Johnston Church Debuts Original Easter Musical

The story of Easter and Jesus is well known the world over.

One local church congregation is putting a modern spin on the story the is week.

Members of the Meredith Drive Reformed Church and it's Bridge Campus in Johnston debut The Beginning's End tonight.

The all original musical features a 50-person choir that musically narrates the story, while dramatic scenes are acted on elaborate sets at the Church's Des Moines location.

Brenton Brown, director and writer of the musical, said the showcase is about the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new chapter.

"It takes place from Palm Sunday to Jesus's resurrection," he said.

Brown, who is also the director of worship for the church, wrote the entire production starting in January.

"It's kind of doing a mix of past and present," he said. "Somethings are modern and others are biblical. It hints at biblical and contemporary."

While the story is rooted in the past viewers will see more modern costumes, such as the soldiers in fatigues.

"I would say it's kind of a modern adaptation of the Easter story," said Pete Cartwright, who plays Judas. "For my character I wear a slick looking suit. Hopefully it's in a way that people can relate to."

Judas, who betrays Jesus, is regretful in the production.

"It's a little twist in the typical thought of Judas," Cartwright said of the emotional song he performs. "The original music brings an emotional story to a familiar passion play," he said.

Brown also wrote and directed the church's Christmas-time production of , which has shown for two years.

"Last year we did something at about the same time, it was a dinner show," Brown said of the Easter production. "We kind of re-enacted the last supper."

While last year's production came at a cost for viewers, The Beginning's End is free. However, those hoping to see the show must call for tickets as seating is limited.

The show will last about an hour, Brown said.

"It used to be the norm to produce shows but not a lot of church's are doing that anymore," he said. "It takes time. But we're filling an niche. People are coming back, we're reaching a lot of communities."

The Beginning's End plays at 7 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday at the Meredith Drive Reformed Church, 5128 Meredith Drive in Des Moines.

Admission is free, but reservations are required, call the church office at 515-276-4901 for tickets.