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