A church play wrought with tomfoolery
The Zoar United Church of Christ’s Jerusalem Assembly, a troupe of theatrical performers, return for their sixth year to present their fall production of an original comedic play written by Rev. Ken Hutchinson, retired as pastor of the church.
“Herod, the Man Who Would Be King” opens Friday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the historic church that has been in continuous use since its construction in 1853. A second performance will be offered Saturday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
While the play serves to deliver a loving message of Christianity, it also intends to bring the gift of laughter to all as it tells the tale of King Herod, a man who was proud of his title and would do anything he could to keep it. King Herod is portrayed by Hutchinson, Tom Casselberry and Shawn Clay in three different scenes.
The first year the group presented Samson and Delilah in “A Little Off the Top.” The second year saw Adam and Eve squabbling in a fashion reminiscent of the 1950s TV show, “The Honeymooners.”
A Noah’s ark sketch in “Heaven’s a Coming” had a Jackie Chan Asian subplot. The 2016 production, a troupe favorite, brought audiences to a baby shower being held for Mary as she awaited the birth of her baby, Jesus. Last year the troupe presented “High Hopes Rising,” a three-act comedic portrayal of the story of apostle Paul but with a twist.
Playwright Hutchinson said each spring members of the congregation and the community come together to begin work on the newest production. “We host a meeting each spring, and depending on who shows up, I write a script to accommodate those individuals,” he said.
Laced with a fair amount of tomfoolery, Hutchinson explained his comedic writing is influenced by the likes of Mad Magazine and Monty Python.
Inclusivity is important to the troupe. Individuals of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate. Troupe members commented on how Clay, also the play’s director, utilizes the strengths of cast members so they are able to reach their full potential as thespians and have fun along the way.
“Shawn takes my script and makes it come alive,” Hutchinson said.
“We are an active theater group, and we’re proud of the Vaudeville style of storytelling we use to share scripture,” Clay said.
Wayne Roth serves as the sound-effects man as well as the voice of God.
Marty Holter is credited with the costuming and props used in the presentation. “She finds beautiful costumes and props throughout the year for us to use in our productions,” Clay said.
“We are a small church, so we have to wear many hats,” Tom Casselberry said.
Other portrayals include Eucalyptus, Drew Hutchinson; Queen Lydia, Erna Goldsmith; Ramona, Debbie Trump; General Tricus, Casselberry; Classic Theatre Guy, Brian Cave; Caesar, Shawn Clay; Mrs. Caesar, Melanie Clay; Young Tiberius (Tibby)/Caspar, Casselberry; and Balthazar, Drew Hutchinson.
Parishioner Mary Clay serves as producer and looks after all the many details of putting on the play while her husband Greg Clay helps backstage in a number of capacities.
There is no cost to attend the play, but donations are accepted and go toward church improvements. Past donations have facilitated the addition of a brick sidewalk along with the renovation of the church’s basement.
Zoar United Church of Christ is at 142 E. Fifth St. in Zoar.