Christmas in the Chapel in 33rd season

[December 06, 2010]  Thirty-three years ago, a Christmas tradition began on the Lincoln Christian University campus and has since turned into a holiday phenomenon. This spectacular event is known to thousands as "Christmas in the Chapel." Jeff Colleen, professor and program director of worship ministry at LCU, is now in the process of directing his 23rd Christmas in the Chapel program. This year's presentation is titled "The Drama of Christmas."

Colleen, along with his good friend Adam Johnson, begins writing the script every year around May, with the goal to have it mostly written by August, around the time school starts and the students are all coming back to campus.

Johnson, an alum of LCU, is also the drama director for each program.

When asked how they come up with the storylines, Colleen answers: "I'm not really sure. The ideas just starting coming out and we work them into this big story."

He said one of his favorite components of directing these programs is: "I get to work with my best friends."

Those "best friends" he is referring to are the other key players who help bring this giant production to life: Tom Sowers, technical director as well as head of set design and construction; Alex Dayvolt, assistant doing all things needed; Guyla Sowers, ticket management; and Jennifer Boeke, artist -- set design.

The rest of the faculty in worship ministry are also a part of the finer details that all need to be brought to perfection for flawless shows. They are Linda Storm, instructor of worship ministry; Jim Allison, professor of worship; Sue Jones, associate professor of worship; and Isaac Gaff, associate professor of worship.

It is almost impossible to give Colleen most of the kudos for this massive production. He insists that he is but a small player. He is quite humble, to say the least, in receiving recognition and wants to make sure everyone involved receives their fair share, which also includes the incredible hard work of the actors and singers.

Another one of Colleen's favorite parts is, of course, working with those talented students. More than 100 singers and actors are involved, bringing together an impressive display of talent.

"It is so rewarding, because they are incredibly talented and so full of energy," he says. "When you are working long hours, their energy rejuvenates you and keeps you going."

And these students he is talking about continue carrying their full class load and working whatever jobs they have outside of going to class, while carrying on with rehearsals, learning their lines and then putting on seven shows altogether in one weekend.

It is not uncommon for some to get back to their dorm at 12:30 a.m. from rehearsal, only to have to hit the books to finish a paper deadline due for the next morning's class.

And you rarely hear a complaint from them. Before getting involved in Christmas in the Chapel, they know what is expected and most feel so honored just to be a part of such a spectacular production.

Average attendance for all seven shows combined is usually around 6,000, with many of those patrons traveling hours to see one of those shows.

So, if you would like to include a little more "drama" in your Christmas -- the entertaining kind, that is -- there are still tickets available for purchase at the door. Guyla Sowers, ticket manager, said there are tickets left for all shows except the one at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, which is sold out. She suggests that for best seats still available and groups still needing tickets, the Sunday evening presentation at 7 would be your best bet.

Tickets are $10 for an adult and $5 for a child. For more ticket information, you can contact Sowers at 1-217-220-2253.

Remaining performances:

• Saturday, 10 a.m.

• Saturday, 7 p.m.

• Sunday, 2:30 p.m.

• Sunday, 7 p.m.

[By JANELL WOOLARD]