Something special is happening in Amish Country…
Scripture will again come to life on the stage at Ohio Star Theater, where the new bible-based musical Elijah: Prophet of Fire is set to premiere on May 15.
Created by the same team behind The Road to Damascus, Elijah: Prophet of Fire will take audiences on an incredible musical journey through the book of Kings as an ordinary man stands courageously against the wickedest rulers of Israel and leads people from all walks of life towards the one true God and coming Savior.
Tammie McKenzie is the theater’s artistic director and is overseeing the production, which follows Elijah from God’s miraculous provision to a starving widow to the fiery proclamation of Mount Carmel. Her vision is to foster a deeper connection between the audience and the biblical characters on stage.
“We often see them as these larger-than-life figures because of how they’re presented in church,” said McKenzie. “I want the audience to see that these were real people who experienced doubt and fear and who sometimes made mistakes.”
Bringing inspiration to the stage
In addition to McKenzie, the creative team for Elijah: Prophet of Fire includes writer Joseph Sherridan, writer/lyricist Ellie Zumbach and composer Steve Parsons. McKenzie also credits Producer Mike Miller, president of Dutchman Hospitality Group, Ohio Star Theater’s parent company.
“Mike is an invaluable member of our team,” McKenzie said. “The Road to Damascus was his idea. He recognized the importance of using our stage to tell Saul’s redemption story. Mike insists he’s not a ‘theater person,’ but he has a remarkable sense of what will resonate with audiences and what won’t.”
This is Ohio Star Theater’s second all-original production. Zumbach was amazed by the response to first, which was so popular that it returned to the stage for a winter encore.
“I may be biased, but I believe the music and lyrics will touch our audience just as they did for The Road to Damascus,” she said. “Our audiences fell in love with the characters and music in a way that humbles and blesses me.”
Elijah: Prophet of Fire builds upon that show and the theater’s 2024 production of the Sight & Sound musical Ruth.
“Every year, we get better at all the operational things that make our shows run more smoothly, and 99% of it our audience would never notice onstage,” said Sheridan. “From schedule optimizing, to rehearsals, to the casting process, to development of future shows, we just get better each time.”
An immersive entertainment experience
Audiences can also expect enhanced stage lighting and effects thanks to recent equipment upgrades and Director of Production Chad Eaton, who brings over three decades of design and technical experience to the position.
“Elijah features some exciting special effects, both great feats of God and great tricks of Jezebel to woo the people to their side,” explained Sheridan. “We’re hoping that the gripping plot, genuine characters, and these great feats will show a new side of Ohio Star’s theatrical productions.”
More than 1,800 actors from across the U.S. auditioned for Elijah, which features more than a dozen Ohio Star Theater veterans alongside six newcomers.
“It’s always beneficial to have seasoned actors in your cast because you already have a working relationship, and they understand your process,” explained McKenzie. “At the same time, new talent brings fresh energy to the company and creative team.”
The role of Elijah went to Logan Harper, who played Saul/Paul in The Road to Damascus and Boaz in Ruth.
“We’re happy to welcome back Garrett McCord, who first joined us for the Encore of The Road to Damascus as King Herod. He liked us so much, he wanted to stay for a full season,” said Sheridan. “We also have Lindsey Peters as Mara: the widow of Zarephath. She was previously seen in roles such as Tabitha in The Road to Damascus and The Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol.”
In addition to their creative contributions, Sheridan and Zumbach will also appear on stage as part of the ensemble, helping bring the story of Elijah to life.
“Through amazing set design, costumes, storytelling, and music, our audience will be transported to the world of Elijah,” said Zumbach. “They will be in the house with the widow as she prays for deliverance. They will experience the throne room of King Ahab. They will be on the mountaintop with Elijah as he calls down fire.”
Sit back and enjoy the show
Elijah: Prophet of Fire runs through Nov. 5. Tickets can be purchased online at OhioStarTheater.com and by calling 855-344-7547. While handled with care, the show includes depictions of violence and death that may be upsetting to younger children.
An ASL-interpreted performance will be offered on July 18 at 7 p.m. for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. For reservations, email [email protected].
DON’T GET RIPPED OFF: Ohio Star Theater is the only authorized seller of tickets to Elijah: Prophet of Fire and cannot guarantee the authenticity of tickets purchased through third-party sellers. For guaranteed seats at the lowest price, buy your tickets from the Ohio Star Theater Box office or OhioStarTheater.com.