The Bethlehem Project: The Musical
The Bethlehem Project is a fun-filled musical comedy about the people who witnessed Mary and Joseph's trip to Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus, and what happened afterward. Beginning with the catchy ensemble number "Yes, He Is," and ending with show-stopping "(This is) Not the End," this show has five great original new songs including a beautiful ballad from Mary, "I Didn't Think So," in which she contemplates why she was chosen to give birth to Jesus, as well as inspiring songs of praise and worship titled "Heavenly Light" and "The Light of Hope."
In between these fantastic songs are lots of great comedy moments using interviews, monologues, and brief scenes to tell the story. Jacob and Naomi are the troupe members who interview the many zany characters, including a pair of awful songwriters; three women who argue that they should have been picked to bear God's son; Joseph's sister, who thinks he could have picked a better bride; a shepherd and her hand puppet Mugwump; a flamboyant fortuneteller; Jesus’ babysitter, a mummy and many more. Over 40 characters in all!
The show is very modular. Productions can choose either to eliminate certain scenes or characters with little effect on the overall production. It’s a fun musical for both audiences and cast members who get to play multiple roles! About 95 minutes.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
With Playwright Jeff Zimmer
What inspired you to write this musical?
I was inspired by listening to Mike's music in church. He is the musical director of our church, and I noticed he performed a number of his own compositions. I really liked his music and asked if he would be interested in composing songs for this play. I had previously written "The Golgotha Project" which was a comedy that has been very well received and also was published by Eldridge Publishing. In both shows, the stories are told by way of interviews, short scenes, monologues and dialogues that had audiences laughing out loud. Adding music to this one made this show even more fun.
What's your favorite part or line or song in the show? Why?
So much to like! I love the music, particularly the song "(This is) Not the End." Besides being very catchy, it's a joyous celebration of Jesus and full of hope.
Regarding the script, I've always been a Laurel & Hardy fan and getting another chance to essentially write a sketch for them (as I also did in "Golgotha") is a real thrill, especially when you have actors who carried it off so well. In addition to Stahn and Ali, I love Madame Zehavi, who gives an actress a chance to really go over the top and have fun with the character, Louie and Liri, the aggressive Tin Pan Alley type song pluggers; Suri, Siri and Salami, the three women who argue that THEY should have been the one to have God's child; the merchant Ebay; the owners of the "Come Back Inn" in Bethlehem, Ramada and Hyatt; comedian Robertus "Pyramid Power" Hope; and of course the Mummy.
My favorite line has to be when Simon the contractor complains about having to report to the town of your birth for the census. He says, "I got a buddy who's from Atlantis. What's he supposed to do? Swim?"
What did you try to achieve with this musical?
To give theatrical groups a entertaining new alternative to the endless procession of "A Christmas Carol" adaptations done every holiday season by retelling the story of Christ's birth with comedy and music. Hopefully we have a few moments like the beautiful song Mike wrote for Mary, "I Didn't Think So," that will stick with audiences long after the show is over.
Do you have anything else you'd like to add?
I can't overemphasize how much FUN this show was, for both audiences and performers. People came back to see the show again and the performers all got a moment or two to shine. And everyone loved the music.
I have to add that while he specializes in songs of praise and worship, Mike also writes songs and performs as a member of the Belle Isle Rats (check them out on Youtube) and has had his songs performed on "The Dr. Demento Show."