Many will remember one of the most popular shows in Branson. The Promise had a long and successful run in town. Personally I was very sad to see it close a couple years ago. When I discovered rumors on www.1Branson.com that it might be one of the new productions for 2006, I had to do some investigating.
Sure enough the musical production was headed back to Branson. It was slated to replace Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat at the Mansion America Theatre. The show was not up and running when I was in Branson for my first trip of the season. However, when we made it back in mid May (2006) it was off to a great start.
I had the opportunity to see The Promise several times when it was in Branson on it’s last run, so I knew what to expect. But let’s face it, most people who come to Branson on vacation are at least familiar with the story, whether they know it or not. We are in the Bible belt and The Promise unashamedly recreates some of the powerful events in the life of Jesus Christ.
Even though I had seen the show before, I was in for an afternoon filled with real surprises. Though the story is the same, this production is very different from the one in Branson several years ago. I loved the previous production. I would have described it with words like pageantry and extravagant. Though the production value of this show is just as big, I felt that there was less spectacle. Yet it was a more powerful and moving experience.
Each scene seemed well thought out and played an integral role in telling the story of Jesus’ life. Of course the whole thing starts with the birth of the baby Jesus complete with angels and live animals. This scene really sets the stage for the powerful drama to come.
Next we skipped to a scene where the wild and untamed man, that is John the Baptist, was going about his work of baptizing those that chose to follow the ways of the Lord. The culmination came when Jesus entered through the audience to be baptized. Tears welled up inside of me several times that afternoon. This powerful foreshadowing of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection was the first of many tears.
Much time and detail was spent on the call of the 12 closest to Jesus. The audience was able to look into the eyes of those men and see why they would just leave everything to follow this great leader.
One of my favorite scenes of the production included Jesus and his disciples as they traveled the rough sea. With just his voice the violent sea settled, and the goose bumps on my arm flared to attention as they sang about the power of Jesus. Another miracle was the raising of Lazarus from the dead. The anguish and desperation in Mary and Martha’s voice was easy to identify. You could even see that Jesus was heartbroken by their loss. But tears in my own eyes clouded my view as Jesus called his friend out of the tomb, where he had been for several days.
%%%%The Promise: Part 2%% The story continues to unfold in the second half and culminates with the trial, death and resurrection of Jesus. The scorn in the voice of the Pharisees as they sent him to this death made my blood boil.
Though it had been a few years since I had seen the Promise, I had fresh images in my mind about the crucifixion from the motion picture The Passion of the Christ. I prepared myself for what I might soon witness. Thankfully, the producers of this production were sensitive to the varied ages of those in the audience. While the crucifixion was very powerful and moving, it was not especially gruesome or drug out. They made the point very clear without upsetting anyone.
Finally the most powerful images of the production came at the resurrection. I can still see the Jesus character as he powerfully ascended to heaven.
This production of The Promise is so moving. Christians will leave with a newfound revitalization of their spirit. Nonbelievers who are fortunate enough to see it will find themselves staring into the face with a decision that offers hope for their future.
To change the tone of this review a bit, let’s discuss the theatre. Traveling with a baby has made attending shows more difficult for my family. I prefer to sit near the front, but often the music is so loud that Jaron gets upset or scared. I knew that the Mansion America Theatre was one of the largest venues in Branson. So I felt confident that we would be able to find great seats where Jaron would not distract others and we could also protect his ears. There were about 125 people at the show that afternoon so we did decide to sit at the back of the front section. I would say that we were at least 20 rows back, but I still felt like we had great seats. Other than not having a lot of extra leg room, we thought our seats were perfect.
If you get to the theatre a little early, they do have an exhibit in the front lobby that features the camel that you will see in the show. The entire cast also greets you in the lobby as you leave. This offers a great opportunity to meet the cast and see the costumes up close.
As I prepare to close. I hope that you can read from the passion in my words that I think that this is a phenomenal production. I was touched by the powerful performances of the actors on stage. They gave such heart to the roles. I think this show offers what no show in Branson does. You truly get a fresh take on this timeless story that can change your life forever. If you will you let it.
The Promise is performed at the Mansion America Theatre. The theatre is a little hard to find. Take the Gretna Rd exit off Hwy 76 and follow it all the way to the corner of Gretna and Hwy 248. The show is performed Monday through Saturday in the 3:00 p.m. time slot throughout the season. For more information visit www.mansionamerica.com or to reserve tickets or check the show schedule call the theatre at (417) 239-1333. Tell them that Heath from the 1Branson sent you.