Performed by the Contra Costs Christian High School Dramatic Arts Program, April 27, 28, 2007 at the Dean Lesher Theater, Walnut Creek CA.
BACKGROUND: Arlene Hutton sets her play in the mid 1800s among a community of Shakers in Pleasant Hill, Kentucky. The story is based on the historic events of a revival that occurred at this time. Through her recounting of these events, Hutton explores the tension between discernment and openness to the spirit. How do we recognize God’s work? The play doesn’t try to answer this completely, but the final message of As it is in Heaven confirms that God’s grace is sufficient in covering what we cannot understand. The Shakers originated in England in 1772 under the leadership of Mother Ann Lee. They were an off-shoot sect of Quakers, and they were known for their ecstatic style of worship (including dancing and shaking). They moved to America in 1774 and grew in number, building 19 communal settlements and attracting 200,000 converts. Since the society was celibate, men and women lived in separate households known as “families”. With a motto of “hands to work, hearts to God”, the Shakers were known for their diligence and integrity, desiring to integrate their religious beliefs into every aspect of their lives. By the end of the 19th century the Shaker communities dwindled to near extinction, but today many of their settlements are historically preserved. They left a rich cultural heritage of famous architecture, craftsmanship, and art. The Shakers’ invented the flat broom and the clothespin, left a legacy of beautifully minimalist designs, and contributed many well known melodies (e.g., Aaron Copeland's Appalachian Spring).
DIRECTOR'S NOTES: As this is my final production on the CCC stage, I could not be more blessed than to end with this show. As one of the most challenging and rewarding shows I’ve done here, it has truly been an experience of God’s providence and a reminder of what I love so much about this job, and what I will sorely miss. One of the unique aspects of this play has been the fodder it has provided for discussions of faith and our understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit. Although, we find ourselves at odds with many of the theological beliefs of Shakers, I believe that we can learn a lot from the way they approached their faith. During my career at CCC, I have been continually impressed with the importance of integrating faith and work. All that we have learned about the Shaker tradition has provided an inspiring reminder of this fact, and is a wonderful way to conclude my directorial work here.
CAST: Ms. Hutton uses the beatitudes from Mathew 5:1-11 to delineate the nature of her characters. Caitlin Dunbar as Polly - Blessed are the poor in spirit; Amanda Sadler as Jane - Blessed are those who mourn; Lindsey Arms as Peggy - Blessed are the meek; Mackenzie Blommer O’Malley as Phebe - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; Jessica Blommer O’Malley as Betsy - Blessed are the peacemakers; Rebekah Eskandani as Izzy - Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness sake; Dena Nederhood as Fanny - Blessed are you when you are falsely accused; Lindsey Cook as Hannah - Blessed are the merciful; Sylvia Smith as Rachel - Blessed are the pure in heart. DIRECTOR, Ms. Robin Lynn Rodriguez ; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, Breanna Head; SET DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION, Earl and Breanna Head; STAGE MANAGER, Gavan Wyrick.
BACKGROUND: Arlene Hutton sets her play in the mid 1800s among a community of Shakers in Pleasant Hill, Kentucky. The story is based on the historic events of a revival that occurred at this time. Through her recounting of these events, Hutton explores the tension between discernment and openness to the spirit. How do we recognize God’s work? The play doesn’t try to answer this completely, but the final message of As it is in Heaven confirms that God’s grace is sufficient in covering what we cannot understand. The Shakers originated in England in 1772 under the leadership of Mother Ann Lee. They were an off-shoot sect of Quakers, and they were known for their ecstatic style of worship (including dancing and shaking). They moved to America in 1774 and grew in number, building 19 communal settlements and attracting 200,000 converts. Since the society was celibate, men and women lived in separate households known as “families”. With a motto of “hands to work, hearts to God”, the Shakers were known for their diligence and integrity, desiring to integrate their religious beliefs into every aspect of their lives. By the end of the 19th century the Shaker communities dwindled to near extinction, but today many of their settlements are historically preserved. They left a rich cultural heritage of famous architecture, craftsmanship, and art. The Shakers’ invented the flat broom and the clothespin, left a legacy of beautifully minimalist designs, and contributed many well known melodies (e.g., Aaron Copeland's Appalachian Spring).
DIRECTOR'S NOTES: As this is my final production on the CCC stage, I could not be more blessed than to end with this show. As one of the most challenging and rewarding shows I’ve done here, it has truly been an experience of God’s providence and a reminder of what I love so much about this job, and what I will sorely miss. One of the unique aspects of this play has been the fodder it has provided for discussions of faith and our understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit. Although, we find ourselves at odds with many of the theological beliefs of Shakers, I believe that we can learn a lot from the way they approached their faith. During my career at CCC, I have been continually impressed with the importance of integrating faith and work. All that we have learned about the Shaker tradition has provided an inspiring reminder of this fact, and is a wonderful way to conclude my directorial work here.
CAST: Ms. Hutton uses the beatitudes from Mathew 5:1-11 to delineate the nature of her characters. Caitlin Dunbar as Polly - Blessed are the poor in spirit; Amanda Sadler as Jane - Blessed are those who mourn; Lindsey Arms as Peggy - Blessed are the meek; Mackenzie Blommer O’Malley as Phebe - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; Jessica Blommer O’Malley as Betsy - Blessed are the peacemakers; Rebekah Eskandani as Izzy - Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness sake; Dena Nederhood as Fanny - Blessed are you when you are falsely accused; Lindsey Cook as Hannah - Blessed are the merciful; Sylvia Smith as Rachel - Blessed are the pure in heart. DIRECTOR, Ms. Robin Lynn Rodriguez ; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, Breanna Head; SET DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION, Earl and Breanna Head; STAGE MANAGER, Gavan Wyrick.
