Right Next to Disneyland: Theater Meets Faith

August 19, 2015 - 1:29 PDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY

GARDEN GROVE, CA (August 19, 2015) - For the first time in modern history, the Catholic Church and the arts are coming together in a unique collaboration that will bring the faith to life in a dramatic way.

The Christ Cathedral Drama Series, which opens in August of this year at the Freed Performing Arts Center in Orange, CA, is a creative partnership between Saint Luke Productions, which for 35 years has been dedicated to renewing the culture through theater and the media, and the Diocese of Orange, CA, one of the largest in the U.S., with more than 1.2 million Catholics.

Spearheaded by Bishop Kevin Vann of Orange, the drama series is part of a vision for the transformation of the former Crystal Cathedral, built by evangelist Robert Schuller. The Diocese of Orange purchased the 34 acre campus in 2012, and is transforming the striking glass structure and its facilities, which include the state-of-the-art Freed Theater, into an international Catholic center for culture and the media.

"The Christ Cathedral Drama Series is a creative and dynamic means of engaging and inspiring the faithful, and another important avenue for welcoming people into a life of faith with God at its center," explains Bishop Vann.

Leonardo Defilippis, founder and president of Saint Luke Productions, shares Bishop Vann's vision. "There is really a void in our society - there is almost no Catholic presence in theater and the media," he says. "The Diocese of Orange is taking a major step to change that current desert landscape and to evangelize through drama."

"These dramas represent a dynamic interplay between art and faith." says Ryan Lilyengren, Director of Communications at the Diocese of Orange. "The history and location of the Christ Cathedral campus allow the Diocese of Orange to create a true center of art and culture for all."

Saint Luke Productions' Faustina: Messenger of Divine Mercy is slated to open the series in August. Faustina performances at the Freed Theater last January met with sold-out audiences, prompting a return engagement.

"The response was incredible," says Lilyengren. "It showed us how on the Cathedral campus we can join entertainment, art and culture with our mission to build understanding and engagement with the history and teachings of the Catholic Church."

Therese: The Story of a Soul, will follow in October, and Tolton, Saint Luke Productions' newest drama on Fr. Augustus Tolton, the first African-American priest, is scheduled for January of 2016. The Christ Cathedral Drama Series inaugural season will conclude with The Passion According to Luke in Lent 2016.

Leonardo Defilippis sees the Christ Cathedral Drama Series as having enormous potential to evangelize not just Catholics, but the secular public as well: "Wouldn't it be wonderful that those who travelled to Disneyland from all over the world would come to Christ Cathedral and witness the heroic example of the saints through this drama series? Our world needs courageous examples of holiness and joy right now."

Bishop Vann agrees. "I pray that this unique partnership with Saint Luke Productions serves to support the Church's efforts to bring people closer to God the inspirational beauty of artistic expression."

INTERVIEW CONTACT: Leonardo Defilippis, Producer, Actor and President of Saint Luke Productions, is available for interviews by appointment and by phone.

Contact Janice Gonzalez, Media Relations for Saint Luke Productions, 360-487-9979, pr@stlukeproductions.com.

INFORMATION AT-A-GLANCE:

Christ Cathedral Drama Series 2015-2016 Season (www.CCDramaSeries.com)
1) Faustina: Messenger of Divine Mercy (www.DivineMercyDrama.com)
August 21-23, 2015
2) Therese: The Story of a Soul (www.ThereseDrama.com)
October 1-3, 2015
3) Tolton (www.ToltonDrama.com)
January 22-24, 2016
4) The Passion According to Luke (www.ThePassionDrama.com)
March 18-20, 2016

Freed Performing Arts Theater - Christ Cathedral Cultural Center
13280 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840
Tickets: www.CCDramaSeries.com
Information: www.christcathedralcalifornia.org/events or 714-282-3045
Sponsored by: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange

###

Contact

Saint Luke Productions
http://www.stlukeproductions.com
WA, 98604 US
Janice Gonzalez - Media Relations, 360-487-9979

Keywords

Saint Luke Productions, Leonardo Defilippis, Faustina, Therese, Christ Cathedral, Catholic, Saint, F

Category

Catholic Church

More Catholic PRWire

Showing 1 - 50 of 7,177

• « Prev
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• Next »

When Pope Francis Arrives in North America, There is Only One Network to Watch: EWTN Global Catholic
EWTN Global Catholic Network
September 16, 2015 - 5:17 PDT

GHIRELLI'S WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES ROSARIES NOW AVAILABLE
The Word Out | Marketing For Catholics
September 11, 2015 - 11:44 PDT

The Synod on the Family: Addressing the Instrumentum Laboris
Franciscan University of Steubenville
September 11, 2015 - 10:26 PDT

OCP Artist, Pedro Rubalcava, Writes Song for Pope Francis' Visit
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
September 10, 2015 - 2:50 PDT

Pre-Synod Conference unites Cardinals and men and women living with homosexual tendencies
September 09, 2015 - 2:58 PDT

The Rigging of a Vatican Synod
September 02, 2015 - 3:44 PDT

17 Cardinals and Counting
August 31, 2015 - 3:38 PDT

19th Annual Carnival Announced for St. Ann's Parish
August 28, 2015 - 9:20 PDT

The John Paul II International Film Festival Marks Its Five-Year Anniversary
August 27, 2015 - 6:09 PDT

OCP Pledges to Support the V Encuentro
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
August 27, 2015 - 2:51 PDT

Thu, Sept 24, 2015- Mass & Healing Service with Fr. Angelos Sebastian Our Lady of Grace Catholic Chu
August 26, 2015 - 4:03 PDT

Grief, Death, Eternal Life Explored in New Catholic Title by PBM
Pauline Books & Media
August 25, 2015 - 3:55 PDT

How do we live the truth in love when the culture says we're haters?
August 25, 2015 - 9:52 PDT

Right Next to Disneyland: Theater Meets Faith
Saint Luke Productions
August 19, 2015 - 1:29 PDT

OCP Parish Grant Program to Distribute $200,000 to U.S. Parishes
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
August 18, 2015 - 1:23 PDT

Franciscan University Joins With UK School to Offer Online Master of Catechetics Degree
Franciscan University of Steubenville
August 05, 2015 - 2:20 PDT

CONOR GALLAGHER NAMED PUBLISHER OF TAN BOOKS AND SAINT BENEDICT PRESS
Saint Benedict Press & TAN Books
July 20, 2015 - 12:49 PDT

Thérčse Drama Surprises Audiences
Saint Luke Productions
July 16, 2015 - 12:35 PDT

Catholic Press Association Honors Liguori
Liguori Publications
July 10, 2015 - 8:29 PDT

Crosier Order elects master general and councilors
June 26, 2015 - 2:06 PDT

World Library Publications Honored With Three Paul Revere Awards
World Library Publications
June 23, 2015 - 4:11 PDT

Indie Catholic Authors June Ebook Sale Offers the Faithful 17 Books Outside the Mainstream
Four Waters press
June 23, 2015 - 12:10 PDT

Limitless Love in Action: First Steubenville Youth Conference Inspires Teens to Bring the Fire Home
Franciscan University of Steubenville
June 18, 2015 - 2:03 PDT

Franciscan University of Steubenville Athletic Director Enshrined in Sports Faith Hall of Fame
Franciscan University of Steubenville
May 29, 2015 - 1:53 PDT

AWARD-WINNING CATHOLIC AUTHORS TEAM-UP TO PROMOTE HEALING THROUGH FORGIVENESS
Pauline Books & Media
May 27, 2015 - 12:32 PDT

NY CONCERT FOR NEPAL 5/31
May 27, 2015 - 1:22 PDT

Who's responsible for designing the designer?
May 19, 2015 - 11:12 PDT

Thu, Jun 11, 2015- Mass & Healing Service with Fr. Bill Adams at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church
May 13, 2015 - 4:21 PDT

Your search for true happiness is over
May 05, 2015 - 1:22 PDT

ValLimar Jansen's latest album "a soulful experience"
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
April 30, 2015 - 1:33 PDT

Uncovering the roots (and branches) of the greatest revolution in the American Catholic Church
April 28, 2015 - 9:45 PDT

NYC May 8, 2015 Spring Fling Catholic Singles Mingle Fundraiser
The Catholic Fellowship
April 18, 2015 - 9:07 PDT

Thank A Nun Day
Image Books/Random House
April 15, 2015 - 12:32 PDT

#TweetingwGod dares young people to believe
April 14, 2015 - 9:54 PDT

Experience Beloved: Finding happiness in marriage
April 13, 2015 - 1:27 PDT

Archbishop Aquila, Dr. Edward Sri and other experts to participate in 'Beloved' telepress conference
April 07, 2015 - 4:51 PDT

Nobis Media, Marketing & Web Development Company
April 01, 2015 - 5:49 PDT

Catholic toymaker puts Faith in hands and mouths of babies: Pope Francis doll added to line of toys
The Word Out | Marketing For Catholics
April 01, 2015 - 3:48 PDT

Concert Series Concludes with Winthrop University World Percussion Ensemble
April 01, 2015 - 2:48 PDT

Birth Choice Health Clinics Announces Transition to Obria Medical Clinics and Plans for Expansion
March 28, 2015 - 10:43 PDT

OCP releases expanded edition of Mass of the Sacred Heart
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
March 24, 2015 - 4:43 PDT

Archbishop Aquila, Dr. Edward Sri and other experts participate in 'Beloved' tele-press conference
March 21, 2015 - 11:57 PDT

Priest and Seminarian Join National Three-Point Contest to Benefit Marriage Ministry
Paradisus Dei
March 13, 2015 - 10:20 PDT

Shroud of Turin Exhibit At Holy Spirit Brighton
Holy Spirit Catholic Church and School
March 12, 2015 - 3:58 PDT

Flor y Canto campaign invites the Hispanic community to share their stories
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press)
March 11, 2015 - 4:40 PDT

Crisis Pregnancy Center Dream Becoming Reality
TRFC Inc.
March 10, 2015 - 6:36 PDT

Crisis Pregnancy Center Dream Becoming Reality
TRFC Inc.
March 09, 2015 - 7:04 PDT

Join RealOptions 2015 Walk for Life and 5K Run!
RealOptions Pregnancy Medical Clinics
March 09, 2015 - 2:40 PDT

New Orchestra Comes to Mary's Nativity Church
March 09, 2015 - 12:06 PDT

Paradisus Dei Offers New Marriage Program to Churches at No Cost
Paradisus Dei
March 05, 2015 - 6:25 PST

• « Prev
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• Next »