A new musical review at which the Good Book and the Great White Way intersect opens tonight at the Oak Street Playhouse.
"The Bible on Broadway," according to producer Mike Tulloss, features songs from a number of popular shows with biblical stories or themes from the 1930s through today.
"We realized a lot of people don't know how many shows there have been that dealt with (material) from the Bible and thought it would be an interesting concept that would have a lot of appeal."
Some of the songs, Tulloss said, come from shows that deal specifically with Old Testament stories from the Bible, including "Children of Eden," "The Apple Tree," "Two by Two" and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."
Other shows, such as "Godspell" and "Jesus Christ Superstar," are taken from the New Testament.
Many of the other songs have a redemption theme, with individuals trying to redeem themselves or someone else.
"There are songs almost anyone would know," he said.
Tulloss said the theater was fortunate to secure the services of Mike Lees, who has helmed many area school and community theater productions, as musical director and choreographer.
"His schedule is very busy, even though he just retired from the school system," he said. "He also loved the concept of doing a musical revue ... of songs that so many people know."
The producer said the 13 singers are doing a wonderful job in learning all the songs and movement in the show.
"We have a lot of excellent performers who haven't done theater in a while but came out of retirement to do this show" because of its content, he said, "and the musical direction by Mike Lees is just wonderful."
The theater has moved its show time to 7:30 p.m. to accommodate a wider audience.
IF YOU GO
* What: "The Bible on Broadway."
* When: 7:30 p.m. today, Saturday, April 30 and May 1; 2 p.m. May 2.
* Where: Flo Summitt Theater, Oak Street Playhouse, First-Centenary United Methodist Church, 419 McCallie Ave.
* Admission: $13 adults; $10 groups/seniors.
* Phone: 756-2428.
* Website: www.oakstreetplayhouse.com.