New Show ‘Daniel’ Roars at Sight and Sound Theatres’ Stage

Sound and Sound Theatres latest production “DANIEL” will open at the Millennium Theater, located in Strasburg on Thursday March 14th. 

The company is known for producing spectacular shows that center around Biblical narratives, such as Queen Esther, David, and Moses.  The epic story of Daniel remaining faithful to God amid exile in the decadent, idolatrous palaces of Babylon seems like a perfect fit for the theater’s massive 300 foot panoramic stage. 

Long-time supporters of the ministry may recall that Sight and Sound produced another show centered around the famous Bible story called “Daniel: A Dream, a Den, a Deliverer”, which ran in 2002, 2003, and again in 2008.  It was the largest show the theater had produced up to that point.  Although the grandeur and scope of the original show remains, the latest production is completely fresh.  

Sight and Sound’s Communications Manager, Stephanie Lefever told The Lancaster Patriot, “It’s a hundred percent different. It is a completely new production.”  She notes that the company has been working on the show for almost four years and has written a new script, composed a new score, and designed a new set that still stays true to the Scriptures.

Lefever describes the production as “an empire show” which requires a lot of performers to fill such a large space. She adds, “Our cast is bigger this year than it has been in years past and a big part of that belongs to the (Sight and Sound) Conservatory program and what that has grown to.” 

There are about 65 cast members in “DANIEL”, whereas recent shows have had about 50 to 55 performers.  The lead actor in the title role will be played by Sight and Sound veteran, Jacob Cummings rotating with 3 other actors.  Heading up the larger production team is lead producer, Kristen Brewer and director, Jeff Bender.  One notable name among the production staff is Dan Deal, who played the eponymous role Daniel at Sight and Sound back in 2002. 

The large cast is enjoying a new rehearsal process too. This is the first year that the cast has started rehearsing in the theater’s shop space, which is in the lower level of the Millennium Theater.  Previously, the cast would begin rehearsals in a small dance studio and then eventually move and stretch their performances onto the 300-foot stage. Now, the set pieces are brought down into the rehearsal space which allows the actors to get acclimated to their surroundings much easier. Lefever states, “they are operating in a larger space, and it can be a little bit more plug and play which has served our teams well.”

One thing that audiences can look forward to is an immersive experience. Lefever notes that theater goers should “expect the unexpected”.  Although a hallmark of the Sight and Sound experience is the plethora of live animals used onstage, live lions will not be among them due to obvious safety concerns.  However, “DANIEL” is one of Sight and Sound’s most technologically advanced shows which incorporates the use of LED screens that will be used to create the illusion of having large cats. 

The LED screens that were previously used in the shows “JESUS” and “DAVID” have been broken down and built into physical set pieces which will add to the mystique of what is real and what is video.  There are 16 LED screens that will bring depth to the brand-new towering set pieces that depict Babylon, which was the largest city of its day.  Lefever adds, “we want audiences to feel that they too are locked inside the empire, unable to escape as you follow Daniel through the nooks and crannies of the palace itself, so it’s massive.” 

Another hallmark of Sight and Sound’s productions is its rich musical score. A full orchestra recorded the score at Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, TN. Lefever states that the focus of the music is to create an “incredibly worshipful experience so there is inspirational hope-filled music that is meant to just transport you into the moment that Daniel and these gentlemen are experiencing. It is very story and worship-driven so it’s nothing like we’ve done before which will be great.”

The music will underscore the epic narrative of Daniel and his three friends who were taken captive and thrust into the decadent palaces of Babylon. Lefever describes it as being a fast-moving story that’s “an adventure through Daniel’s life and the journey that he takes, and the experiences that he has.”  She adds that audiences will also get a glimpse into the struggles of the various people around Daniel, like King Nebuchadnezzar and states, “you’re getting it from every angle, which is very interesting.” 

The adventure will be a journey through Daniel’s key points such as interpreting the king’s dreams and visions, the fiery furnace that his friends were thrown into, and the famous lion’s den.  The message that Sight and Sound hopes to convey through this story is that of Daniel’s strong adherence to shining truth to everyone around him. Lefever notes, “what we don’t often see is how hope-filled it is and that’s what we’re aiming to show in this production of DANIEL.” 

Tickets for the show have been available for purchase since May of 2023 and are selling out quickly. The show will run from March 14th to December 31st. Lefever advises people to book now and book early.  Tickets are available at https://www.sight-sound.com/ or by calling the theater at (800) 377-1277.