Saturday, August 31, 2013

Behind the Scenes with Elisha Sputo and Sandie Jalbert

Left to right: Sandie Jalbert, Cyndie Jalbert, Mark Narankevicius, Hannah and Elisha Sputo

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Interview with Sarah Fechtel: Queen Vashti


Queen Vashti's character is portrayed in many dramas and movies in a light that is often deemed "the rebellious wife". While much of her life is left up to the imagination of those reading the book of Esther, our script writers decided to weave Vashti's character throughout the play.

In this interview Sarah Fechtel shares her perspective on the role she plays as Queen Vashti and also shares how Esther's story can apply to our lives today.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Meet the Sanborns

Both "Christmas Through the Ages" and "Daughters of Easter" were loved for their music. Our talented group of singers and musicians brought several well-known songs alive and fused them beautifully with the stories.

This time, for "Queen of Persia", we're taking it up a notch.

We are privileged to have two original songs for the production. Yes, that's right. Two completely original songs, written specifically for "Queen of Persia" by Ellen and David Sanborn. We are all so thrilled to have the Sanborns on board! Take a moment to get to know this talented pair. =)

This mother-son team have co-written and starred in the musicals Judah Ben-Hur, King David, Anne of Avonlea, Very Best Time of the Year, and Yeshua. They've performed all over the world, from off Broadway to Singapore. When they're not producing musicals, they're helping Ellen's husband (David's father) in YWAM Tampa Bay's annual Performing Arts Discipleship Training School.

Yeshua (http://yeshuathemusical.org/), featuring David as the lead role of Jesus, garnered this review from The New York Times:

"This family friendly show – the book and songs are a collaboration between the good-looking, hard-working Mr. Sanborn and his mother, Ellen, who also directed it… (is) set to prerecorded music and overflowing with lush arrangements, to say nothing of Mr. Sanborn’s impassioned vocals onstage. The actor, who has been touring with this production for 12 years, draws from a seemingly limitless well of feeling.” 

To have their talent contributing to "Queen of Persia" is a huge blessing, and will be truly memorable. David is a personal friend of mine, and a wonderful man of God. I've had the pleasure of seeing Judah Ben-Hur, and it was an absolute treasure. The musical ability of this dynamic duo is amazing.

I thought everyone might like to get to know David a little bit, so I asked him a few questions to get inside the head of this talented songwriter and performer:

Your favorite food?
Lasagna

Your favorite musical?
Les Miserables, Fiddler on the Roof

Your childhood hero?
King David (whom he starred as in King David)

Your favorite Bible verse?
Matthew 6:33: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Don't forget to order your tickets for September 20 or 21 to see their musical work brought to life in "Queen of Persia"!




                                                                     David Sanborn



                                                                         Ellen Sanborn

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Behind the Scenes with Xerxes & Vashti

Comical little twist on the relationship between King Xerxes and Queen Vashti...
Don't forget to purchase your tickets before August 31st to receive the 20%!

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Bringing Persia to life


Hello all!

Wow, I really work with some amazing people. Last Saturday (Aug. 17) and this past Friday night (Aug. 23), some of the cast and crew assembled to work on the backdrop for the 'Queen of Persia' production. The sets were designed by the brilliant Katrina Payne, who is quite determined to make the audience feel as though they're in ancient Persia.

What a blessing to see our team willingly sacrifice their weekends to come and help out. To see them pouring so much time and energy into this project is of the utmost encouragement to me. This entire production would be impossible without the dedication of our entire team.

Our focus was the columns and walls of the Persian palace, along with the king's mighty throne. After lots of measuring, cutting and painting, this step in the process is done. Each of these is a unique piece of the puzzle, and when they're finished and assembled they will together form the grand backdrop of King Xerxes' mighty kingdom!

- Mark


 
                                     






Monday, August 19, 2013

King Xerxes Interviews Two of the Cast

Get a sneak peak at some of the behind the scenes work and meet the cast of our upcoming play "Queen of Persia".



Elisha Sputo (date number three): Playing the part of a homesick girl who doesn't want to marry King Xerxes and is fearful he will kill her off.
Sandie Jalbert (date number four): Playing the part of a dreamy-eyed girl who talks in poetic form and rhymes all the time.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Greetings from the writer and directer

Hello all!

I am so thrilled for our upcoming production, 'Queen of Persia', on September 20 and 21. This is the third time that my wife, Trina, and I have been privileged to partner with A Passion for Jesus to bring a story to the stage.

'Queen of Persia' tells the biblical story of Esther as you've never seen it before. Like 'Christmas Through the Ages' and 'Daughters of Easter', it is vibrant with drama and music. The production is our biggest to date, featuring a cast of 18 roles and 6 songs (including 2 original pieces). To see it all come together in pre-production has been a wonder!

The reason I selected Esther for this story is because of its scope and depth. It is rich with a variety of characters and deals with heavy issues such as bravery, sacrifice, lust for power, and of course, the sovereignty of God. Although the story of Esther has been done before in multiple movies and productions, I envisioned a fresh twist on the tale that is unlike anything you may have previously seen.

'Queen of Persia' features most of the same talented cast that starred in 'Christmas Through the Ages' and 'Daughters of Easter, once again bringing biblical characters to life with a fresh breath. Everyone is hard at work to portray the emotion, the tragedy, the comedy and the music of this production.

Stay tuned in the following weeks for more videos, updates, cast features, and promotional photos! Thank you all for your support.
- Mark Narankevicius

P.S. Don't forget to order your tickets before the end of August to receive a 20% discount.

Monday, August 12, 2013

#queenofpersia

The APJ Drama team has been hard at work since the beginning of July. This is the third play that APJ has produced in the last year and by far this is the biggest and grandest yet.

In the next few weeks we will posting video interviews with the cast and crew. Stay tune for more!