The Miracle Theater

What: “The Miracle” opens new season

When: Opening 8:00 p.m. February 28 with nightly shows at 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and matinees shows on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 3:00 p.m.

Where: The Miracle Theater, 2046 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 37863

Tickets: $34.95 for adults, one child 11 and under is free with each paying adult; purchase at 1-800-768-1170 or online at www.MiracleTheater.com.

The Miracle Theater Kicks Off New Season February 28

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. February 25, 2009 – Sevier County is about to experience a new Miracle on March 1. That’s the date of the much-anticipated 2009 season opening of “The Miracle” production at The Miracle Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

“The Miracle” production is a $15 million original Broadway-style production based on the life and miracles of Jesus Christ and is one of the largest faith-based shows in the nation. In addition to the many singers, dancers and technicians, “The Miracle” features soaring angels as well as a special animal cast of camels, sheep and even a donkey.

Robert Kalina, general manager of The Miracle Theater said, “We have everything in place for an exciting new season in 2009. The enthusiasm in the marketplace for this show is creating quite a buzz. By the end of last year’s run, we saw families and groups from neighboring states back in the theater for the third and fourth time, while first-time visitors were hearing rave reviews from local merchants all over the area. With this year’s blend of fresh new voices added to our talented veterans from the last two years we anticipate a record-breaking season.”

“Because the production invites the audience to experience the many miracles performed by Jesus, we call the show ‘The Miracle’, recalling His wondrous works,” explained Kalina. “From Jesus turning the water into wine to walking on water, it’s an inspiring show sure to thrill the entire family. This is a Broadway-style musical with costuming, lighting and special effects to rival anything in New York.”

Aerial angel battles take place right above the audience, and live animals and actors not only grace the stage but also venture out into the aisles. An emphasis is placed on the epic struggle between forces of good and evil, and an underlying theme of spiritual warfare provides an added dramatic dimension.

“The Miracle” is an original work produced by Fee/Hedrick Family Entertainment Group, one of the largest entertainment companies in the Southeastern United States. This commissioned work was written by the award-winning team of playwright Linda Nell Cooper and composer David M. Legg, both of Liberty University.

Far beyond a passion play, “The Miracle” is a musical retelling of the life of Christ blending a soaring original score, thought-provoking lyrics and beautiful arrangements of inspirational familiar songs of faith. 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.

For those theater patrons wanting the ultimate theater experience, The Miracle Theater offers a VIP Backstage Tour. The behind-the-scenes tour highlights the theater’s house area, lighting and sound booths, scenery operations, props tables, dressing rooms, wardrobe, hair and makeup area, and a look at the million-dollar stables where the show animals are kept. And of course, there is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to stand on a real theater stage.

Camel rides are also available in front of The Miracle Theater at Noah’s Ark Animal Park. Anyone can ride an 8-foot-tall Arabian camel for a cost of $9.95 plus tax. A personal photo souvenir of the camel ride is also available for a nominal cost.

“The Miracle” runs March through December at The Miracle Theater, located at 2046 Parkway (traffic light 0) in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Shows are Monday through Saturday at 8:00 p.m. with matinees on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. Adult tickets are $34.95 plus tax, and one child 11 and under is free with each paying adult. An annual season pass is available for an introductory price of $79.95 until April 1. The season pass price after April 1 will be $99.95. The Miracle Theater also features ample free parking.

For tickets, call 1-800-768-1170. Reservations are highly recommended but not necessary. Groups of 20 or more people can receive a special discounted rate by calling group reservations at 1-888-568-4253. For more information or to view video clips of the show, visit www.MiracleTheater.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Deborah Fee Newsom, Director of Public Relations

Fee-Hedrick Family Entertainment Group, (865) 774-8877; (865) 414-6887; Deborah@FeeHedrick.com 

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 Photo: 

Pictured left to right are 4^th graders Christy Newsom and Elena Hollingsworth, both of Sevierville, Tenn.  Christy is the daughter of Tom and Debbie Newsom and Elena is the daughter of Russ and Chris Hollingsworth.

The Miracle Theater To Hold Hallelujah Night on Halloween 

Pigeon Forge, Tenn., August 24, 2009 —The Miracle Theater will be hosting an alternative to traditional Halloween with its Hallelujah Night at the Theater on Oct. 31, 2010.  Children are encouraged to dress in their favorite costume and one child, 11 and under, per paying adult will get in free to “The Miracle” show at the Miracle Theater on Halloween night.  Adults with a child in costume on this night will get in at half price.  Additional child tickets are $9.95 plus tax.

            The special half price tickets will be  $19.95 plus tax, for adults.  That is an $15.00 savings per adult over the regular ticket price of $34.95 plus tax. For tickets, call 865-428 SHOW (7469) to receive the special rate for the Hallelujah night show.

            The show will begin at 8:00 p.m. However, children are encouraged to come at 6:30 p.m. for a $5.00 camel ride and picture.  There will be a costume contest at intermission.  Although costumes are not limited to biblical costumes, the child with the most creative biblical costume will win a season pass to the Miracle for himself and his immediate family for the 2010 season!  Candy will be available in the lobby. 

“We’d love to see hundreds of children in their costumes here at The Miracle Theater,” said Robet Kalina, general manager. “They’ll have a ball, but more importantly, they’ll see a thrilling show that reminds them of

God’s immeasurable love for them!”

“The Miracle” is a multi-million dollar, original, faith-based Broadway-style musical based on the life and miracles of Jesus Christ. Now in its fourth season, the theater has been open since the spring of 2006. It features live animals such as sheep, donkeys, horses and camels; elaborate sets and costumes and angels soaring through the theater.

Backstage tours are available as well. Show-goers can upgrade their Miracle tickets to a Backstage Pass for the low cost of $5 each to experience firsthand the inner-workings of the only Broadway-caliber theater in Pigeon Forge. Tours begin about one-hour before the Miracle show time and enable patrons to observe the theater in full pre-show mode.

            The behind-the-scenes tour highlights the theater’s house area, lighting and sound booths, scenery operations, props tables, dressing rooms, wardrobe room, hair and make-up areas, and a look at the million-dollar stables where the show animals are kept, along with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to stand on a real theater stage.

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 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 3:00 p.m. matinees on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. With the exception of the special discount rate for the Halloween performance night on Oct. 31, 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 (cell) or (865) 774-8877, Deborah@FeeHedrick.com 

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Photo Submitted: Miracle Theater 1,000^th 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 1000^th Show

on Sept. 15 With Special Ticket Price  

Pigeon Forge, Tenn., August 25, 2008 – The Miracle Theater is celebrating its 1,000^th performance of “The Miracle” production on Monday, Sept. 15, by showing appreciation to its patrons.

Anyone who wants to can attend the 1000^th 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 1000^th performance.”

Three cast members and five crew members have been on staff from the show’s beginning three years ago. 1,000^th 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 1,000^th 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,

Deborah@FeeHedrick.com

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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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE