Late in the 1500s, noted playwright William Shakespeare wrote his classic, Hamlet–his longest play that included an oft-quoted line, “The play’s the thing.”
Surely he was prophetic. Providence cannot be ruled out, but coincidence can.
Whatever, two plays about King David currently spotlight the prominent biblical figure–one long-running at the Sight and Sound Theater in Branson, MO, and the other presented in August in the packed-out chapel of Plano’s First United Methodist Church.
At the former, millions of dollars fund the production that features professional actors and actresses, and unbelievable sets. People leave the venue with thoughts of the biblical king embedded with memorable songs–the kind that linger. Featuring volunteer talent and a team “push” on a limited budget, Something Greater likewise delighted audiences. Plano crowds experienced theatrical excellence of script and music–all original–performed by 13 players, 11 in the 17-30 age range….
*****
Playwright Kim Ross had the original vision for Something Greater . She even remembers the date, April 29, 2020–soon after COVID’s arrival–when she was struck by the idea to use theatre to “bring people back to church,” especially ages 18-30, many of whom–data suggest–drift away. For Kim, writing the first script became a two-year project. Subsequently, she developed two more, all inspired that April day.
Fast-forward to 2021, when she teamed with FUMC’s Worship Arts Director Robin Anderson, a longtime colleague who shared Kim’s vision. Why wouldn’t she? She and Kim already had collaborated on several children’s and youth church musical projects. Their first original collaboration, The Big Picture– featuring 40 youth–played in Texas, Missouri, Arkansas and Kansas churches during the summer of 2022.
Something Greater– a tale about King David–highlights the Prophet Nathan’s role in helping the king to finally accept change….
*****
Kim and Robin have much in common, with birthdays on successive days; their husbands, Rick and Wade, share birthdays on the same day. They, too, were pressed into production duties, as directed.
Both women attended small Christian institutions–Kim, Howard Payne University and Robin, Bethel College.
The Rosses’ three sons are grown. The Andersons’ daughters are ages 17 and 19. The younger, nursing a foot injury incurred at softball practice, played Mary in Something Greater– holding Baby Jesus–moved discreetly around the stage on a dolly….
*****
Echoes of applause for Something Greater remain, with a script already in progress for the summer of ’26. Hopefully, more will follow.
Senior Pastor Matt Gaston called it “a shot of B-12” upon seeing The Bigger Picture in 2022, believes it brought folks back to church after COVID.
Something Greater has many stand-out lines. Young King David: “Things Change. That doesn’t change everything.” Gospel Writer Luke: “Cheer up. Hope for the whole world was born in the City of David.” Prophet Nathan: “Perhaps it is not that everything happens for a reason, but that God can create reason out of everything.” Great Grandmother Ruth: “God offers indescribable peace in times of change.” Commander Uriah: “Forgive yourself…. Forgiveness opens the door to something greater.”…
*****
For now , the “next best thing” to seeing the play in person is to view the 90-minute production. Go to YouTube, then search “Something Greater Musical.” Old Will Shakespeare was right; the play’s the thing. This one–through fact-based fiction, modern relevance, stirring music and powerful story-telling–includes more than 60 scripture references and more than 50 scholarly sources.
It is a testimony to visionaries like Kim and Robin who skillfully made it happen, providing “loving leadership,” successfully overcoming cast changes and other unexpected problems encountered along the way.
Hopes and prayers abound that the play soon will be published, then chosen by churches throughout the land to perform. In all of it, the Lord is glorified, and the importance of accepting change magnified. Readers are urged to enjoy this remarkable play. I applaud Kim and Robin, and all the rest who gave us Something Greater….
*****
Dr. Newbury, a speaker in the Metroplex, may be reached at 817-447-3872; email: [email protected]. Audio version at www.speakerdoc.com