Church members performing annual “More Than Just A Man” musical

By LYNETTE SOWELL

Cove Leader-Press

The dramatic Easter musical “More than Just a Man” is a longstanding Easter weekend tradition for the members of Cove Church of the Nazaene. On Wednesday evening, the cast and crew of approximately 45, along with a supporting cast of live animals, ran through their dress rehearsal with as much fervor as if they acted and sang for a packed house. Starting with a solo by young Gabe Wheeler in the song “A Call To Worship”, the opening scene is from the life of 12-year-old Jesus. The remainder of the musical focuses on the ministry, life, death and resurrection of Jesus, as seen through the eyes of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, set against the backdrop of first century Roman-occupied Israel. Sprinkled with political intrigue and the scheming of the Jewish religious leaders to get rid of Jesus, the musical also shows the life-changing miracles and words of Christ, followed by the triumphant entry, crucifixion, death and resurrection. Ann Hohner has directed the musical for each of its nine years of performances, and also steps in for a brief role as Mary Magdalene for the duet “I’ve Just Seen Jesus”, sung with Brian Parker. “A number of the cast members have been in this every year from the beginning,” Hohner said. “As the children grow up, they play different parts.” This year, the part of Jesus is played by James Threlfall, an enlisted soldier who’s playing the role for the first time. “He’s the fourth Jesus we’ve had,” Hohner said. Nicodemus is played by Brian Parker, and the role of Joseph of Arimathea is played by Pastor Gary Hocker. The musical opened last night, and has performances scheduled for tonight at 7 p.m., and two performances tomorrow at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Admission is free. Cove Church of the Nazarene is located at, 964 W. Business Highway 190. For more information: www.covenazarene.org.