The Miracle Theater becomes a ministry
Pigeon Forge, Tenn., – In March of 2006, The Miracle, an original Broadway-style musical based on the life of Christ, began its first season in the Miracle Theater – the freshly renovated former home of The Louise Mandrell Theater at 2048 Parkway in Pigeon Forge. It was quite a transformation preparing the theater to hold such a large and elaborate production. In March 0f 2007 the theater underwent another dramatic transformation that included a new leadership team, an updated and improved production, new cast members and a clear focus on Christian ministry.
“The Miracle Theater was focused on one thing then and on one thing now,” said Robert Kalina, who became general manager in February of 2009. “Every person who works here wants to see tens of thousands of people encouraged in their faith or come to know Christ personally.
“My entire life has been spent sharing the Gospel through music and the arts,” Kalina said prior to a matinee performance at the theater. “My heart leaps every time an audience responds to our portrayal of Christ’s victory over death. We’re seeing God touch people’s lives through our production and that is why we’re here.”
Kalina previously worked as general manager of The Magic Beyond Belief Theater and before that he served as production manager at The Miracle Theater. In his new position Kalina manages ministry, financials, marketing and sales at the theater.
Kalina is a native of Derby, Kan., just south of Wichita. He attended Wichita State University in Kansas for three years taking business, marketing and theater classes. Before coming to Tennessee in 2007 he worked and consulted at several theaters in Branson, Mo., including The Mansion, The Andy Williams Theater, The Palace Theater and the Pierce Arrow Theater. Prior to that Kalina operated The Mysteries of Magic Theater in Eureka Spring, Ark.
Midway through the 2006 season, executives at Fee-Hedrick Family Entertainment Group, owners of The Miracle Theater, decided to form TMT Ministries and establish a new culture at the theater, one completely focused on Christian ministry. Sandy Inbody, a talented theater professional and passionate Christian leader from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was hired to oversee the property’s transition to a legitimate and vibrant ministry. Inbody was also tasked with casting born again Christian actors in all of the roles. The result has been nothing short of amazing.
“When the curtain goes up, it’s apparent to everyone that these actors believe the story they’re telling,” said Inbody. “Each performance is covered with prayer and the effect spills out over the audience, the cast and all the employees at the theater!”
In addition to Kalina and Inbody, the theater is the new home to Production Stage Manager, Brittney Davis, and Technical Director, Wes Clabo. Both individuals have years of experience and are playing a critical role in the new direction of the theater.
Evidence that the new direction is paying dividends could be seen recently during Pastor’s Appreciation Night in August. Hundreds of pastors were able to see The Miracle for free, many for the first time. The response was very encouraging to everyone at the theater. “Over and over we heard how much stronger the show was this year from those who had seen it before and we heard what a profound spiritual effect it is having on people,” Kalina said. “The pastors could not wait to go back and tell their congregations about our show.”
As the busy fall tourist season approaches, everyone at The Miracle Theater is eagerly anticipating larger crowds, the most tangible evidence that the theater’s transformation is bearing fruit.
The Miracle performances are Monday through Saturday at 8:00 p.m. with 3:00 p.m. matinees on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. In addition, the Exalt Christian Concert Show can be seen each week at The Miracle Theater, Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m. , and Sunday evenings at 8:00 p.m. 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. For more information, visit www.MiracleTheater.com or call 1-800-985-5494 or 865-426-SHOW (7469).
The Miracle Theater is locally owned and operated by David Fee and Jim Hedrick. The theater is part of the Fee/Hedrick Family Entertainment Group. Other theaters in the Fee/Hedrick Family Entertainment Group include The Comedy Barn, The Black Bear Jamboree and Magic Beyond Belief.
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CONTACT: Deborah Fee Newsom, (865) 774-8877 or (865) 414-6887; Deborah@FeeHedrick.com
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