"The Song of Mark"

Just in time for Easter, Four County Players brings Marty Haugen's powerful musical "The Song of Mark" to life for a limited run March 26-28. Released in 1997, "The Song of Mark" is the third mainstream
musical based on gospel accounts of the life of Christ, following "Godspell" (1970) and "Jesus Christ, Superstar" (1971). "Godspell," itself a play on the word "gospel," uses the gospels of Matthew and Luke and combines music contemporary to the time with lyrics from traditional hymns- features that have allowed it to be updated and transformed from decade to decade on amateur stages around the world.
The rock opera "Jesus Christ, Superstar" approaches the story from the viewpoint of Judas Iscariot, and incorporates contemporary slang and political allusions into the gospel of John, accompanied by a majestic Andrew Lloyd Webber score.
None of these three musicals aim at historical representations of the life, teachings, and Passion of Christ, but rather address the heart and timelessness of their subject. "The Song of Mark" contains life lessons in parables and miracles such as the sower and the seeds, the loaves and fishes, healing, and the calming of the seas. Haugen's score features powerful harmonies, moving solos, and driving percussion as the stories unfold.
In addition to the lessons of the parables themselves, other songs and features in the show encourage thought beyond their entertainment factor. The use of sign language by the cast on the refrain of "If
Anyone Has Ears" suggests that if one can hear with ears and eyes, why not heart? The audience will be invited to learn the sign language as well as the cast moves among them. A reminder that embracing the childlike traits of innocence, obedience, and ability to learn are the path to redemption, not power or worldly possessions, is the theme of "Unless You Learn."
Although the women in "The Song of Mark" lack names, they do not lack perspective- they provide the characters who readily demonstrate their faith. The male disciples, on the other hand, just don't seem to "get it" until the end. In fact, the disciples Peter, James, and John are depicted as rather bumbling and clueless, for despite having chosen to follow Jesus, they initially do so because it doesn't seem to be any worse than their lives as fishermen- and they revel in their status as friends of Jesus.
For this ensemble production, director Tricia Belan has assembled a talented cast that includes newcomers to the stage as well as performers who are readily recognizable in the Charlottesville area.
Rob Cordaro, a veteran of several New Lyric Theatre productions, plays Jesus; his followers include Gary White, James Tubbs, Peter Balcke, Steve McKiernan, Steve Bliss, and Bob Edelman. The women
include Kate Lambert, Marty Moore, Kimberly Cutshaw, Sandy Schwaner, and newcomer Patti Wilson. There are family ties within the cast as well, with Marty playing alongside her daughters
Veronica and Izzi Moore-Stoll, and Bob's daughter Victoria in the women's ensemble. The children's chorus includes sisters Emma and Ellie Keppel, Abby Treece, and Lauren Reynolds. Rounding out the cast are Doug Schneider as Pontius Pilate and Randy Clark as John the Baptist.
"The Song of Mark" runs one weekend only, March 26-28, with the Friday and Saturday shows at 8 p.m. and a Sunday 2:30 p.m. matinee. All seats are $8; reservations can be made by calling the Four County.
Players box office at 540-832-5355.