‘Lazarus’ Inspires Performers And Spectators Alike

March 20, 2010 by Josh Morgan

There once was a rich man who was so self-consumed, he was unaware of the plight that surrounded him. As he reveled in his own opulence, hungry men, women, and children waited outside his mansion.
Next to the man’s home was a garbage can overflowing with the wasted food he no longer wanted, as families struggling to make ends meet tried to fill their bellies with his refuse.
Fortunately, this isn’t a tale of a man living on Main Street in Cheshire, but the plot of the musical “Lazarus,” which is being performed at the United Methodist Church. The Bible story of Lazarus takes center stage again this weekend at the church on Academy Road.
Every four or five years, the Church puts on “Lazarus” to raise funds to stamp out world hunger and poverty. The last time the United Methodist Church performed “Lazarus” was in 2006, when nearly $10,000 was raised, with all but $600 going to charity.
“That money went right out to help the impoverished in the New Haven area,” explained the Rev. Stephen Volpe. “We hope for a repeat of that success this time around.”
The show opened this past weekend and two more performances are scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday. Volpe said the entire Congregation “rises to the occasion” when performing “Lazarus” and everyone “loves doing it.”
“There are personal reasons to do this. A lot of people have taken on ministries, so “Lazarus” really hits home for them. They really get into it,” Volpe said. “People should come and see and they will witness how people take on “Lazarus.” It’s like a whole new persona, literally. They take it on and, from what we hear, audiences are blown away by the production and its powerful message.”
In the show, the rich man and his family boast about how well off they are and how they deserve everything they have. Meanwhile, outside, the poor are struggling for food and, when they come across the rich man’s scraps, they give thanks for whatever food they happen to find.
The story continues on from there, talking about issues like sharing, loving thy neighbors, and achieving Heaven on Earth.
Sergio Deganis, a producer on “Lazarus,” said he is trying to make sure everything is organized and goes off without a hitch, but admitted that it takes a large number of people to make the performance come alive. With a whole host of performers and a “slew of people behind the scenes,” “Lazarus” is only successful with the help of the Congregation and the community’s support.
“This is a huge endeavor for the church, but it’s a joyful endeavor too,” Deganis explained. “We don’t want it to feel like work and it’s quite the experience.”
Deganis described the show as an “incredibly moving performance” with a message that is “very uplifting.” He said “Lazarus” makes you believe that there will be an end to poverty someday.
“This show is very uplifting. After you watch it, you feel inspired,” Deganis said. “It makes you believe that solutions can and will be found to reduce hunger and poverty.”
The church only performs “Lazarus” every few years because of the huge undertaking it is to put on a quality performance. From sets, costumes, and lighting to sound, song and dance, it takes a lot of work to produce a show where most of the proceeds are turned directly over to charity. That, in itself, shows the character of the congregation, Volpe said.
“This is a mission of love,” Volpe explained. “A tremendous amount of people devote themselves to “Lazarus,” from the performers to the people in the background; the list just goes on. Everyone has a role in making “Lazarus” happen.”
For more information, visit the United Methodist Church Web site at www.gbgm-umc.org/cheshireumc/.