CORRECTION: Kaysville native Haley Yarbrough is one of the actresses double-cast in the Kendra/Sarah role in the play "Power in His Touch." Her name was inadvertently omitted.
A nondenominational Easter musical springs to life in Ogden next week, with the help of a local director, some local lead actors, a Weber State University voice professor, and a stage like none the production has had before.
"Power in His Touch," a show about forgiveness and fresh starts, opens a week from tonight for a two-night run at Peery's Egyptian Theater before moving to Salt Lake City's Wagner Center for an additional two nights.
The musical, by Salt Lake City composer Colette Call, tells parallel stories of Kendra, a young unmarried mother who feels judged by those around her, and Sarah, a woman from the time of Christ who is also marked as a sinner by her community. Kendra and Sarah are portrayed by a single actress, and the part is double-cast as well.
"It's a really beautiful story, and I think it helps people relate, to have the stories set in modern times and Bible times," said Brittany Shamy, an Ogden resident and 19-year-old Weber State acting student who is one of the two Kendra/Sarah actresses. "I think it can reach so many people on a deep level." Haley Yarbrough also plays Kendra and Sarah.
This is the musical's fourth staged production, and its first time in Ogden. Director Carrie Stevens, of South Ogden, said she's excited about bringing it to the Egyptian Theater, known for its ornate decor and historically inspired Middle Eastern architecture.
"We are trying to pull from the architecture of the time with our set, without trying to make it specifically Jerusalem or Galilee," she said. "We have columns in our set, and you put that in the Egyptian with its columns, and oh, my goodness. It's just perfect. The whole theater will feel like an extension of the story on stage. I get chills when I think about it."
A complex Judas
Casey Elliott, of Ogden, plays Judas. His previous acting experience includes the male lead in a Broadway national touring company of "Aida," and reprising the role on a tour of China. He also appeared as Nathaniel, Kendra's love interest, in a previous production of "Power in His Touch."
"The script is really good," said Elliott, 27. "The music is beautiful and complex. The lyrics are powerful."
Elliott said he asked to play Judas this time around because of the script's unusual treatment of the Bible bad guy.
"Judas is a complex guy, and in terms of acting experience, I thought it would be fun to try to portray him," Elliott said. "The way Judas is written is so much more than what is typical. He's sympathetic, and his story highlights the political environment that existed in his time. He was an apostle, at least at some level committed to Christ's mission, but he couldn't let go of the idea that Christ's mission was to overthrow the Romans."
Once Judas learned that Jesus wasn't interested in political overthrow, he "started trying to control things, and take things into his own hands," according to Elliott.
Delivering Christ to the Romans was Judas' way of forcing a confrontation, Elliott said.
"He starts out as a likable guy in the story, and when he gets older, he starts getting caught up in the whole zealot movement. He's almost a hero character, then you see his demise, step by step, in the second act. It's a cool journey to go on as an actor."
Preparing for Jesus
Jim Dixon, of West Point, was surprised to learn he had been cast as Jesus.
"When I first heard, I thought, 'Gosh, couldn't they have picked someone better to play the role?' " said Dixon, 23, with a laugh. "I look at this as an amazing opportunity to get to know my character better, and feel I have personally come closer to Christ by doing this play."
Dixon, who served a mission to Germany for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said he studied his character by re-reading parts of the New Testament and comparing subtle differences in the wording of German and English versions.
Dixon said he often leaves rehearsal reviewing his day -- asking himself how he could have been a better person -- and inspired to do better in the role and in life.
"There has been a spiritual benefit to me, playing the role," he said.
Shamy said audience members don't need to be religious to relate to the show.
"I think the message has more to do with having the right attitude, and being who you are, and not letting others influence you in a bad way," she said. "Forgiveness is the biggest message in the show, for my character, anyway."
Music
Gary Sorenson, a member of the Weber State music department vocal faculty, serves as music director for the production. Several of the singers in the cast are his students, who auditioned on his suggestion.
"We've collected talented performers from a wide variety of backgrounds," he said. "Some bring operatic skills, others come from the musical theater side. All the principals have been on the stage extensively. There's a high level of singing ability, even in the ensemble. It's very unusual for a production of this quality to not be coming from a professional theater company."
Sorenson said audiences will find the songs "accessible and very satisfying to listen to."
"People will leave the theater feeling really good about a number of things," Sorenson predicted. "They'll feel elevated, psychologically and spiritually."
PREVIEW
l WHAT: 'Power in His Touch'
l WHEN: 7:30 p.m. March 26 and 27
l WHERE: Peery's Egyptian Theater, 2415 Washington Blvd., Ogden
l TICKETS: $12-$16; $10/students, Smith's Tix, (800) 888-TIXX
l ADDITIONAL SHOWS: 7:30 p.m. April 5 and 6, Wagner Center, 138 W. 300 South, Salt Lake City; $16, ArtTix, (888) 451-ARTS
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