Inspirational message delivered by ‘The Lamb’

Moloney’s vision and boundless energy forge first-rate community passion play

By RICHARD A. ROSS

LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — With the advent of spring comes renewal: the transformation of a landscape previously bleak and barren into one that is once again green and teeming with life. The emergence from the dead of winter into vibrant spring is heralded with great joy.

For the millions of Christians on this planet, spring is also marked by the celebration of Easter, the retelling of the story of Jesus of Nazareth’s final days of life, his death and resurrection. Christ’s short tenure on earth transformed mankind through his teachings of love, tolerance, humility and forgiveness. Those lessons were made even more poignant by his ultimate sacrifice.

Unfortunately, in a world that is often marked by division and secularism, much of what Jesus imparted to mankind is often perceived as solely the precepts of a particular faith. But the message that Jesus imparted is replete with lessons for all people, not just for Christians.

The tale of Christ’s final days takes on a new and powerful life in the production of “The Lamb,” a passion play written, directed and produced by Bill Moloney of Jeffersonville. The production, which features a cast and crew of upwards of 50 community residents, most of whom have had little or no experience in the theatre, was first performed at Sullivan West High School last weekend. It will be staged again on April 7 at 7:00 p.m. and on April 8 at 3:00 p.m. It is an experience which, like the message it imparts, is literally transforming.

Moloney’s vision comes to life

Moloney’s idea of presenting a passion play for community theatre has been years in the making. A Catholic who was raised in New York City, Moloney once aspired to a life in the theatre but eventually returned to Sullivan County to embark on a career with the state police. Although he makes his livelihood as a civil servant, his love of the stage has never waned. Since 1986, he has directed plays at area schools in Narrowsburg, Jeffersonville and Lake Huntington that have included “Arsenic and Old Lace,” and “The Sound of Music” and “A Christmas Carol.”

With “The Lamb,” Moloney dedicated himself to something far more original and challenging than working with other people’s material. He became, in effect, a man on a mission.

Research and introspection led to his writing of the script that compacts many of Christ’s most salient messages and experiences into a visceral, two-act production that leaves the audience transformed and inspired. Recruiting friends, including fellow trooper Mike Kelly, who is stunning as Jesus of Nazareth, people from the church, students from the school and countless others from all strata of the community, Moloney and co-director Meghan Mullally-Gorr assembled a cast and crew.

A community comes together

With the help of artists such as Anne-Devlin Raum and Michaelangelo and Raffaello Rubino of Youngsville, the set painting began to take form. In the showroom at Mullally Tractor, the Rubinos sketched out the backdrop on canvas and proceeded to paint it. Many others helped with the set painting. Costumes were needed that would realistically portray the diverse array of characters. Enter Peg Geisel who worked tirelessly sewing and designing. She was ably assisted by Jean Smith, Gloria Garn and many others. Hofer Lumber ripped large logs for the cross and Tim Abplanalp, Tim Manzolillo, Tim Dowling and Frank Moloney assisted the director in the set construction. Jon-Jon Thomas handled the light and sound. Whenever something needed to be done, people came forward to do it. In essence the show was itself an enactment of neighborliness, self-sacrifice and affirmation.

The show also had a remarkable effect on the cast themselves. One of those people is assistant district attorney James Farrell (Judas), a newcomer to the stage. “It has been amazing. What a great group of people Moloney has assembled. It is incredible the way the community has supported his efforts by putting this together. He has given so much and we gave as well.” Fellow assistant district attorney KC Garn (Caleb) referred to the experience as “eye-opening” in terms of the script as well as the amount of work involved in bringing it all to fruition. Garn was moved by “the joy of meeting all of these people from my own community.”

The story comes alive

After countless hours of rehearsal and detailed direction from Moloney, the actors and crew staged the final run-through, leading up to the opening on April 1. Central to Moloney’s production is his emphasis on Jesus the man, creating a compassionate, sensitive narrative that is a far cry from Hollywood versions such as the violent 2005 movie, “The Passion.” In “The Lamb,” phrases such as “Let he among you who is without sin cast the first stone,” are presented in a context that brings them vividly to life, making them much more than rote phrases.

The entire cast turned in great performances, including memorable portrayals of Peter by Moloney, John by James Manzolillo, Judas by Farrell, Caleb by Garn, Mary by Barbara Harder, Mary of Magdala by Patricia Ellmauer, Caiaphas by Arthur Norden, Jospeh of Arimethea by Frank Haskell, Ezekiel by Michael Mullally, Ephraim by Bill Whalen, Josue by Steve Wagner, Nicodemus/ John the Baptist by Ron Parks, Lazarus/ King Herod/ Simon of Cyrene by Ed Justus, Thomas by Ross Joyce-Turner, Andrew by Charles Schadt, Pilate by Brian Tegnander and many others.

From the moment when Jesus first shares with his disciples what is about to happen through the iconic moments of The Last Supper, the betrayal, his arrest, interrogation, crucifixion and resurrection, the show moves seamlessly, despite its complexity.

As a stunning theatrical event, a tribute to community effort and, most importantly, as a reaffirmation of the universal messages of love that are key to all of our salvation, “The Lamb” is a must-see experience for all, except perhaps those younger than seven as the crucifixion scene could be too disturbing.

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for senior citizens and students. For tickets and information call Meghan at 845/482-5222.