Interview with Queen Esther

Queen Esther  |  Carrie Thompson
Carrie has been a part of APJ ministries since it began in 2008. She began helping out with small jobs backstage, but had the opportunity more recently to be a more prominent part of the ministry; in coordinating retreats, a few small roles in last year's Christmas production, and was part of the team that traveled to Australia and Russia earlier this year. She currently works part time at a consignment shop in Lutz and enjoys going for coffee with friends, spending time with siblings, and most of all, watching God work in her life and the lives of those around her.

Meet The Two Vengeful Maidens Who Plot to Take the King's Life

The story of Esther takes an interesting plot twist when instead of Morticai overhearing two men plotting to take King Xerxes life, he stumbles upon two maidens plotting revenge...

Tereh (Date #1) | Cyndie Jalbert
Cynthia Jalbert is 17 years old and is the 7th born of 8 children. Working with a Passion for Jesus from the beginning, Cynthia has enjoyed counseling, speaking, singing and acting at APJ events. She thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Christmas Through the Ages and Daughters of Easter productions and is looking forward to performing in Queen of Persia. She loves teaching American sign language, playing classical guitar, and drinking coffee.

Bigatha (Date #2) | Hannah
Hannah is a fourteen year old Florida native. She has been involved in APJ for four years, and is excited about what the Lord is doing with this ministry. Apart from serving the Lord, Hannah enjoys playing the piano and guitar, and also holds the title of "the family zoo-keeper" of their assorted animals. She also enjoys acting and singing, and is actively involved in the National Christian Forensics and Communication Association (NCFCA.) Hannah is extremely blessed to be apart of this program and is very grateful for the relationships that the Lord has provided through this outreach. 

Interview with Haman and His Wife

Haman | Jonathan Schweinshaupt
Jonathan Schweinshaupt is a 20 year old college student He is currently enrolled full time at Luther Rice University. Jonathan enjoys sports, music and ministry.  His goal is to serve the Lord in the area of witnessing, music and  discipleship so that others will use their lives for God's glory.

Zeresh (Haman's Wife) | Trina Narankevizius
Trina Narankevicius has been involved with A Passion for Jesus since its beginnings in 2008. She is the second born of ten children, and married her best friend Mark last April. Together they write, minister to youth, serve at their local church, and lead Bible studies. Trina works as a secretary for her church, tutors, and keeps 'house'. She is passionate about history, good literature, a great cup of coffee, spending time with her siblings and friends, having deep discussions with her husband, and digging into God's Word.

Behind the Scenes with Elisha Sputo and Sandie Jalbert

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

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.

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

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%!