ACtS The Musical Makes Big Screen Debut

ACtS the musical returns to delight Springfield audiences once again, this time on the big screen. An original script written by Springfield Judge Richard Carey brings the backdrop of the 1st century to the 21st century.

“The Rock musical, ACtS, was inspired by the biblical book, Acts of The Apostles, written by the author of Luke’s Gospel in the Bible. So it imagines the story of the apostles of Jesus of Nazareth, whom they believe to be the son of God, as they figure out what they’re supposed to do after he ascends into heaven” explained Judge Carey.

The show was originally produced in 2023 at Springfield’s John Legend Theatre, located out of the Global Impact STEM Academy. For three nights, when ACtS made its debut, the house of the John Legend Theatre was full. That production was filmed and has been adapted for the silver screen, which will serve as a marketing device for a “next-level production”, Judge Carey remarks.

His motivation for bringing pen to paper found its genesis in the more secular rock music he was creating in high school and college - until he was asked to consider writing some spiritual music. “That's when I discovered the tremendous depth of material to write about in the Bible. That became my focus from the early 1990’s to this day.” Judge Carey exercised his abilities playing local stages, and operating as the choir director for Saint Teresa Catholic Church.

“In 2019, I was asked to do a meditation for a church during the Lenten season leading up to Easter. I took seven of my previously written songs and told the story of the Passion of Jesus Christ. The response of the people to that meditation was so striking that I wondered if I could tell a bigger story with my music - some of which already portrayed various scenes from the
book, The Acts of The Apostles. I started writing a bigger script during the COVID-19 pandemic, added some new music, and ACtS was born.”

The main leads of the film include Troy Barry portraying the apostle Peter, Dan Carey as Philip, Bob Agle as Andrew, Bradley Steen as the Stranger, and Annette Turner playing the part of Mary Magdalene.

“In starting their ministry, the apostles must face their own shortcomings and skeletons, and along the way learn about second chances” elucidates Judge Carey.

The video premier of the original musical ACtS will take place on February 21, at The State Theatre, located at 19 South Fountain Avenue in downtown Springfield. There will be cover charge of $5, or can be purchased at The State Theatre website. Door open at 6 p.m. for guests to find their seats before the feature begins at 7:30 p.m.