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Kannapolis church re-creates 'Last Supper'

By Robin L. Gardner | Independent Tribune

Published: April 2, 2009

The Kannapolis First Presbyterian Church will continue a 45 year tradition on Palm Sunday, April 5, with a presentation of "The Last Supper", a living tableau of the last gathering of Christ with His disciples before the crucifixion. This is the 16th time "First Presbyterian has presented "The Last Supper", since 1961.
A living tableau marries the art form of stage production with paintings or photography, this one being Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper". The tableau portrays the moment when Jesus tells his disciple's one of them will betray them. Costumed actors will recreate the painting standing perfectly still until it is their turn to speak their thoughts.
Members of the church who play the disciples will in turn, voice the private thoughts generated by the revelation. The church sanctuary is transformed into the setting for the painting that serves as the backdrop for the series of heart-felt monologues.
The set is the same one they have used since 1992 when Lela Bishop, Mrs. Bill Goodnight, and Lewis Eddings updated the original simplistic set to a more elaborate one.
The 16th performance has many of the same actors and stage crew, and some participants are second, even third generation from the original cast members, and all but two are reprising the roles they've played in past performances.
Frank Gibson will play Matthew for the seventh time since 1986. "I'm humbled to play the part of Matthew. When we get on our costumes and the makeup it makes it quite spiritual. The older I get the more I appreciate the message that's apart of this overall pageant," Gibson, who is 70 years old, said.
This will be 73-year-old Bobby Hallman's tenth performance as Philip. "This time it's more of a spiritual thing. Each time you become more of the person. Prayer and concentration helps me prepare for the part," Hallman said.
This year the performance has a new young director. Jennifer Black, who teaches theatre at A.L. Brown High School, she has taken over from Jane Jacobs, because they wanted to involve some of the younger church members.
"This is different than anything I have ever done before. It has such a rich history. It's like someone handing me a crystal Christmas ornament, and trusting me with it. So, I don't want to break it," Black said.
Dr. Joe Crawford the Pastor of the church sent a letter to the actors telling them to "think about what Jesus went through" when they perform.
"They should try to think about how difficult it was for Jesus," Publicity Director, Cindy Griggs said, "I think to, it's an every man play. Because each of us at some point at time thought 'is it I lord? Would I have betrayed you?'"
Iris Efird, one of the plays coordinators and past president of the Woman of Church Group, explains that Dot Williams will be honored on Saturday during the plays dress rehearsal. Dot was the first coordinator of the play in 1961, and has been the coordinator or assistant coordinator for 15 performances. Dot, who is in her middle 80's, will receive a plaque, and asked to lead the prayer before the rehearsal.
In all the years that "The Last Supper" has been performed, the one that stand out the most was in 2001. Jack Goodnight, who played one of the disciples, had a heart attack and understudy Brian Seaford had to go on in his place. His son will be playing the same role this year his father played, and his grandson will be playing da Vinci's assistant.
Leonardo is not so stressful to play says Clay Boyd who is 44.
"The most I worry is will the curtain behave," Boyd said.
There are 60 people involved in this production. It is a church wide project.
The performance is free and begins at 8 p.m. They do ask that you arrive early, so not to disturb the performance once it starts. The service will also include special music by the Adult Choir. There will be childcare available.
First Presbyterian is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year. They have monthly focus events like "The Last Supper" that will lead up to the big homecoming on June 21, which marks the day that the church was established in 1909.
The list of actors include Lynn Sechler, Jr., Randy Whitley, Clay Boyd, James Goodnight, Mark Goodnight, Charles McKinley, Doug Goodnight, Mike Freeman, Sam McAllister, Phil McLain, Mark Bayne, Bob Faust, Bobby Hallman, Frank Gibson, Bill Stricker, Lee Efird, and Jason Burris.