The Table brings community together at Shakespeare Presbyterian Church

As audience members, Jean and Richard Smelski interact with a market vendor during rehearsal for The Table this past Sunday. Diane Danen photo

By Diane Danen

Richard and Jean Smelski were away on vacation and attended a church service where they experienced a dramatic presentation of The Last Supper. They describe the performance as deeply moving and truly life changing.

Long after they returned home, the impact stayed with them. Wanting to share that same meaningful experience with their own community, the couple began speaking with others about staging a similar dramatization.

Their vision took shape when 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, and Saturday, March 28. Community response has been exceptional, with all seats spoken for weeks in advance.

"The support we have received has been overwhelming,” Richard Smelski said.

Since rehearsals began in January, the production has brought together not only members of Shakespeare Presbyterian Church but also participants from nearby churches and the wider community. Cast members have been meeting weekly under the guidance of writer and director Fricker, with stage manager Shelley Jeary overseeing the production.

Rev. Rob Congram, minister at Shakespeare Presbyterian Church, joins several congregation members and other community participants in the cast. Sunday afternoon rehearsals have become a regular gathering, as the group works together to bring The Table to life later this month.

The entire Shakespeare congregation has played a part in supporting the production. Elder Don Burton took the lead in building the stage, assisted by several dedicated volunteers. Other members of the congregation have generously contributed props and are stepping forward to help with a variety of roles on the evenings of the performances.

The play itself is expected to be a great success, but it is the journey of bringing everyone together that has made it especially meaningful. More than just a performance, The Table has become a shared effort, uniting church and community members in creating a memorable experience for the entire community.