By SARALEE HUNTSMAN
Michael McLean and Bryce Neubert’s “The Garden” renewed the spirit of Easter with its focus on Christ’s Atonement “in a garden on a hill, early in the spring.”
The allegory of “The Garden” was spiritually moving and beautifully executed on the stage. The musical was followed by a standing ovation from the audience.
“Our goal was to create a piece about the Savior that would be affective and touch people’s lives,” composer Bryce Neubert said. “We couldn’t think of a more effective way to do that than to talk about the one day in Christ’s life where the Atonement was wrought.”
“The Garden” is a play within a play about Christ’s Atonement as seen through the eyes of objects in the Garden of Gethsemane. Each object possesses characteristics and trials that is applicable to all of us.
A ram caught in the vines is sorry for straying away from the fold but promises he will not be as foolish the next time. The Gardener tries to help and care for the garden, going against the landlord’s (Satan) wishes.
At the conclusion of the play, Christ (The Man) comes to the garden to save the seedling, ram, barren olive tree and millstone from their tribulations.
The objects are given a new life through His sacrifice.
Michael McLean, who wrote the lyrics said, “When you take on a subject like this, it’s pretty intimidating because it is so dear to us all. You can’t start without feeling unworthy.”
The stage production of “The Garden” added more imagery to the visually stimulating oratorio. The set was a beautiful living garden with blooming flowers, olive trees and stone walls.
McLean said that now after he has seen it, he feels the stage production has taken “The Garden” to a whole new level.
The lighting and special affects made the audience feel as though they were in the Garden with Christ. The dim and red lighting became brighter and more colorful when Christ was resurrected.
“It is an awesome task for anybody to put a stage production together but they (San Bernardino Musical Theater company) have done a marvelous job of bringing it to life,” Neubert said.
The entire cast delivered a professional performance. Gary Castillo, who plays the role of the millstone, said the cast has been wonderful to work with.
“Our main purpose was to present a story of people who needed to find a way out — that is what has bound us together,” Castillo said.
When “The Garden” was performed in California, director Thomas Rutherford said he gave out 1400 invitations to priests and reverends of different religions.
“We challenged them and said if the musical isn’t everything we claim it is and it isn’t a totally spiritual moment, don’t tell your parishes to come. We knocked every one of them out,” Rutherford said.
“The Garden” does apply to all Christian faiths. Anyone who believes in the Atonement of Christ will be spiritually uplifted by this production.
“The purpose of this show is to cross over every theology. If you’re a Mormon it’s a great Mormon show, if you’re a Catholic it’s a great Catholic show,” Rutherford said.
One of the biggest issues for the production company was how to portray Christ in a meaningful, respectful way, Rutherford said. The powerful music and interaction between Satan and Christ achieved this goal. Satan could come close to Christ but never touched Him.
Satan and Christ had the exact same costume, but Satan’s robe was black with red trim and Christ’s robe was white with blue trim.
Rutherford said he wanted to make Satan appealing and crafty but at times he loses his cool while Christ always maintains his composure.
The musical element of the production was what made “The Garden” so moving. Neubert began working on the melodies about five years ago. In 1995, McLean completed the lyrics and the recording was made.
Neubert said it was his love for the Savior that inspired him to compose the music.
“I think there has never been anything like it (The Garden) — it’s a one of a kind so far,” Neubert said. “The ambiance of the piece, the nature of the music, and the depth of the characters we have on stage — I don’t think its ever been attempted.”
“The Garden” will be performed at Kingsbury Hall tonight after a special Family Home Evening by McLean at 7 p.m. The musical will also be shown Wednesday and Friday at 8 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $13 for children 12 and under. For tickets and more information contact the Kingsbury Hall at 581-7100 or any Deseret Book location. Seating is unreserved and doors will open one hour prior to curtain.
