SALT LAKE CITY — Last night I had the lucky opportunity to attend a Christ focused musical called Power in His Touch. On purpose I went to this musical without researching it, so I would have the least amount of preconceptions and could let the play simply unroll before me.
This nondenominational musical, by Sandy composer Colette Calls, tells the story of Kendra, a modern-day single mother, struggling to overcome a life filled with challenges. At a rehearsal for a Christmas concert, she is overwhelmed by feelings of guilt and regret. When she questions her worthiness to perform, her friend and co-soloist Jason tells her the story of Sarah, a woman who lived during the ministry of Jesus Christ.
I was so pleasantly surprised by the story as a whole and so much more so by the extraordinary talent of the star singers. All the singers were wonderful and I humbly offer a kudos to the musical director Gary Sorenson. I was also very surprised by something else, however this time it was not a happy surprise.
In the first act the ensemble performed “King of the Jews,” in which was depicted the abhorrent slaughtering of children after the birth of Christ. I am sorry to say that this scene actually felt gory and almost tacky. I started to wonder what I had gotten myself into.
Thankfully, in Act Two, where they deal with the delicate subjects of the Atonement and Crucifixion, I was very much drawn into the action by the extreamly beautiful and artistic way it was depicted. As a believer in Jesus Christ, it brought me to tears. My highest compliments go to the composer (Colette Call) and the director (Carolyn Stevens) for this scene.
Other wonderful scenes and songs of note include “My Whole World”, “A Politician’s World” , “If You Believe in Love“, “On The Other Hand”, and “My Peace“. When Haley Yarbrough and Russ Murdock sang the reprise of “My Whole World” as Kendra and Eli, there was an almost tangible feeling of true love and true grief in the air.
Because of the “King of the Jews” song and other mature subject matter, I would recommend this musical to an audience that excludes young children. I highly encourage you to attend tonight’s final performance. I have every confidence that you will enjoy this original story and the faith filled talent.
