this production is really understated. We have basically three men who have in their mind who Jesus is," said Christy. "They learn about him through his relationships with others.
"I think the story will be moving. It has been wonderful working with the cast of almost 60, with 31 of them being children."
Harry Dillaman of West Sunbury portrays Joseph of Arimathea who was, according to the Gospels, the man who donated his own prepared tomb for the burial of Jesus after Jesus was crucified.
"It is an interesting perspective of getting to know Jesus," said Dillaman. "You see him through the eyes of those who judged him. None of (our three characters) believed he was the Messiah, but through learning of him some of us changed our minds.
"I enjoy portraying the change. Starting out one way then realizing throughout the course of the musical that perhaps there is some truth to his story."
Ed Green of Butler, another Sing Hosanna! veteran, plays the role of Caiaphas.
"He seems to be the bad guy of the play but he is really doing what he feels is best for his people," said Green, who has played the role before. "Basically, Jesus is not what Caiaphas expects in the Messiah and he has a desire to protect the innocent sheep of Israel.
"The chorus of my solo sums up my thoughts: 'Messiahs have risen before him who've led many people astray. Let's not be too harsh on these ignorant sheep. It's the Shepherd who stands in our way.' "
There are only a few scenes with Jesus in them, one as a young boy and the others as an adult.
His mother, Mary, is played by Kim Gaiser of Chicora. She too has been with Sing Hosanna! for a long time and enjoys being a part of the Easter productions.
"I think I have been in them for the past 15 years or so," she said. "I enjoy the song that I sing to the young Jesus, when he was just a boy.
"I also have a small solo after the crucifixion, but my favorite song is 'Hallelujah for the Cross.' "
As in many Sing Hosanna! productions, performers wear multiple hats. Doyle Maurhoff of Fairview plays Joseph, Jesus' father and disciple and a Pharisee.
"I think my favorite role of the three I play is the role of Pharisee," he said.
Doyle has been involved in the Sing Hosanna! productions for more than 10 years and is currently the president.
"The music and songs are really amazing," said Doyle. "My personal favorite is 'That's Why I Believe,' which is the finale.
"The production ends with a celebration that I think the audience will enjoy."
<B>WHAT: </B>Sing Hosanna! performance of the musical "More Than Just a Man"<B>WHEN: </B>7:30 p.m. March 24 and 2 p.m. March 25<B>WHERE: </B>Penn Christian Academy, 199 W. Airport Road<B>TICKETS: </B>$12 at the door; at May's Music Shoppe, 247 E. Jefferson St.; or by calling 724-287-8362
