Photo Submitted: Miracle Theater 1,000th show veterans pictured left to right: Bob Fluharty, Chris Manning, Wes Clabo, Doreen Gregory, Rusty Miller, April Gilbert, Mandy Curry and Michael Frost.
Miracle Theater Celebrates 1000th Show
on Sept. 15 With Special Ticket Price
Pigeon Forge, Tenn., August 25, 2008 – The Miracle Theater is celebrating its 1,000th performance of “The Miracle” production on Monday, Sept. 15, by showing appreciation to its patrons.
Anyone who wants to can attend the 1000th show of the hit musical, “The Miracle,” at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 15, for a special ticket price of $19.95, plus tax, for adults. That is an $15 savings per adult over the regular ticket price of $34.95, plus tax. One child, age 11 and under, is free with each adult; and additional child tickets are $9.95, plus tax. For tickets, call 865-428-SHOW(7469) to receive the special rate for the Sept. 15 show.
“The Miracle” is a multi-million dollar, original, Broadway-style musical based on the life and miracles of Jesus Christ. Now in its third season, the theater has been open since the spring of 2006.
“We are thankful for so many people who have helped to make this show possible,” said theater owner, David Fee. “We want to be sure to recognize how important everyone’s support has been in making this show and theater a success as we celebrate the show’s 1000th performance.”
Three cast members and five crew members have been on staff from the show’s beginning three years ago. 1,000th show veterans include: Michael Frost, who plays John the Baptist; Mandy Curry, who plays Mary Magdalene; Rusty Miller, who plays Andrew; and crew members Wes Clabo, April Kerly, Chris Manning and Doreen Gregory, as well as animal husbandry manager, Bob Fluharty.
One actor, Michael Frost, of Rogersville, Tenn., has moved up the acting ranks during his time with the show. During the first and second seasons, Frost played the roles of Joseph and John of Zebedee. This season, Frost has been promoted to playing the featured role of John the Baptist.
Frost says being a part of the cast is more than an opportunity to sing and act. “I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of when I auditioned in October 2005 because it is a religious production that reaches out to people and tells them there is hope in Christ.”
It is common for actors to change shows and theater venues annually. But Frost explains he has chosen to stay at The Miracle Theater to support its mission. “I’m not an actor that feels I need to move around a lot. It’s been important for me to continue with this production because it’s a show that has meaning. It might be fun to go out and sing country songs, but I’d rather go out on stage and do something that could potentially change people’s lives.”
Frost says he has seen the evidence of change throughout his three years with the show. “I’ve seen first hand the changes in people’s heart. We receive numerous cards, e-mails and letters telling us through their testimony how the show made an impact on their lives. I also run into people on the street that come up and tell me this was the most moving show they had ever seen. It makes me want to stay here and be a part of it.”
Mandy Curry, of Scott Depot, W. Va., has also changed roles during her three seasons at “The Miracle.” Being part of the ensemble the last two years, she now plays Mary Magdalene.
When asked why she’s stayed with the show the past three years, Curry says, “I get to do what I love and still spread the word of God. God would have sent me somewhere else if He wanted me somewhere else. This is where God has kept me, and I know He wants me here right now.”
Wes Clabo is currently the head fly man for the angels at The Miracle Theater, a job that includes showing new actors how to work harnesses and showing the crew how to operate the flying rigs. “I do lights, video, and special effects and I have done everything from deck hand to crew chief to stage crew manager,” he said. “In addition, I handle special effects such as camouflaging foggers. I love what I do.”
Beautician April Gilbert has also been with the show for 1,000 performances. She is the wig and hair designer for the actors and actresses. She especially enjoys fixing hair for little girls who are on the backstage tours. “Sometimes after I do the girls’ hair we put angel wings on them and they are delighted,” she said. The biggest challenge she faced in her job was getting the whip marks on Jesus. While she won’t divulge her secret, she said she has gone from a 45-minute process to a 5-minute process over the course of three years for this task.
“The Miracle” is one of the largest faith-based productions of its kind in the nation. It features live animals such as sheep, donkeys, horses and camels; elaborate sets and costumes and angels soaring through the theater. In addition to the show, camel rides and backstage tours are available to the public at family-friendly prices.
The Miracle Theater is a ministry with a mission to present faith-based family entertainment through live theatrical productions revealing the person of Jesus Christ as The Living Word of God. The Miracle Theater is one of just a handful of theaters in the entire country to manage its entire operation as a Christian ministry.
“The Miracle” is an original work produced by Fee/Hedrick Family Entertainment Group, one of the largest entertainment companies in the Southeastern U.S. The show was written by the award-winning team of author Linda Nell Cooper and composer David M. Legg, both of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. “The Miracle” is grounded in accurate Biblical detail while boldly presenting theatrical pizzazz.
“The Miracle” runs March-December at The Miracle Theater, with shows at 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 2:00 p.m. matinees on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. With the exception of the special discount rate for the 1,000th performance night on Sept. 15, adult tickets are regularly $34.95, plus tax. All season, one child, age 2 through 11, is free with each paying adult. Additional child tickets are $9.95, plus tax. For tickets, call 865-428-SHOW(7469). Groups of 20 people or more can receive a discounted rate by calling reservations at 1-866-492-6972. The Miracle Theater is located at 2046 Parkway (at traffic light No. 0) in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. For more information or to see video clips of the show, visit www.MiracleTheater.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact and requests for one-on-one interview with cast and crew members: Debbie Newsom, (865) 414-6887 or (865) 774-8877,
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