HEUVELTON – In the spirit of the musicals “Book of Mormon” and “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Pickens Hall and the Grasse River Players are presenting a new musical “Messiahs” by Elaine Kuracina. 

 The musical, to be staged at Pickens Hall on Friday, Aug 16, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Aug 17, at 3 p.m., is part of the celebration of the 50-year anniversary of Grasse River Players Community Theatre.

“We live in a Cosmic Egg.” 

“There are fairies in Interspace.” 

”Shelters are heavens.” 

“The mind can cure.” 

“The Public Universal Friend is gender free.” 

These are some ideas from real life American preachers featured in the musical, said a press release from the Grasse River Players. 

“Cyrus Teed’s religious commune is now a State Park in Florida,” Kuracina said. “Some of the original buildings are still there. Cyrus believed that we lived in a Cosmic Egg. I got curious about other  creeds. After liturgical research, I got inspired to write ‘Messiahs.’ I assembled a talented cast and away we go – to the Casino!”

“Messiahs” takes five preachers to the Winning Souls Casino  were they meet Lucky Louie (the devil). The preachers try to win souls.  

But, Lucky Louie tempts them, teases them and almost destroys them. Who will win? The hostess, Sally Angel, will help with redemption of the chips.

“Messiahs” stars Marie Amell, Jeannie Blake, Jennifer Blewett, Jim Fryer, Jeff Hinkle, David Katz, Benjamin Mambou,  Bill Romey, Jonathan Zimmermann.  

Co-directors are Carole Berard, Elaine Kuracina, Jim Wildman.

Wildman is also the sound and light engineer.

Jeff Hinkle will tickle the ivories, David Katz will resonate his bass and Benjamin Mambou will sing and strum his guitar.  

There will also be casino projections and videos created by Jonathan Zimmermann.

 After final bows, the audience can make creative suggestions.  

The troupe hopes to develop “Messiahs” for bigger places and performances.

Admission is a donation 0f $10. 

For reservations call 315-344-7950. Info: 315-212-0451.