Resurrection Drama

By Linda Linonis

YOUNGSTOWN — A unique factor plays into the staging of the Easter drama “What Love” at Rising Star Baptist Church.

James “Bo” Crosby, co-director, explained that as scenes are staged, the participants often check passages in the Bible on which the action is based.

“We go back to the source, the Bible. It’s our true script,” he said. In essence, the play about Christ’s adult ministry and passion also is part Bible study. “We want to make sure it’s not our words but what’s in the Bible.”

He cited a scene with the apostle Peter. “Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear.” (John 18:10) “We look up the passage to make sure the order of the action is correct,” Crosby said.

Crosby explained that the play features a narrator, Joe McGeorge, who provides the bridge between scenes and explanation of the action. One character, a Christian played by Kent Wallace, talks to an unsaved man played by Wallace Jenkins, about the ministry and miracles of Jesus. “What they talk about comes alive on stage,” Crosby said.

“They are passages from Scripture ... Jesus’ public ministry,” said director Jocelyn Dabney. The cast, through words, music and dance, bring the Scripture alive by acting out the passages.

The Rev. Kenneth Donaldson, pastor of Rising Star, described the “What Love” as a “visual illustration” of Scripture. The cast is dressed in outfits mirroring the time, but Dabney said some of the head scarves reflect African influence.

The cast of some 100 people, adults and children, have been rehearsing since Feb. 8 for about 31‚Ñ2 hours on Sundays and 2 1‚Ñ2 hours on Mondays. The play, which runs about 21‚Ñ2 hours, will be presented April 10-12 at the church by its Creative Arts Ministry. Among musical selections are “Stranger in Town,” “Our God is an Awesome God,” which showcases the children; “Not My Will,” written by Crosby, and “By the Way of the Cross.” The play’s colorful backdrop was painted by Tayana Pannell.

“People are really dedicated to it,” said Dabney, who noted some people come directly from work to rehearsals. She said that makes for a long day for many, but they willingly give of their time and talents. “This takes incredible commitment.”

“Sometimes people start out tired but at the end of rehearsal, they’re energized,” Crosby said. “People sometimes don’t know what they can do. But people step up to help and give their different skills,” said Crosby, who is involved for the third year.

“We see what they can do ... as far as participating goes,” Dabney said. “Some people have never been to a play let alone in one.

The creativity is amazing.”

The excitement of participating in a creative venture isn’t limited to Rising Star members. “We have kids from different churches involved,” Crosby said. “It shows good support of one another” about the church involvement.

Dabney said that though some cast members may not know everyone at the beginning, the cast “becomes real close” as rehearsals continue. “They wonder what they’ll do when it ends,” she said.

Dabney explained that “What Love” is the combination of “I Won’t Forget” and “Emmaus Experience.” Both are original dramas written by Betty McIntosh, a former Rising Star member who retired and moved to Columbus. “We all worked together,” Dabney said of the overall effort on the play, which is in its 11th year. She has been involved since the start.

As Scripture comes alive in the play, Henrietta Williams, assistant to the directors, said, “It also is an expression of faith. I think it’s witnessing your faith in a unique way,” she said. “It’s showing what Jesus was about and what he means to us.”

Williams said she notes especially how the “power of the play impacts children.” “They can understand the story better and comprehend who Jesus is,” she said of the illustrated Scripture.

“It’s a ministry within and without the play,” Dabney said. She added that devotions for the cast and audience will take place before the performances.

Crobsy said he thought the play also was a good opportunity for children to ask questions. “It’s a learning experience.”

For some, they’re involved in the play for the first time; for others, it’s a family tradition with many members involved. “It’s our job to keep things on track and keep it moving,” Dabney said. “We work with individuals and groups,” she said.

Kim Harris, choreographer, is self-taught. “It’s always been in me,” she said of liturgical dancing. “It takes patience, but this is a good group.”

She’ll be dancing in “Alabaster Box” for the first time. It’s about a woman who is a sinner and washes Jesus’ feet, dries them with her hair and applies oil from the box.

Jenkins, the unsaved man, has participated previously by playing Pontius Pilate and Lazarus. “I like the end ... and his conversion.” Jenkins said of his character. “It’s a good teaching experience.”

“I pray we’re reaching the audience ... and telling them that Jesus is alive in our lives,” he said, noting he hoped the message especially reached young people.

Ron McKinney has played Jesus for seven years. “It’s a humbling experience,” he said. “I see how it affects people and then it affects me.”

He said he also found it “thrilling to play Jesus. “The kids sometimes call me Jesus,” he said, noting time outside the play.

The audience must find the play and characters compelling as well. In years past, the audience has numbered between 1,200 to 1,300 for the three performances.