A brief history......
In 1972, the rock musical "Jesus Christ Superstar" was causing a sensation in Australia. However, many Christians were concerned at it's whimpy portrayal of Jesus; two such people were Gordon Gray and Rosalie (Roz) Standley.Gordon (Anglican) and Roz (Baptist) set about writing a contemporary show based upon the Gospel of John from the Bible. "According to John" premiered in the Swanston St. Church of Christ in central Melbourne in December of 1973, scored by Frances Monsborough, choreographed by Sue Kmetko-Wood (National Theatre Prima Ballerina). After recording an LP record of the show, many of this original cast, musicians and crew wished to keep "John" alive; in early 1974, Gospel Theatre Productions was formed as an amateur, part-time group. Over the next four years, they performed "John" around Melbourne, country Victoria and even in Adelaide (1975) & Mt. Gambier (1976) in Sth. Australia.
In all, "John" enjoyed 127 performances in full production while the 2nd. act featured as a passion play for Youth For Christ and in other parts of Victoria.
In 1977, a new rock musical entitled "Leo" was launched. Based upon the conversion of an ex-G.T.P. member who had been a bike gang leader, it toured for the next four years.
By 1980, "Once Upon A Dream" appeared, being the story of a 20th Century teenager transported in a dream back to the time of Jesus. It was performed again in Broken Hill, NSW in 1986. These three initial shows were performed at various times over the next few years. |
In 1985, "The Black and White Gospel Story" ran for 3 weeks in Melbourne's AMP Theatre. 1987 saw the Centenary of the Women's Christian Temperance Union with G.T.P. performing "Is Anyboby Listening" in the Prince Phillip Theatre, University of Melbourne. Five musicals (inc. "Once Upon a Dream") were written with Christopher J. Wilson scoring the works. Throughout it's entire existence, G.T.P. also performed in churches, youth rallies etc. featuring group & solo singing, drama and dancing. The group ceased existence not long after Roz Standley's departure in 1989.
Interdenominational cast, crew, orchestra & crew...."All One in Christ".
The reason for the powerful annointing upon this ministry was the assembling of Christians from every denomination for one common purpose........
to proclaim Christ. Ex-cast members entered full-time ministry or retired to raise their children. Many still keep in touch. These were very special years and very special eternal friendships were formed.
Will we see Gospel Theatre, the new generation? Interested?
Contact Roz Standley - fax (03) 9482-1771. |
