By Nathan Allen
updated
Wed, Jun 27, 2012 05:46 PM
MASS is rarely performed due to its enormity and it
has never been performed in Vermont.
The Grace Church of Rutland is presenting Leonard Bernstein's MASS
this weekend at the Paramount Theater and it is sure to be one of
this year's highlights. It is a rare performance of impressive
magnitude, the production calls for a full pit orchestra that
incorporates a rock band, a large chorus, a children's choir, a
professional dance ensemble, musical theatre soloists and a
Broadway sized cast. There will be three performances at The
Paramount Theater in downtown Rutland: Friday, June 29, at 7:30
p.m., Saturday, June 30, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15
and $20.
A Church With a Dedication to Music
Rip Jackson is the Minister of Music at Grace Church of Rutland and
the director and producer of MASS. The Rutland native has done much
to enliven the musical scene in the church and community since his
appointment in 2000. He has directed fully staged productions of
Godspell, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus
Christ Superstar, Haydn's Lord Nelson Mass and Mozart's Requiem,
among many others. The Rutland Area Chorus and Orchestra is under
his direction, he instructs students in voice, organ, harpsichord
and piano. He is also responsible for the choirs and ensembles that
meet weekly at the church as well as organizing concerts and other
events. Jackson says he is really excited to be performing MASS
which is his biggest production to date.
Jackson is breaking new ground, as MASS is rarely performed due to
its enormity and it has never been performed in Vermont. Jackson
says that it is a "stunning theatrical Vermont premiere."
Because this is a church sponsored event Jackson is proud to be
offering tickets at half the price of other similar events. "The
production doesn't make a profit and we are thankful for the
support of the church foundation," says Jackson, who was able to
use his impressive network of musicians, singers and actors to
create a cast of mostly local performers.
For choreography and stage direction Rip Jackson is joined by Maris
Wolff, professor of dance at Johnson State College and Artistic
Director of Vermont Dance Collective. The Rutland Area Chorus and
Orchestra and Children's Choir are involved as well as countless
other local volunteers for sets, costumes, actors and actresses.
Grace Church is an "open and affirming congregation" and welcomes
you to visit gracechurchvt.org to learn more about their music
ministry.
Leonard Bernstein's MASS; an Eclectic
Masterpiece
MASS was written at the request of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to
commemorate the opening of the John F. Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts in Washington D.C. The celebrated composer, Leonard
Bernstein had a close connection to President Kennedy and uses MASS
to explore a crisis of faith while honoring him.
Bernstein tries to celebrate life instead of focusing on death to
memorialize Kennedy. Bernstein was inspired by traditional Roman
Catholic Masses spoken in Latin. The mysterious and theatrical
elements of the religious pageantry lend themselves well to a
modern stage production and Bernstein stylishly blends in elements
of blues, rock and roll and stagecraft. The story is of a priest
who begins to lose his faith in the face of the misery and
suffering he sees in the world. The story has strong religious and
anti-war themes that were pertinent in 1971 when the piece was
first performed. Those themes will resonate with modern audiences
just as strikingly as they did 40 years ago.
Rip Jackson calls it "a powerful story about the true power of
spirituality and its role in our lives. It delivers a very
important message... It will be a unique and deeply moving
performance."
Tagged:
Leonard Bernstein, MASS, Grach Church of Rutland
