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Sight & Sound Theatres

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Sight & Sound Theatres is an entertainment company that produces Bible stories live on stage. Based in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Sight & Sound operates two theaters: one in Ronks, Pennsylvania (formerly known as the Millennium Theatre) and the second in Branson, Missouri. Each year, more than a million people from around the world attend performances at the theatres.[1][2] It has been a major tourist attraction of Pennsylvania's Lancaster County, and is considered the largest faith-based theater company in the nation.[3][4]

Company

Founded in 1976 by Glenn and Shirley Eshelman, the company remains a family-owned business. The company currently has 600 employees.[5]

The company's name, "Sight & Sound," was inspired by Jesus's words in Matthew 13:10-23 regarding parables: when asked by disciples why he spoke to people in parables and stories, Jesus stated that although people were seeing, they did not truly see; and even though they were hearing, they did not really hear or understand.[6][7][8][9][10]

Sight & Sound's productions feature stories from the New and Old Testaments. A new performance is produced every other year. The company rotates productions seasonally, and the productions also travel between the two theatres.[11] The performances feature stories, songs, music, elaborate costumes, large detailed sets, trained animals, and special effects.[12] For each production, the company casts around 50 actors and actresses nationwide.[13]

History

Glenn and Shirley Eshelman started Sight & Sound in the summer of 1976, with a 10-week multimedia show The Wonder of It All in an auditorium rented from Lancaster Bible College. Based on that success, they built the original Sight & Sound Auditorium (renamed to Living Waters Theatre) on Pennsylvania Route 896 in Ronks, Pennsylvania.[14] In July 1976, the Sight & Sound Auditorium opened for the performance of A Land of Our Own. Live actors and actresses were eventually added to the productions, and Behold the Lamb debuted as the first full-length live stage production at the original Sight & Sound Auditorium in 1987.[15] A larger facility, the Sight & Sound Entertainment Centre opened in March 1991.[5]

However, after the success of their productions Noah and the premiere run of The Miracle of Christmas, the Entertainment Centre caught fire in January 1997, destroying the facility and most of the costumes and sets that were stored in the shops.[16] The Living Waters Theatre was renovated to accommodate live stage productions until another large theater, originally called The Millennium Theater, was opened on September 1, 1998. The new theatre featured more than 2,000 seats, a 300-foot (91 m) wraparound stage that can hold sets up to 40 feet high, and improved audio and visual effects.[17]

Sight & Sound opened a second theater in Branson, Missouri, in 2008, a near identical twin facility to the newest facility in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.[18] The company creates all of its own set work in a shop in the back of the theater complex.[19]

Matt Neff and Josh Enck, sons-in-law of Glenn Eshelman, became the company's co-presidents in 2011. In 2015, Neff became the chief executive officer and Enck was named the president and continued to be the chief creative officer.[20][21]

Film production

On July 17, 2022, Sight & Sound announced that they will be expanding to filmmaking through a production company named Sight & Sound Films. Their first film, I Heard the Bells, released in theaters in December 2022, in partnership with Fathom Events.[22] The film was based on events from the life of American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and his poem "Christmas Bells", which became Christmas carol "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day."[23] Lancaster-based video production company MAKE/FILMS was one of Sight & Sound's key partners for the film.[24]

Sight & Sound's marketing director stated in June 2022 that the company's decision to produce movies was sparked by searching for new ways to tell stories. The idea first emerged around 2018 or 2019, but the company did not start filming until January 2021.[24]

After the film I Heard the Bells was released in December 2022, it exceeded expectations. Originally a three-day event, the film's run in theaters extended to two months with additional locations due to high demand,[25] resulting in $5.6 million in box office sales and a #2 ranking in movie theaters nationwide. Then, on November 14, 2023, after Sight & Sound partnered with Pinnacle Peak Pictures and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, I Heard the Bells was released on Digital and DVD.[26]

Streaming platform

Sight & Sound TV, an associated streaming service, was launched in 2020 and offers filmed versions of past productions for online viewing.[22][23] In September 2020, Queen Esther debuted on this platform after its live performances were cancelled due to the pandemic.[27][28][29]

Productions

Inaugural Show

  • The Wonder of It All: 1978[11]

Shows at Living Waters Theatre (Originally Sight & Sound Auditorium)

  • A Land of Our Own: 1976
  • Behold the Lamb: 1987–2006[15]
  • The Glory of Spring: 1997–?
  • Celebrate America: 1997–?
  • Abraham and Sarah: A Journey of Love: 2000–2004, 2008–2009[30]
  • Psalms of David: 2005–2007, 2010[30]

Shows at Sight & Sound Entertainment Centre

  • The Eternal Flame: 1991–1992
  • Noah: 1995–1996[31]

Shows at Millennium Theatre in Lancaster, PA

  • Noah - The Musical: 1998–2001, 2004, 2013, upcoming 2025[32][31][14]
  • The Miracle of Christmas: 1998–2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2023[33][34][35][14]
  • Behold The Lamb: 1999–2001, 2004–2006, 2009[36][37]
  • Daniel & The Lion's Den: 2002–2003, 2008, 2024 [38][39]
  • Ruth: 2005–2006[14]
  • In the Beginning: 2007–2009[14]
  • Joseph: 2010–2011, 2015
  • Jonah: 2012, 2017[32]
  • Moses: 2014–2015, 2023
  • Samson: 2016[40][41][42][43]
  • Jesus: 2018–2019[44]
  • Queen Esther: 2020–2021[45][46][27][47][48]
  • David: 2022

Shows in Branson, Missouri

  • Noah – The Musical: 2008–2011, 2020[49][31]
  • The Miracle of Christmas: 2008–2011, 2013, 2017, 2019, 2022, Upcoming 2024[50][51][33][52]
  • Joseph: 2012–2013
  • Jonah: 2014–2015
  • Moses: 2016–2017
  • Samson: 2018–2019[53][54]
  • Jesus: 2021–2022
  • Queen Esther: 2023–2024[15][55][56]
  • David: upcoming 2025

Fathom Events

References

  1. ^ "Sight & Sound Theatres | Explore Branson". www.explorebranson.com. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  2. ^ "Sight & Sound Theatres". VisitPA. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  3. ^ Mekeel, Tim (2021-05-18). "Here's when Sight & Sound Theatres will return to full capacity seating for its shows". LancasterOnline. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  4. ^ "'Queen Esther' on stage in Branson | Arkansas Democrat Gazette". www.arkansasonline.com. 2023-03-18. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  5. ^ a b "Our Story". sight-sound.com. Retrieved 2018-05-11.
  6. ^ "Sight & Sound Theatres | Explore Branson". www.explorebranson.com. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  7. ^ "Toni Milbourne Chronicle Editor Editor's Note: This is a continuing series on local places of interest to visit for little or no cost. Lancaster is a beautiful part of southern Pennsylvania where one can step back in time and experience a simple life. H". shepherdstownchronicle.com. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  8. ^ "Sight & Sound Theatres(R) Brings 'Christian Broadway'-Style Shows to Branson, Missouri". Branson Tourist. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  9. ^ "Sight and Sound Theater Introduces the Greatest Story Ever Told". CBN. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  10. ^ "Sight & Sound Theatres". Materializing the Bible. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  11. ^ a b "Visit Sight & Sound Theatres in Branson | Explore Branson". www.explorebranson.com. Retrieved 2023-12-17.
  12. ^ "Sight & Sound Theatres". Discover Lancaster. Retrieved 2023-12-17.
  13. ^ "Sight & Sound Theatre's biblical performances to celebrate 15 years in Branson this May". The Lion. 2023-05-01. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  14. ^ a b c d e "12 Things to Know About Sight and Sound Lancaster". Historic Smithton Inn. 2022-03-15. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  15. ^ a b c "'Queen Esther' on stage in Branson | Arkansas Democrat Gazette". www.arkansasonline.com. 2023-03-18. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
  16. ^ "$15 Million Sight and Sound Theater Fire and Building Collapse" (PDF). FEMA. January 1997.
  17. ^ "Sight & Sound Theatre". Horst Construction. Retrieved 2023-02-04.
  18. ^ Arnold, Dan; Manager, Facilities; Sight; Theater, Sound. "Sight & Sound Theatre". Paragon 360. Retrieved 2023-02-04.
  19. ^ Wishard, Grant (2017-11-17). "Love to Tell the Story". Washington Examiner. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  20. ^ "Sight & Sound puts 2nd generation leaders and new strategy in place". LancasterOnline. 2015-02-23. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  21. ^ "Sight & Sound christens new ark". LancasterOnline. 2013-03-17. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  22. ^ a b Church, Tim. "Sight & Sound Theatres unveils new film ministry, first movie". Branson Tri-Lakes News. Retrieved 2023-02-04.
  23. ^ a b "Sight & Sound's First Movie, I Heard the Bells, Is a Story 'of Hope' in Christ: Director". ChristianHeadlines.com. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  24. ^ a b Miller, Mickayla (2022-09-16). "Sight & Sound Films sets release dates for first movie, 'I Heard the Bells'; watch the trailer, learn how to order tickets". LancasterOnline. Retrieved 2023-12-17.
  25. ^ Foust, Michael. "Sight & Sound's I Heard the Bells Is a Hit: Gets Extended in Theaters after Top 10 Opening". ChristianHeadlines.com. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
  26. ^ "Sight & Sound Films Partners With Pinnacle Peak Pictures and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment For the Home Entertainment Release Of Its Debut Feature Film". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). November 7, 2023. Retrieved 2023-12-17.
  27. ^ a b Klett, Leah MarieAnn (2020-09-04). "Sight & Sound's 'Queen Esther' needed 'for such a time as this,' say creators". The Christian Post. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  28. ^ "Sight & Sound's Queen Esther, Broadcasting Live Labor Day Weekend, Is 'Timely' for Today, Spokeswoman Says". ChristianHeadlines.com. Retrieved 2024-02-06.
  29. ^ Stairiker, Kevin (2020-07-29). "Sight & Sound to open 'Queen Esther' at 15% capacity after COVID closure; show will also stream". LancasterOnline. Retrieved 2024-02-06.
  30. ^ a b Stauffer, Cindy (2009-06-04). "Sight & Sound to close small theater". LancasterOnline. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  31. ^ a b c "'NOAH' returns to Branson after 25 years". Southwest Times Record. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  32. ^ a b Holahan, Jane (2013-03-17). "Sight & Sound's 'Noah' is a nice mix of theology, theatrics and zebras". LancasterOnline. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  33. ^ a b Stairiker, Kevin (2019-12-15). "Sneak peek at Sight & Sound Theatre: What it's like on 'The Miracle of Christmas' stage crew". LancasterOnline. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  34. ^ Nordby, David (2023-12-30). "'Job of my dreams': Klessig performs as Mary". The Brillion News. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  35. ^ Jurgensen, John (December 23, 2006). "Far From Broadway, Biblical Musicals Pack in the Crowds". The Wall Street Journal.
  36. ^ "SPIRITUAL SIGHTS AND SOUNDS VISITORS FLOOD NEW STRASBURG THEATER FOR THE RETURN OF 'NOAH'". The Morning Call. 1998-09-13. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  37. ^ "Christian theater: His Heaven on earth". Greensboro News and Record. 2007-09-19. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  38. ^ MILLER, MICKAYLA (2023-04-21). "Watch: Sight & Sound Theatres' newest original show is 'Daniel'; here's when it'll be on stage". LancasterOnline. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  39. ^ "DANIEL". www.sight-sound.com. Retrieved 2024-02-03.
  40. ^ Holahan, Jane (2016-03-10). "'Samson' to bring the house down at Sight and Sound, beginning Saturday". LancasterOnline. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  41. ^ "'Samson' production at Sight & Sound Theatres in Lancaster County gives behind the scenes look". fox43.com. 2016-05-21. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  42. ^ Holahan, Jane (2016-03-12). "A strong 'Samson' opens at Sight & Sound, will be here until end of the year". LancasterOnline. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  43. ^ Ong, Czarina (2016-04-09). "'Samson' shows magnificence of God's grace, says lead actor Michael Niederer". www.christiantoday.com. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  44. ^ "Sight & Sound Theatre's Jesus: An Evangelical Gospel Story". www.catholicworldreport.com. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  45. ^ Stairiker, Kevin (2020-09-08). "Going to see 'Queen Esther'? Here's what it's like attending a Sight & Sound performance in the age of COVID". LancasterOnline. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  46. ^ Grisar, P. J. (2022-03-07). "Can a Christian theater company put on a good Purim spiel?". The Forward. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  47. ^ Holahan, Jane (2020-02-26). "What's the story of 'Queen Esther,' Sight & Sound's new production opening in March?". LancasterOnline. Retrieved 2024-02-06.
  48. ^ "Sight & Sound Theatres' 'Queen Esther' said to be reopening July 30". LancasterOnline. 2020-07-14. Retrieved 2024-02-06.
  49. ^ "Noah The Musical at Sight & Sound Theatres Branson". www.bransonshows.com. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
  50. ^ "Miracle of Christmas at Sight & Sound Theatres® Branson". www.bransonshows.com. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  51. ^ Froyland, Jeremia (2018-07-26). "Samson & Miracle of Christmas Return to Branson in 2019! - Branson Travel Office". The Travel Office. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  52. ^ "Branson's Favorite Christmas Spots". ThousandHills.com. 2019-11-08. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  53. ^ Koonce, Brian (2018-02-20). "Sight & Sound Theatre's 'Samson' to bring down house in Branson". Pathway. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  54. ^ "Sight & Sound Theatres Tap Riedel Bolero Intercoms for Epic Biblical Productions". Sports Video Group. 2018-08-09. Retrieved 2024-02-04.
  55. ^ Holt, Jo Ann (2023-10-12). "Queen Esther Rules in Branson Missouri". Focus Daily News. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  56. ^ Church, Tim (2023-03-17). "'For Such a Time as This:' Queen Esther makes Branson Sight & Sound Theatre debut". Branson Tri-Lakes News. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  57. ^ "Sight & Sound Theatres' Production of Iconic Bible Story 'JONAH' Swims from Stage to Cinemas for a Special, One-Night Event". Fathom Events. February 7, 2017. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
  58. ^ "Sight & Sound Theatres Delivers 'MOSES' on Big Screens Nationwide for a Special Two-Night Event This September". Fathom Events. June 27, 2018. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
  59. ^ "NOAH". Fathom Events. Archived from the original on April 20, 2019. Retrieved April 20, 2019.
  60. ^ Koonce, Brian (2019-04-05). "Sight & Sound's 'Noah' brings ark, flood, and animals two-by-two to big screen". Pathway. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  61. ^ "I HEARD THE BELLS". Fathom Events. Retrieved 2022-11-13.
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