Backstage Pass: Model Victoria Elizabeth enraptured by ‘The Road to Damascus’

by VICTORIA ELIZABETH

The Ohio Star Theater, a multi-million dollar entertainment complex in Sugarcreek, Ohio that has built a firm reputation upon bringing to life world class house and touring productions, is offering i first fully original show, “The Road to Damascus.”

Visually breathtaking, emotionally charged, and musically innovative, this dynamic and creative nearly two hour dramatic musical spectacular follows the trials, triumphs, and tribulations of Jesus’s disciples as they take the long, winding, tumultuous road to Damascus.

Featuring breathtaking musical compositions by composer Steve Parsons and a lyrics by lyricist Ellie Zumbach, “The Road to Damascus” immerses audiences in a one of a kind musical journey throughout the Book of Acts, with a storyline and characters portrayed as you’ve never seen them before. 

The curtain opens upon The Upper Room, where we are introduced to Mother Mary, Mary Magdalene, and Peter as well as the Apostles as they express praise, reverence and devotion to Jesus, while expressing distress regarding the impending threat of religious persecution of the tyrannical religious “leaders” and rulers of the time.

Peter (played with a quiet intensity by Matthew Dugan) leads the ensemble in a powerful number entitled “To The Ends of the Earth” during which he and Jesus’s ardent, and growing, legions of followers proclaim that they will continue to travel to the ends of the earth to profess the message of Jesus Christ. 

Perhaps the greatest evolution and contrast of character we see in this soul stirring story is that of Saul/Paul (portrayed with incredible range by the immeasurably talented Logan Harper). Harper conveys the obstinance and narrow minded totalitarian view points of Saul during the song “More than a Man,” where he boasts that he is so much more than a mere mortal. 

Mary Magdalene (played with Grace and dignity by Chloe Zurkan), performs an emotionally intense number entitled “Even the Stones.” 

Additional standout numbers within the first act include “Let My Life Begin” performed by Tabitha (a character beautifully brought to life by Lindsey Peters).

The exquisitely performed first act of the show concludes with a riveting performance of “The Road to Damascus” with beautifully blended harmony to convey the conflicting emotions by both the intrepid disciples and the murderous religious zealots, all anxiously awaiting the fateful trip to Damascus. 

Ananias (portrayed with vibrato and great aplomb by Chandler Talkington Fletcher, who also portrays the empathetic and wise Teacher , Gamaliel ) shines in the number, “Considering This Commission,” after being directly sent by Jesus to restore the sight of Saul of Tarsus, when he was struck with blindness as a direct repercussion of his brutal persecution and execution of Christians. 

The wildly narcissistic and conceited King Herod (portrayed with strong comedic prowess by Austin Wall) leads a high octane ensemble number entitled “I’m The King,” during which he proudly and pompously boasted that every knee on earth shall bend to him.

Featuring live animals, exceptional costuming and set design as well a core message which remains just as relevant today as it first was thousands of years ago, “The Road to Damascus: is a spiritually edifying entertainment experience with will undoubtedly remain with you, long after the curtain has drawn. 

Special thanks to Larissa Carrick and the Ohio Star Theater Team for facilitating our visit for this spotlight feature! 

WEBSITE: https://dhgroup.com/theaters/the-ohio-star-theater/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21742793459&gbraid=0AAAAA-QsEsyigXtJViMdRw4gaPjaktx7r&gclid=Cj0KCQjwn8XFBhCxARIsAMyH8BveKarUzOCLWXlSEacPcxuM5RlCuNMGVrZYasGR_alC7767qZdk8H8aAqwTEALw_wcB

PHONE NUMBER: +1 (855) 344-7547

INSTAGRAM: @ohiostartheater