Community invited to join in dramatic retelling of Jesus’ final days

After seeing The Last Supper during a visit to Kentucky, Jean and Richard Smelski were inspired to share the experience with others, bringing community members together to create a similar production. Contributed photo

By Diane Danen

Several years ago, Richard and Jean Smelski were travelling through Brea, Ky., when an unexpected stop turned into an unforgettable experience.

While attending a local church service, they took in a dramatic presentation of The Last Supper, an experience they describe as deeply moving and truly lifechanging.

Once they returned home, the impact of the performance stayed with them. Wanting to share this experience with their own community, they began talking with others about creating a similar dramatic retelling of the final week of Jesus’ life.

They connected with Rev. Gail Fricker, a gifted minister and storyteller, who wrote an original drama titled The Table: Bread. Wine. Betrayal. The production explores the stories behind the events of Jesus’ final days, touching on timeless themes of faith, friendship and betrayal.

The play will be presented at Shakespeare Presbyterian Church on Friday, March 27, 2026, and Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Community members are invited to take part in this amateur production, with auditions scheduled for Jan. 9 and 10, 2026. Both speaking and non-speaking roles are available. Rehearsals will begin on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. No theatre experience is required, just an interest and commitment in participating and being part of a meaningful community project.

Shakespeare Presbyterian Church hopes to bring members from surrounding churches and communities together to share in creating this powerful and memorable dramatization.

For more information or to book an audition, email Richard Smelski at rjsmelski@gmail.com.