Lifehouse Theater Presents The World Premiere Musical “Prodigal Son”

Jaylen Baham plays the misguided Bobby in LifeHouse Theater’s original musical “Prodigal Son” (January 5 – 27, 2019). [photo by Elizabeth Ekema-Nardella]

The Father (David Critchlow) hands over an inheritance to his youngest son Bobby (Jaylen Baham) over the objection of his eldest son William (Chris Coon) in LifeHouse Theater’s original musical “Prodigal Son” (January 5 – 27, 2019). [photo by Elizabeth Ekema-Nardella]

Bobby (Jaylen Baham) flashes his inheritance money as he leaves behind his Father (David Critchlow) and older brother William (Chris Coon) in LifeHouse Theater’s original musical “Prodigal Son” (January 5 – 27, 2019). [photo by Elizabeth Ekema-Nardella]

The Jazz Singer (Sarah Ayotte) relates the tale of the Prodigal Son in LifeHouse Theater’s original musical “Prodigal Son” (January 5 – 27, 2019). [photo by Elizabeth Ekema-Nardella]

LifeHouse Theater’s 25th silver anniversary season continues in the New Year with the world-premiere musical, “Prodigal Son.”  This new musical features a fresh new take on the biblical parable as the story of the Prodigal Son unfolds against the backdrop of a 1930’s jazz club.  This timeless lesson of love and forgiveness shines with a relevance that breaks through modern despair with inspirational joy.

“Prodigal Son” is a unique theatrical experience at the LifeHouse Theater as it will be the first at the theater to feature all music performed by a live 3-piece combo.

“With our 25th season, we wanted to bring different surprises for our guests,” commented LifeHouse founder and president Wayne R. Scott.  “Having live music at the theater makes what is already an incredible story even more of an experience.”

Performances begin Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 7:00 PM and will continue on weekends through January 27, 2019.  Performances are Fridays at 7:00 PM, Saturdays at 2:00 PM (except opening weekend) and 7:00 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM.  In addition to the weekend performances, there will be a special weekday performance on Thursday, January 24 at 7:00 PM.  The performances on Friday, January 18 will also feature an interpreted presentation for the deaf.

Regular advance ticket prices for each production are $20 or $26 for adults and $10 or $13 for children ages 3-11 (no children under 3 are admitted) and can be purchased over the phone with a Visa or MasterCard by calling (909) 335-3037.  Tickets are available online at boxoffice.lifehousetheater.com. Checks can also be mailed to LifeHouse, provided reservations are made far enough in advance.  Tickets may also be purchased in person at the box office, which is open Fridays from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM and one hour prior to performance times on the weekends.  Tickets are $2 more the day of the performance. Group rates are available for groups of ten or more.  Guests are encouraged to reserve seats early as performances do sell out.

“Prodigal Son” is written and directed by veteran playwright, actor and director Jordan Beck.  Beck is also the playwright behind the popular “Peter Pan: A New Musical” at LifeHouse Theater.  Music is by Zach Marsh with additional music by Adam Tune.  Assistant director Taylor Joseph, choreographer Chelsea Nicole Lapp and music director Travis Solesbee join Beck on production staff. Costumes are by Machir Lakofka.

The musicians are led by Solesbee on piano with Turner Blatchley on Bass and Quentin Purviance on drums.

“Prodigal Son” features Jaylen Baham and Ryan Watson alternating as Bobby, the prodigal son, along with Chris Coon as his older brother William and David Critchlow as the Father. Also featured are Maddison Rickard as Jenny and Don Hudson as Sam.  Sarah Ayotte, Sarah Horn and Sandra Rice will alternate in the role of the Jazz Singer.  The talented four-person ensemble is comprised of Emily Crowley, Ashtin Loya, Christopher Nevarez, and Haley Rubin.

LifeHouse Theater’s 25th silver anniversary season continues in 2019 with the return of the wildly popular “Phantom of the Opera” (February 9 – March 17, 2019), followed by “Pilgrim’s Progress” (March 30 – April 28, 2019), “Treasure Island” (May 11 – June 9, 2019), Disney’s “Mary Poppins” (June 22 – July 21, 2019), “Les Miserablès: A New Drama” (August 3 – September 1, 2019) and “Cinderella” (September 14 – October 20, 2019).  Money-saving pro-rated season passes are now on sale at the LifeHouse Theater Box Office.

The theater is located at 1135 N. Church St. in Redlands, next to the Redlands Christian School.  Free parking is available in back of the theater.  More information is available by visiting the theater website at http://www.lifehousetheater.com.  For more information, please call (909) 335-3037.