Lenten dramatic presentation at St. Theresa’s

The community is invited to a special Good Friday performance of “The Living Last Words,” a dramatic musical experience commemorating the Seven Last Words of Christ, written by Ruth Elaine Schram, with music direction by Maureen Leonard, and stage direction by Susan Boulanger. This free performance will be presented on Friday, March 25 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1041 Lyons Avenue.

In this dramatic and powerful work, inspired by the Seven Last Words of Christ, beautiful choral music combines with dramatic monologues as Schram imagines the responses of those who were present at the cross as Jesus died. Characters such as a contemptuous soldier; the crucified thief’s sympathetic sister; a scornful priest; the anguished shepherd; the heartbroken disciple searching for answers; and Mary, the grieving mother of Jesus, share how they are impacted by Jesus and the last words he spoke on the cross. Interspersed with moving solo songs and choral music, this dramatic musical experience brings to life the deep meaning of Holy Week.

Ruth Elaine Schram is a popular composer in commercial and church music.

“Her music is original and melodic,” says Maureen Leonard, the Music Director at St. Theresa’s.

Leonard has been presenting the play on Good Friday for seven years at the parish. The presentation has become a favorite of parishioners and community members.
“I was really drawn to the composer,” says Leonard. “After listening to the music and script together, I new we had a meaningful and interesting Lenten musical play for our church and our community.”

The actors include parish and community members, and members of the Lake Tahoe Community College Theater Department. The cast includes Kurt Munger, Thomas Lopez, Ryan Adams, Frank Dixon, Joanie San Agustin, Sharon Kerrigan, and Scott Blumenthal. They are joined by the St. Theresa Choir and soloists Angie Guitierrez, Alejandra Quirarte, and Carmen Mieras.

For further information, call the parish at 544-3533.