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THE PLAY
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Eighteenth-century England lacked the
structure to take action against the injustices rampant in its society.
Into this environment Charles Wesley was born. Sweet Singer is a musical
which tells the story of this prolific poet and man of God. It presents
some of Wesley’s best loved poems, such as "Hark! the herald angels
sing," "Love divine, all loves excelling," and many more, which relate
his reaction to an unjust world.
Sweet Singer is a one-person musical drama which deals
with Wesley's struggle against poverty, reluctant
acceptance of Holy Orders and life as a Church of England clergyman,
adventure to America, opposition to slavery, social and spiritual
reform, personal transformation, stormy beginnings of the Methodist
movement, courage in the face of violence, family devotion and conflict,
and poetic genius.
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| Comments from those who should know:
Richard P. Heitzenrater, Emeritus Professor of Methodist
History, The Divinity School, Duke University commented that
“S T Kimbrough’s Sweet Singer is the finest dramatic
presentation of the Wesleys that we have today.”
“Sweet Singer is a grand experience of the best of the
Wesleyan tradition in word and music. S T Kimbrough presents
the sung, practical, lyrical theology of Charles Wesley in a
way that is engaging, entertaining and edifying. A wonderful
evening of worship, entertainment, humor, and theology all
combined by a master of the Wesleyan tradition.” Bishop
William Willimon, North Alabama Conference, United Methodist
Church.
“S T Kimbrough brings the hymns and ministry of Charles
Wesley to life in his dramatic portrayal of the Sweet Singer
of Methodism. The subtlety and strength of his voice provide
a lyrical venue for appreciating not only Wesley’s song and
life, but the continuing relevance of the poet’s message for
Christians today.” C. Michael Hawn, Professor of Church
Music, Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist
University. |
| Buy a DVD
edition of SWEET SINGER from Ecufilm
With this version you can view the entire two act musical
drama or present it in eight study sessions. A free study
guide to accompany the study session can be downloaded
free of charge from the Ecufilm website. For complete
ordering information and links to Ecufilm, click the "Order
Sweet Singer" tab above, click the image above, or just
click here. |
Musical Selections from Sweet Singer
To view the playlist
Please click here
Play a video Clip from Sweet Singer
Click here for help
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THE POET
 CHARLES WESLEY is one of Christendom’s most outstanding poets. He wrote some 9,000
poems, many of which were set to music for use as hymns and are found in almost
every English-language Christian hymnal regardless of denomination. He came by his gifts
rightly, as his father, a sister and two brothers were poets. Charles
attended Christ Church College of Oxford University where he and his brother
founded the Holy Club, a small group of students later called
"Methodists" because of their methodical concern for the daily routine
of living, study and social service. Although he and his brother, John,
both clergymen of the Church of England, are best remembered as founders
of Methodism, their friendship with the poor, opposition to slavery,
emphasis on inward spirituality, witness of the Spirit, and social
outreach formed a life-style of worship, inspiration and reform which is
universal.
Many of Wesley’s poems were born out of crisis, conflict, violence,
oppression and opposition, and are still timely today. They have spread
around the world wherever people suffer, rejoice and worship, for their
message of self-giving love, as Wesley experienced it in Christ, redeems
the time and those who sing them. |
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Press, Performance, and Support Kits
Press,
performance, and support kits are available for your use. Just click on the following
link and the press kit will be opened in a new window:
Press Kit (PDF)
Performance Kit (PDF)
Support Kit (PDF)
Publicity Photos
These kits include the following
materials:
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A press release suitable for assisting
in publicizing the performance.
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Comments on Sweet Singer by
theater critics.
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The order of the musical numbers in
both acts.
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The words to two songs: Nancy
Dawson and Listed into the Cause of Sin.
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Biographical descriptions of the
artists.
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The items needed for the performance of
Sweet Singer.
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