That's the headline for the review in today's Lancaster Intelligencer
Journal for the official press opening of Dani's lastest
venture: "Ruth" at Sight & Sound Theatres in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Here's the rest of the review/article:
by Susan E. Lindt
The divine story of Ruth gets spectacular play in its world premiere
at Sight & Sound Theatre.
In a VIP sneak preview Thursday night, nearly 70 actors wearing more
than 600 costumes filled a 300-foot stage wrapping around three-
quarters of the theater to tell Ruth's story of loyalty, love and
loss.
"Ruth" tells the crucial role of three women from Hebrew history in a
production with all the signature grandeur for which Sight & Sound is
known.
And while Ruth's story ultimately is one of universal acceptance,
Sight & Sound's production also explores themes of exclusivity and
discrimination that ruled the time period known as "Time of the
Judges" in Israel from 1380 to 1050 B.C.
"Ruth" is a departure for Sight & Sound, which has mounted other
spectacular stories about men in the Bible, including Noah and
Daniel. Presenting a story of women in the Bible highlights their
plight as noble chattel, but also explains how Ruth moved the faith
forward as the mother of Obed, grandmother of Jesse and great-
grandmother of King David.
Ruth's story could only be moving in Millennium Theatre, which boasts
a stage twice the size of Radio City Music Hall, with thousands of
twinkling overhead lights for stars and stunning sets that change in
a blink.
At its best, "Ruth" brings to life Moab, an ancient country that
became Jordan. In Ruth's childhood there, it was a swirling oasis of
activity centered on a pagan god that Ruth is forced to serve.
Although she's a gentile, Ruth meets and marries Mahlon, the son of
Naomi and Elimelech, who resettled in Moab when famine overtook
Bethlehem.
After Elimelech's death, Ruth and her sister-in-law, Orpah, find
themselves destitute when their husbands are killed.
Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi return to Bethlehem, only to have
their faith in God challenged by an untrusting Hebrew community that
scorns Ruth for being a native of Moab.
But Ruth's example of her new faith in a God and love for Naomi win
her acceptance and, ultimately, the love of the noble Boaz, a native
Israelite.
It's a long production - more than three hours - but the actors and
lovely scenery move constantly, giving the audience the genuine
impression they are making the journey with Ruth.
The sheer magnitude of "Ruth" is astounding. A harvest scene on the
full wraparound stage is just fantastic, with the sound of working
sickles pumped in, life-size trees and dozens of haystacks, donkey
carts moving across the stage and actors on horseback entering and
exiting the stage right down the middle of the theater. The scene is
so vast, you can't see it all without turning your head.
The production also features parrots that fly the full length of the
stage along with camels, dogs, donkeys, goats, sheep and a giant
Scottish Highlander steer.
An intriguing adaptation of a worthy tale that thematically
transcends time, "Ruth" is a sight and a story to behold.
-------end of article------------
To make one small correction, the show is long, but it actually runs
only two hours and ten minutes. The media folks were also involved
with several smaller events encasing the show which made their night
seem longer.
Ladies and gentlemen, I can't express in words what an absolute
BLESSING it is to be a part of this show. The overlying theme, and
the final song state that "a new time has come" - and for me, it most
certainly has. I am fortunate to have been asked to return to Sight &
Sound just in time to premiere this beautiful story of love and
redemption. I hope that many of you will be able to come see the show
and to experience the joy that it brings me with every performance.
For more information, visit www.sight-sound.com and click on "Ruth."
Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to visit me in Amish country,
Pennsylvania!
And as always, as soon as I know about a new performance or
appearance I'll be making in the near future – YOU, THE FANS,
WILL BE THE FIRST TO KNOW!!!
Always, Dani
{:-)-:}
Official Website: www.Dani-Garza.com
Official Fan Club: groups.yahoo.com/group/DaniGarzaFanClub
"Remember the name... you'll never forget the voice!"
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