Saturday, March 21, 2:30 pm at Lampeter Church of the Brethren

Proceeds Benefit: Bible2School

Simon Says is a musical from Jimmy Travis Getzen and Gail Getzen and includes script and songs that are rich with Scripture.

Simon Peter is on trial after being charged with fraud for preaching and teaching that Jesus is the Son of God, our Messiah, and Savior.

During the play, New Testament characters presented amazing testimonies from eyewitness accounts which gave overwhelming evidence that proved Jesus is who He (and Simon Peter) says He is.

Before the play, we were asked to turn off cell phones, not take flash photography, and the location of the nursery and restrooms. We were also informed where we can get water bottles and hearing assistance devices. This is always a fun time because an actor with a live mic walks around talking on a cell phone, asking where the bathroom is located, and making a lot of noise with an empty water bottle.

There were a lot of scenes, witnesses, and songs, so I took lots of pictures. I had a total of 498 before editing duplicates, blurry ones, etc. I ended up with a total of 138 but reduced that to 100 for this blog.

Because it is a public trial, there is a news team: reporter, lighting and camera operator.

Opening Dialogue and the song, We’re Gonna Prove It

The judge made it clear that she was going to need a lot of proof to believe that Jesus is Lord.

I soon learned that it would be enjoyable to keep an eye on the bailiff.

The lawyer defending Simon Peter (seated next to her) gave her opening remarks.

The first testimony came from the disciple Andrew.

This actor, Lanny Millette, and his wife Debbie are the reason we know about these spring and autumn productions. Debbie is the daughter of our friend Sam Rittenhouse.

The song John the Baptist had everyone on stage singing and dancing.

Even the judge and bailiff got caught up in the song.

The next witness was Zaccheus who gave an elaborate and convincing testimony of climbing a tree so he could see Jesus when he came through town.

The judge questioned his testimony.

He said, “I am telling you the truth. When Jesus came to the tree, he looked up and said, ‘Zaccheaus, come down.’ I was surprised he knew my name! Then he said he was coming to my house for dinner. Me, a tax collector. Jesus changed my life.”

That scene closed with singing and dancing to the song, He Reached Up High.

If you want to see my photo groupings in larger format, just click on them.

The Samaritan woman told the judge and jury about meeting Jesus at the well and how surprised she was when He, a Jewish man, talked to her, a Samaritan woman.

The choir (and jury) sang Come as You Are.

The judge disciplined the bailiff for getting caught up in their songs.

The next witnesses – James and John – brought a boat to the court room to tell their story – especially about the time Jesus calmed the storm.

They even gave the judge a fishing jacket and invited her to join them.

She became seasick as they rocked the boat and described their experience on the sea.

She was totally baffled when they told her that Jesus told the wind to stop – and it did.

The song to close this scene: The Power of Jesus.

As you can tell, comedy was part of this play. When the judge called, “ORDER IN THE COURT!” The bailiff thought that meant he was supposed to take food orders. 🙂

The man who had been deaf and dumb and the unclean man were called to the stand.

He told his amazing story of going from not being able to hear or talk to the day Jesus came by and healed him. He was incredibly humbled by his experience.

The bailiff listened intently.

The man who had been declared unclean was not particularly humbled by his experience, but none the less gave the glory to Jesus – the one who healed him.

This scene closed with the song I Was So Blue.

A woman named Deborah told her story of meeting Jesus.

She told about living her life with constant bleeding. Then one day she saw Jesus in a crowd of people and reached out to touch the hem of His garment – hoping to be healed. She was!

Leah was the widow whose son had died – and Jesus raised him from the dead.

There was great joy as they told their stories.

Singing He Felt My Pain

Intermission

While on intermission I captured two photos of the pit musicians as they prepared for the last half of the production.

The second half began with the news reporter, photographer, and lighting operator.

When the lawyer asked Simon Peter about his next witness, he said, “Mary and Martha.”

It was easy to tell which sister was Martha, she carried a rolling pin. Mary was carrying scrolls.

The judge listened carefully and took notes as they told about the time their brother Lazarus died.

At one point the judge stopped them and said, “Are you telling me that your brother was dead for a few days when Jesus raised him from the dead?” They said, “Yes”.

Their song was, Lazarus, Come Out!

Then the lawyer called the children to testify: Jarius’ daughter who had died; the child with an evil spirit; and the one who gave his lunch of fish and bread to Jesus – and how He fed thousands of people – with fish and bread leftover.

There was also the child who went to Jesus as he was preparing to speak to a large crowd, and the disciples tried to take her away. However, Jesus said, let the little children come to me.

Their song was Like a Child.

The reporter stayed for this story as scientists talked about the many prophecies and facts that proved Jesus is who He said He is.

Their song was The Promised One.

The trial was interrupted when the bailiff got a phone call.

The lady was the voice on the phone giving him information like we might hear today. If you want to talk to the manager, press 1, etc. 🙂

Mary Magdalene told her story – and about the time she saw him crucified and then risen from the dead.

Her song was, He’s Alive.

The last witness was Simon Peter.

He told several stories of how Jesus showed Himself faithful and strong in his life.

Singing Light of the World

The judge’s conclusion…

…Jesus is indeed the Son of God!

Finale

Cerwin and I thought this was the best play yet that have been presented by The Promise Players!