A Heavenly Experience!
by Photocrazy on 10/7/24Clowes Memorial Hall - IndianapolisUntil I serendipitously saw an ad regarding this event, I had never heard of "The Thorn."It appears that in the past, Indianapolis must not have been considered a top tier city, worthy to embrace something like this. Well, shame on whomever selected the venues in the past, as Clowes Hall was packed and the crowd was loudly appreciative. As for me, I was completely blown away! As a devotee of shows such as "Jesus Christ, Superstar,""Godspell,"and movies such as "The Passion of the Christ,"I love strong, Christian shows/movies that at least attempt to stay as close to the Gospel, as they possibly can, given the variances in direction or production. I was completely in awe of this event from the moment it began. The use of every tool in a stage show's toolbox provided something for every viewers' senses. In the opening act, the depiction of God creating the earth and the universe was visually stunning, and I loved the addition of aerialists, which added another dimension to the performance. From the depiction of Satan's treachery and subsequent banishment from Heaven (along with his minion fallen angels), to the joy of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, then ending with their subsequent despair from being banished from Eden after believing Satan's temptation, everything was a sensory masterpiece! The use of aging apostle John as the narrator of the story, languishing on Patmos, was both surprising and masterful, and moved the story along nicely. But it was the second act that tore my heart to shreds. All the events leading up to Christ's crucifixion were so visually beautiful, yet poignantly sorrowful, I could barely make it through the familiar last days portrayal. The warnings given about the disturbing (and graphic) images in the second act were needed. I think I cried almost completely throughout the rest of the show. I've never seen anything like it and may never again. I won't give anything else away, other than to say the ending was as visually beautiful, if not more so than the beginning. Which is true to the Gospel, as it should be. Kudos to everyone involved in this production, from the creators, writers, directors, actors, dancers, aerialists, set and costume designers, to the stage and cleaning crew! I thank God I was able to see this show, from truly fabulous seats, before I leave this earth to see eternal glory for myself. I can't wait!