By: LAURA LANE MERVOSH
Parting seas, uniting Long Beach
The story of Moses is taught to most children in their formative years by their parents, church, or synagogue. But never has the story been told as a gospel musical combining synagogue choirs, Cantors, jazz, children's choirs, blues, hip-hop dancing, Christian choirs and Alvin Alley dancers.
On April 29 in the Long Beach High School auditorium, Walter Robinson, a composer from Cambridge, Mass., will bring a professional troop of performers to stage the musical "Moses," completely free of charge. Long Beach African American and Jewish members of area churches and synagogues will join the pros in an event not to be missed.
"The most significant part of this event is that the community has pulled together to make this happen," Carol Carlton, of Temple Emanu-El said.
But, for those involved, it was a long road.
Two years ago, Cantor Bette Cohen of from Temple Emanu-El discovered the dynamic production while attending a Cantors Convention. There she saw the play and immediately decided to speak to the composer, Mr. Robinson. Arrangements were made to acquire the play for Temple Emanu-El and last May, "Moses" was staged at the Temple on a smaller scale. More than 400 people attended the performance, and Cantor Cohen was encouraged.
Right then and there, Cantor Cohen decided to fully utilize the possibilities of the piece by attempting to perform it as Mr. Robinson had originally intended.
"The purpose of doing Moses again was to make it an inter-cultural community wide production," she explained. "We've never had anything like this before."
Together, Carlton and Cantor Cohen got in touch with several area churches and synagogues. Some choose to help by raising funds, but most agreed to raise funds and perform along with those participating from Temple Emanu-El.
"When we were invited, we jumped at the opportunity," said Paulette Bivens, Musical Director at Evangel Revival Community. "It was a blessing."
A committee was formed combining representatives from Temple Emanu-El, Christian Light Baptist Church, Evangel Revival Community Church, Congregation Beth Sholom, St. Mary of the Isle and the Long Beach Intercultural Community Coalition. Five-thousand dollars had to be raised to pay both for the use of LBHS's auditorium as well as to bring Walter Robinson and his performers to the Long Beach area. Several attempts were made to collect the money, but in the end, a decision was made to approach the laity. The people of the community pulled together. Donations from individual members of the churches and synagogues were received as well as an anonymous challenge from an anonymous "angel" who promised $1 for every $2 raised.
Carlton was moved by the response.
"We live in a small city with a very diverse population that doesn't come together often," she said.
Natalie Goldberg of Congregation Beth Sholom, who served on the committee for "Moses," said, "As soon as I heard about this, I wanted to volunteer. You hear so much about people who are at odds with each other. The fact that we had African Americans and whites willingly working together has been a real eye-opener for me. And, I've been able to expand my friendships as well by being involved in the project."
"I have been so impressed by the togetherness," Bivens added. "At one point the project seemed so iffy. It's been so wonderful the way God moved and brought everything in line."
There will be three Long Beach adult choirs and three area children's choirs joining Cantor Bette Cohen and Robinson's professionals.
Lilly Madden, the Choir Director from Christian Light Baptist Church will be included, singing along with her choir.
"We have always been affiliated with the other churches in the community. But, performing in this production of "Moses" is a much broader scale," she said. "I'm looking forward to having a big smash!"
Carlton explained, "This is not just a local talent show." Carlton explained. "The caliber of what we're going to see is professional."
Letters have been sent and flyers are being made up to advertise this free event, as each synagogue and church doing their best to ensure a packed diverse auditorium on April 29.
"In the short run, our goal is to get a diverse group of people to come and see "Moses," Carlton said. "But, in the end, the best thing that could come out of this is a community wide event on an annual basis. That would be a wonderful problem to deal with year after year."
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AT A GLANCE:
WHAT: "Moses," a gospel musical
WHEN: April 29, at 3 p.m.
WHERE: Long Beach High School Auditorium
COST: Free of Charge
