Congratulations to all our friends at “Faith and Football”

“I Sing This Song Of Love For You” featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard from the album ” I Look Up To The Heavens” recorded and produced by John Hodgkinson

Before having a look at what happened to the disciple James may I first congratulate my friends Linvoy Primus and Mick Mellows, co- Directors of  the charity, Faith and Football that  will be presenting Risen!- The Musical with us at the New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth this coming November.  Linvoy has been awarded an M.B.E and Faith and Football have received an MBE equivalent -the Queens Award for Voluntary Services. So many richly deserved congratulations!

Risen!- The Musical features five of Jesus’ disciples – Judas, Peter, Thomas, John and James.  Judas was discussed in blog of April 16^th Thomas in blog April 9^th and Peter last week.

In blogs April 30^th and May 7^th I discussed the disciple John, but what about his brother James, also named in by Jesus in Mark 3:17 as a Son of Thunder?  By the way this James is not to be confused with James the brother of Jesus or another disciple, James son of Alpheus.  To help (or to add to the confusion) James brother of John is sometimes known as James the Greater, whereas  James son of Alpheus is known as  James the Lesser or Younger.

The Bible (Matthew 4:21) tells us that James was a fisherman, the brother of John and the son of Zebedee.  We also know that together with John and Peter,  James was part of Jesus’ “inner circle” and for example was with Him at His transfiguration (Matthew 17:1) and in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:33.)  From Acts 12: 2  we learn that King Herod (that is Herod Agrippa 1 grandson of Herod the Great) had him put to the sword i.e. beheaded. Anything else we know of James is from tradition rather than from Biblical accounts- one tradition being that after seeing the courage and un- recanting spirit of James, his executioner was so convinced of Christ’s resurrection, that he was executed with him.

James is the patron saint of Spain and Portugal. According to one legend, his remains are held in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. (The name Santiago is the local Galician evolution of Vulgar Latin Sanctu Iacobu, “Saint James“.) The traditional pilgrimage to the grave of the Saint, known as the “Way of St. James“, has been the most popular pilgrimage for Western European Catholics from the Early Middle Ages onwards. It was the focus of the film “The Way” starring Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez and James Nesbitt.

In Risen!- The Musical James sings the songs- “Judas I Don’t Understand,”  “Jesus Lord of Lords” (in the newly  revised script) and “Bathe Me In Your Light.”

So what about the other disciples? Next week I will look at traditions that surround other disciples Matthew, Andrew, Bartholomew, Philip, James son of Alpheus, Thaddeus (probably also known as Jude) and Simon the Zealot.

Cast of Risen!- The Musical by statue of Lady Godiva – Coventry Broadgate – venue of premiere at Pentecost Festival

“Jesus is the Alphabet” featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard from the album ” I Look Up To The Heavens” recorded and produced by John Hodgkinson

So finally, after more than four years of writing, recording and piloting Risen!- The Musical premiered at the Coventry Pentecost Festival on Saturday, May 23^rd.  It was an unforgettable day, the cast from the London College of Music were absolutely brilliant, not just in their performance but also for being such a great bunch of people to be with. So a huge thanks from me to them for everything that made the day so special – the “flash mob” in the Lower Precinct – Jodie managing a great performance even though poorly sick- the impromptu singing of “Jesus is My Lord” in the Marquee, with that pretty much straight after you arrived after a two and a half hour journey.  I will never forget the way that “jaws dropped” when people heard Leah open up the song – they obviously had no idea of how good the cast would be but they certainly found out in those opening few notes! And of course all the commitment, patience and good humour in rehearsing with such a short time available – oh and I nearly forgot, for helping me drink a few glasses of Prosecco!

Tremendous thanks also for the amazing organisation that took place from the Festival Organisers “Hope for Coventry” – Andrew , Angus, Matthew and of course my great mate Darren. Also to Jo the Manager of Holy Trinity Church’s Prayer House ; some parts of this inspiring building  were built in the 15^th Century and the cast had the privilege of using it for their changing rooms. Just behind us was Coventry Cathedral, which is so impressive with the new building standing side by the side with the original that was bombed in World War Two.

Biggest thanks, however must go to Niamh McGuckin, our brilliant Director who also played Mary Mother of Jesus. With very little time to rehearse she worked tirelessly to ensure that the production was of the highest possible quality.  Her humility was also really apparent when she looked so shocked when the cast presented her with a bouquet of flowers in thanks for all her efforts.

So many people said such kind things about Risen!- The Musical  but here is a quote from Andrew – one of the organisers:

“Risen! – The Musical” was a wonderful climax to the Coventry Pentecost Festival -we were treated to an uplifting portrayal of the story of Holy Week to Pentecost through amazing songs, word, action and dance by a highly professional team who conveyed the hope of the Gospel very powerfully. We felt truly blessed and privileged to host the premiere of this inspirational musical and everybody I spoke to was blessed by it. We wish you all God’s blessing in the future, and that “Risen!” will bless many thousands of people in the months to come.

Next stop the New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth when it re- opens in November 2015 – watch this space!

As we have been celebrating a premiere I thought it would be good to feature a song from the premiere Mustard Seed Album, “I Look Up To The Heavens.”  It is “Jesus is the Alphabet” sung by Lucy Stimpson- Maynard.  In fact I used its melody line “Yes Lord help us realise with Jesus in our lives “ for a line for the Risen! song “Do Not Let Your hearts be troubled”-  “And I am going there to prepare a place for you.”

Next week – so what happened to Jesus’s disciples?

The cast of Risen!- The Musical at the Coventry Pentecost Festival

“There’s More Than One Way Of Saying I Love You” Featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard and Mustard Seed Soul Band  from Mustard Seed’s Album “Uplifted” produced by Bob Ross

So Risen!- The Musical premiered on Saturday, May 23^rd as part of the Coventry Pentecost Festival – more of that next week when there are photos to share but for now let’s just say it was “awesome”

In the meantime let me return to how Risen!- The Musical portrays some of its characters. So what about the disciple Peter? As with the disciple John a lot of what we know of Peter comes from the Gospel stories that precede the start of the Risen! storyline.  We know, for example that he was originally called Simon, was a fisherman in partnership with James and John and their father Zebedee  (Matthew 4:18 -22) We know that when first approached by Jesus he told Jesus to stay away because he was a sinful man (Luke 5: 8)  We also know he had a wife (Matthew 8:14)  and that when  the disciples were asked by Jesus who they thought He was, it was Peter who proclaimed “ You are the Christ the Son of the Living God.”  (Matthew 16:16)  Jesus responded by telling Peter (which means rock) that he is the rock upon which the church will be built; some interpret this to mean that it was Peter’s proclamation that Jesus is the Son of God which became the foundation upon which the church was built. Others believe it was  Peter himself upon which the church was built and indeed tradition has it that he became the first Bishop of Rome with St Peter’s Basilica built upon his bones.

After Pentecost Peter became one of the driving forces in the new church – after his speech (Acts 2: 14- 41) 3000 were baptised that very same day.  Acts also describes his miraculous escape from jail (Acts 12- 1-19) and his missionary work to the Hebrew people, Tradition has it that Peter was crucified by the Emperor Nero in AD 67/68. Peter chose to be crucified upside down as he felt unworthy to suffer the exact same death as his Saviour, Jesus.

In Risen! The Musical – Mary Magdalene tells Peter and John that the tomb is empty  and so Peter rushes there and is first to go in to find it  empty (John 20: 1-9) .  St Luke’s Gospel (Luke 24: 34)  tells us that Jesus appeared to Peter on the first Sunday when He rose from the dead. Peter was always impetuous and In Matthew 26: 33  promises Jesus that he will never deny him and that he would follow Him to death – Jesus replies by saying “Before the cock crows you will deny me three times – which is what, of course he did. Once, when Jesus appeared to some of the disciples who had returned to fish in  Galilee  Jesus takes Peter to one side and asks him three times if he loves Him. (John 21: 15-19) This is often referred to as Peter’s reinstatement as Jesus is using this opportunity to let Peter know that he has been forgiven.  Although Peter tells Jesus three times that he loves Him – right after Jesus leaves the scene  Peter wonders how he could love Jesus even more and sings the song “How can I love You more?”  Peter realises that he can only love more if he contemplates how much Jesus loves him, exemplified by His sacrifice on the cross -“Love’s source is in heaven not from within me.”

The featured song for today is “There’s more than one way of saying I love you” I thought it appropriate as I used its melody for the opening recitative of Risen!- The Musical  – “Family that’s what we’ve come to be, following Jesus for three years – family.”

“The cast of Risen!- The Musical” after a Sunday rehearsal in London.

Some of the cast of Risen! The Musical” rehearsing for Sunday’s performance in Coventry – “Hosanna”

So it’s the big day on Saturday May 23^rd as Risen! The Musical  premiers at the Coventry Pentecost Festival 7.30 pm at Broadgate.  My great mate Darren Bovis- Coulter and his friends in the Hope Coventry  team have done an amazing job in organising  a whole weekend of great events culminating in the first production of Risen!- The Musical.  www.coventrypentecost.com  If you can make it there I am sure you will have a fantastic time.

I cannot speak too highly of the fantastic cast we have that will be journeying up to Coventry from London. They have been rehearsing like mad – I saw them rehearse the first ACT of Risen! last Sunday and is was brilliant.  I hope to have some good news for the cast on Saturday as for the past  two days  I’ve had meetings with the New Theatre Royal management  with a view to Risen!- The Musical playing there in October of this year, when the £9m refurbishment is  finally completed.

Here is the fabulous cast for Saturday’s Coventry performance:

Jesus – Mikey Wooster

Mary Mother of Jesus – Niamh McCuckin

John- Andrew Dovaston

Mary Magdalene- Jodie Quirke

Peter- Kieran Lawson

Mary sister of Martha and Lazarus – Claire Hutchinson

Thomas- Adam Valentine

Mary wife of Clopas – Leah Godbold

James- Johnny Fitzharris

Cleopas- Benny Bright

Cleopas’ friend- Coby Collins

Judas – Ennio Ficiur

Director – Niamh McCuckin

If you would like to view their profiles please visit http://www.coventrypentecost.com/risen_cast.php

I expect next week’s blog will feature how the performance went and so the promised account of how Risen! portrays the disciple Peter will have to be put on hold for yet another week

“We Can’t Set The World On Fire” featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard with the Mustard Seed Soul Band from the album “Uplifted” recorded and produced by Bob Ross

Just going to take a week off from exploring the characters in the Risen!- the Musical. I am doing this to ensure that everyone knows that the double CD of Risen!- The Musical can be downloaded from either ITunes https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/risen!-musical-original-score/id987641119 or

Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/Risen-Musical-Original-Various-artists/dp/B00WFM3YVS/ref=sr_1_1?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1431166995&sr=1-1&keywords=risen+the+musical

If you would prefer to just download a track or two then may I suggest for ballad fans ACT ONE track 10 or ACT TWO track 14. If you are into “anthems” then ACT ONE track 18 or ACT TWO track 16. For a finale singalong then its ACT TWO track 18 and for a bit of rock followed by the drama of Judas’ suicide then go for ACT ONE track 9. Of course if you prefer a “hard copy” then they are available from www.risenthemusical.com

Just 10 days before Risen!- The Musical premiers at the Coventry Pentecost Festival on May 23rd with a fantastic cast London based professional cast  – it’s not that far to Coventry so why not come!?  Tickets are subsidised and so are dirt cheap – check out www.coventrypentecost.com

Featured song this week is “We Can’t Set the World on Fire” featuring Lucy Stimpson- Maynard and  the Mustard Seed Soul Band from the album “Uplifted”

Images of Mustard Seed Songs first musical "His Story"

“Uplifted” from Mustard Seed’s first musical His Story – featuring the Mustard Seed Soul Band – album recorded and produced by Ross Gill

In his Gospel, John writes in Chapter 19 verse 25 “Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother, His mother’s sister, Mary wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene. “ (New International Version) Some versions have “Near the cross of Jesus stood His mother and His mother’s sister. “

So how many women were there at the cross – three or four?  If you interpret the verse to mean His mother, His mother’s sister, who is Mary wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene then its three. If you interpret it as Mary the mother of Jesus, His sister, together with Mary wife of Clopas and Mary Magdalene then it is four.

So if you go for the former interpretation then Mary wife of Clopas is the sister of Jesus’ mother i.e. Jesus’ aunt. Furthermore if Mary is the wife of the Cleopas who met with Jesus on the way to Emmaus that would, of course, make Cleopas, Jesus’ uncle.

Now let’s look at the interpretation that there were, in fact four women at the cross. Mark 15:40 tells us that Salome was there watching, so many therefore believe that she and not Mary wife of Clopas is the sister of Mary mother of Jesus. Matthew 27:56 refers to this woman as the mother of Zebedee’s sons and we learn from Mark 1: 19 that Zebedee’s sons were the disciples James and John. So we can therefore deduce that Salome (the sister of Mary the mother of Jesus)   and Zebedee are husband and wife and  the parents  of James and John. They are also aunt and uncle to Jesus with James and John His cousins.

That John was a relative (and also one of some means – see blog April 30^th) may have been the reason why Jesus, as He was dying on the cross, told John to look after His mother.  John 19:25 “Dear woman here is your son and to the disciple – here is your Mother. From that day on this disciple took her into his home. “

Featured song is again from the Mustard Seed Soul Band – “Uplifted” from Mustard Seed’s first musical His Story and also the title  track of the album “Uplifted.”  It was inspired by the soul classics “In the Midnight Hour” “You don’t know like I know” and “Higher and Higher” (see blog April 30^th)

The Mustard Seed Soul Band featuring on vocals (l to r) Kat, Nicola, Fiona and Katy

“Higher and HIgher” (J.Wilson)  Mustard Seed Soul Band from the musical “His Story” recorded and produced by Ross Gill

So how does Risen!- The Musical portray John , “ the disciple Jesus loved?” (John 13: 23) First he is the Musical’s Narrator, helping the audience to know the location of each new scene and also giving explanation and insight. (see blog April 23^rd)

Of course Jesus loved all His disciples – in fact He loves everyone, but there appears to a special bond between Jesus and John, possibly because John was younger than the other disciples, possibly because the two were related, which is something I will explore next week. Some of the references to John in the Bible come before the Risen! The Musical script begins , for example that fact that he was a fisherman, the son of Zebedee who was successful enough to have hired men working for him. (Mark 1:20)  That John came from a fairly “well to do” family seem s to be endorsed by him, not only living in Galilee, but also having his own house in Jerusalem. (John 19:27) John was also known by the High Priest who, during Jesus’ trial, took him into his courtyard, whereas Peter had to wait outside (John 18: 15-16)

At the end of John’s Gospel, Peter asks Jesus what would happen to John – Peter misunderstood Jesus’ reply and so a rumour began that John would not die even though Jesus merely told Peter “If I want him to remain alive until I return what is that to you?”

In addition to his Gospel John wrote three letters included in the Bible and also The Book of Revelation. This, the Bible’s last chapter, is believed by most to have been written by John when he was an old man exiled on the island of Patmos because of his belief in Jesus.

Apart from narrating John is one of the lead roles in the Risen! – The Musical cast and, for example it is he that Mary Magdalene  first tells with Peter  that the stone has been rolled away from Jesus’ tomb; he and Peter  then running  there to see (John 20: 2-9) At the Crucifixion Jesus tells John  to look after Mary, His mother (John: 19:26)

I find it reassuring that in places such as chapter 19 verse 35 and chapter 20 verse 30 John states that he is an eye witness to that which  Jesus did and that his testimony is true. In his Gospel’s final verse he also makes it clear that if he had written everything down that Jesus did “I suppose the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”

John, however was by no means perfect.  In Mark’s Gospel we learn that Jesus called John and his brother James “Sons of Boanerges “which means “Sons of Thunder.” In Luke 9:54 the brothers ask Jesus if they should call fire down from heaven on some Samaritan people who had not welcomed them.

The Risen! – The Musical script has a poignant scene just after Jesus tells His disciples to make disciples of all nations- John becomes desolate as he agonises over whether he will fail Jesus as he has done before – not only for being a “Son of Thunder” but also for running away when Jesus was arrested and furthermore for having the audacity to ask Jesus if he could sit at His right side in heaven. (Mark 10:37)  I personally find it reassuring that someone as revered as St John still displayed typical human frailties and faults.

So next week – was John a relative of Jesus?

Another cover for this week’s featured song – it’s the soul classic “Higher and Higher” by Jackie Wilson – again sung by the Mustard Seed Soul Band (also featured in pic)

“I’m A Believer” (Diamond) featuring the Mustard Seed Soul Band from album “Heart and Soul” recorded and produced by Ross Gill

In the last two blogs I looked at how certain characters in Risen!- The Musical have been portrayed- on April 9^th it was Thomas and on April 16^th Judas. Today is the turn of Mary Magdalene.

Throughout Risen!- The Musical I have kept to Biblical accounts and have not gone down the road of conjecture or fiction.  I am aware that Mary Magdalene has previously been portrayed as a prostitute, for example in  the   musicals “Jesus Christ Superstar” and the recent excellent “Love Beyond” (see blog October 9^th 2014))  This, I believe has partly come from wrongly associating Mary Magdalene  with the woman accused of adultery and about to be stoned.  (John 8: 1-11)  Jesus telling those about to stone her “If anyone is without sin let him cast the first stone.”

Furthermore this false impression of Mary Magdalene having loose morals has come from her being incorrectly regarded as the “sinful woman”, who in Luke 7:36-50, anoints Jesus with expensive perfume and wipes His feet with her tears.  This “sinful woman” is also sometimes wrongly associated with another woman who anoints Jesus; Mary sister of Martha and Lazarus (John 12: 1-8)- the focus of the second scene of  Risen!- The Musical.

At least the above stories have come from Biblical accounts, albeit in my view misguided; however there is no Biblical basis whatsoever for suggestions that Mary Magdalene and Jesus were married. This is pure fiction concocted to sell books such as the “The Da Vinci Code”

That Mary Magdalene had real issues prior to meeting Jesus is, however clear.  Luke tells us in chapter 8 that Jesus cast out from her seven demons.  Luke also makes clear that she, together with many other women, helped support Jesus out of their own means i.e.  Mary Magdalene was a loyal follower of Jesus; something I trust Risen!- The Musical makes  clear.

Mary Magdalene is the only person mentioned in all four Gospels to have been present at the cross when Jesus was crucified and in John’s Gospel we are told that she was the first person to see Jesus after He was resurrected. (John 20: 1-18.)  Risen!- The Musical focuses heavily on John’s account of that first Easter morning.

Risen!- The Musical also uses  a piece of recitative from John to highlight the significance of Jesus first appearing to a woman; for women  in Jesus’ day had  no social standing. If Jesus or His disciples had felt proof was needed to show that He was alive He would surely have first appeared to a man, not a woman.  So appearing to Mary Magdalene would only make sense if that is indeed what happened.

So it’s Mary who Jesus first would see, but a woman why would He not first appear to a man? Jesus treated women with respect and dignity, taught they had equality in the sight of God. But in law their testimony would count for nothing if the authorities tried to deny He had risen.  No, there’s only one reason why first appearing to a woman would make any  sense and that is if it were true and it is- I can assure you there is no  pretence. But of course Jesus also appeared risen-  alive to  men –  and here are two on the Emmaus road  it’s Cleopas and his friend …. 

This week the featured song is again a cover version from the Mustard Seed Soul Band  – the classic “I’m A Believer”  written by the legendary Neil Diamond and made famous by the 60’s band  “The Monkees” and  also the film “Shriek.

Next blog I will look at how Risen!- The Musical portrays the disciple John.

“Lean on Me” (Bill Withers) Mustard Seed Soul Band from CD “Heart and Soul” recorded and produced by Ross Gill

In last week’s blog I said I had felt that Thomas had been given a “bad press” by being called “Doubting Thomas” for so many years.  It was for this reason that in Risen!- The Musical I tried to redress the balance and explain his reasons for not believing his friends when they told him that they had seen the Lord. (see blog April 9^th)

So what about Judas- how does Risen!- The Musical  portray his betrayal?  I am aware that some people feel a degree of sympathy for Judas wondering if it really was his fault if, as John’s Gospel tells us, “Satan entered into him.” Others believe that disillusionment was Judas’ motive.  Judas may have expected Jesus to be a “Warrior King” who would rid the people of Roman occupation – when he realised that Jesus was in fact a “Servant King” who even humbled Himself to wash the feet of his disciples – this may have taken Judas “over the edge.”  There is also the idea that by  betraying Jesus, Judas was simply making Him “play His hand” and so, under the threat of death,  reveal Himself as the  long awaiting supernatural Messiah who would herald in a new age for the Jewish nation.

When writing Risen!- The Musical I decided it wisest to stay clear of conjecture  and instead  stick only with what the Bible tells us.

For example, I highlight  greed as part of the reason for Judas betraying Jesus-  for handing Him over to them Judas was given  30 pieces of silver from the chief priests. (Matthew 26:15)  Furthermore Judas’ greed is alluded to by the disciple John who in chapter 12 of his Gospel tells us that Judas was a thief – he was keeper of the money bag and helped himself to what was put into it.

Jealously is another reason I give for the betrayal – Judas may have resented the fact that Jesus was closest to John, James and Peter who had, for example, being given the privilege of being with  Jesus on the mountain when He was transfigured  before them (Matthew 17) It certainly seems that Judas felt less close to Jesus than the others, referring to Jesus as “Rabbi – teacher” rather than “Lord.”

One thing we do know to be true is that as soon as Judas saw that Jesus was condemned he was filled with remorse and tried to return the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests exclaiming “I have sinned, for I have betrayed innocent blood.” He then went away and hanged himself.  (Matthew 27)  In Risen!- The Musical Judas’ suicide is brilliantly portrayed by Paul Clements and the musical arrangement  by  Joffy Girling is really very powerful.

However I am not going to feature the Judas suicide track today – you will just have to buy the CD !! www.risenthemusical.com or wait to download it from ITunes (sorry for the delay but ITunes have been asking for information we did not realise was necessary) Today instead I thought I would feature a cover song – it is “Lean on Me” first sung by Bill Withers. It is a brilliant acapella version by Nicola, Fiona, Kat and Katy of the Mustard Seed Soul Band and comes from the Mustard Seed CD “Heart and Soul.”

“Unless I see nail marks put my finger into His side, I shall not believe that He is alive ” Thomas after hearing from the disciples that Jesus is alive.  Taken from Risen!- The Musical.

“How Great Are His Signs” featuring Thomas (played by James Townend)  and The Original Cast from Risen!- The Musical

Jesus Christ Superstar has, of course, been immensely successful over four decades, however it does not include the Resurrection of Jesus. Stephen Schwartz’s 1970’s musical Godspell  is  regarded by most as “Christian” as it is based on the parables told  in St Matthew’s Gospel,  however,  even in Godspell , the Resurrection of Jesus can, at best, be described as problematic.

There is nothing problematic about the resurrection appearances featured in Risen!- The Musical whose double CD was released  11 days ago, in fact the majority of the 110 minute production focuses on the many appearances Jesus made to His followers during the 40 days from His Resurrection on Easter Sunday to His Ascension to heaven.

In John’s Gospel we learn that the first person to see Jesus alive was Mary Magdalene- that was very early on the morning of what we now call Easter Sunday. Luke’s Gospel tells us that later that afternoon He appeared to Cleopas and his friend as they were walking to the village of Emmaus. Later that evening Jesus again appeared to His disciples but John tells us that Thomas was not with them. When the disciples  exclaim to  Thomas “ We have seen the Lord” (John 20:25) Thomas  does not believe them and  says “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were and put my finger into His side, I will not believe it.”

And this is why poor Thomas has forever been referred to as “Doubting Thomas.”  I had always felt this to be completely unfair – we learn from John 11:16 that Thomas was, in fact, a courageous man who told the rest of the disciples that they should all follow Jesus into danger when Jesus decided to travel to Bethany near Jerusalem- in fact Thomas said to the disciples “Let us also go that we may die with Him.” – hardly the words of a man who doubted Jesus!  Risen!- The Musical portrays Thomas’ “doubt” as being caused  by him being  so overcome with grief, after seeing Jesus crucified, that he just did not dare believe the disciples when they told him that Jesus was alive. He did not want his hopes dashed yet again.

John tells us that Jesus appeared to the disciples again one week later and this time Thomas was with them and proclaimed to Jesus “My Lord and my God.”  In Risen!- The Musical  I took a little poetic licence and imagined what Thomas would have done in that week between hearing from his friends that Jesus was alive and then seeing Jesus Himself.  I have portrayed him going somewhere in solitude, immersing himself with those Psalms that focus on trusting God and then returning to the rest of the disciples reassured that what they had told him could, in fact, be true – in fact Risen! -The Musical has Thomas leading the disciples in a worship song, the words of which come from the Book of Daniel, Chapters 4 and 6. This is the featured song for today “How Great Are His Signs.”

Next week I hope to have news of how the rehearsals are going with our cast from the London College of Music and we should also have the Risen! – The Musical double CD available to be downloaded from ITunes and Amazon.