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Arts & Entertainment

Allen Temple Christmas Play Success of Drama Ministry

Play Review: Heaven Came Down written by Jack Dale

The magnificent story of the birth of Jesus was brought to life onstage in the sanctuary of Sunday night.

A narration started the drama, giving details of humanity's rebellion against the Heavenly Father and His preparation to send a Savior. The theme: Nothing is impossible with God, not even a virgin birth. The plot evolved from fear and doubt into expectations and miracles.

James Daniel played the role of Zechariah, husband of Elizabeth, who was the Virgin Mary's cousin.

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"It was a wonderful experience," Daniel said. "I've heard sermons about the Christmas story all my life, but learning the lines helped me better understand the story of Jesus' birth."

Daniel said the only other acting experience he had was in Easter plays and parts in his high school drama club. He played his role with grace.

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According to the play's publisher, Randall House, Heaven Came Down written by Jack Dale centers on God's greatest gift to humanity-Jesus. The scenario develops around what may have happened in Heaven starting 15 months before Jesus made his entrance on Earth.

There were not many special effects in the play, but great ingenuity was displayed in creating the Shepherd's scene around fire logs. The voices of God were symbolized by gelled spotlights, and trumpet sounds were created via a Yamaha organ.

Scene changes were effortless. Instead of spending extravagantly on props and costumes, co-play director Martha Hayden said the ministry worked on a frugal budget.

"We need to know the real reason for the season, why Jesus came down to earth and chose to save His people," Hayden said. "We did this with the help of volunteers, people who gave their time, whatever they could afford to do. We did economical things and used what we had. We've been doing drama for years, and we just recycle."

The Drama Ministry of Allen Temple A.M.E. Church sponsored the free event which featured adult members of the church, the youth ministry, and Angel Choir. There were approximately 250 people in attendance.

"Preparing the set was a challenge since props, curtains, furniture and lighting had to be arranged after the second morning service," said Willie Mae Crump, Drama Ministry staff member.

The church does not have a theater with curtains or a stage; however, the sanctuary, dedicated six years ago, provided an ample inspirational backdrop for the drama.

This was a full-length performance incorporating familiar Christmas music.

"We just did it, and it was very rewarding to see it all come together," said Marcena Kinney, church organist, who has a Piano Performance degree from Northwestern and Shorter University.

The sound was high quality. The volunteer thespians acted with conviction and showed no signs of being amateurs accept for not cheating towards the audience at times. The characters featured imperfect heavenly beings who were trying to make the birth of Jesus meaningful. The musical interludes brought a feeling of peace. 

According to their website, Allen Temple's vision is "to be an expansive body of spirit-filled Christians focused on leading souls to Christ, studying and teaching the Word, promoting spiritual, educational, physical, social, and economic development of the church and community."

Rev. Carl A. Moore, senior pastor, said this is a wonderful event.

"Everything that we do seeks to bring in others from the outside," Moore said. "This play speaks of Christ's coming to the Earth which is the good news that the world needs to hear. If the world would just receive it, oh, what a wonderful community we would have."

Church Trustee Jesse Crawford agreed with Moore.

"I loved it," Crawford said. "They worked real hard, and you could tell that a lot of dedication was put forth. I never thought it would be this good. It's not easy remembering lines – that's a task. I would like to give my congratulations to the whole drama team. It was really a fascinating play."

Allen Temple, in Woodstock since 1863, is part of the African Methodist Episcopal church denomination founded in 1816. 

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