The musical, CELEBRATE LIFE! was first released in 1972. It
achieved almost instant success as a youth musical in an era of big
youth choirs wearing red, white and blue outfits, and using new
performance enchantment called a tape track.
CELEBRATE LIFE! differed from most other youth musicals in its
subject matter. It did not deal with specific youth problems, but
centered on the life of Jesus and the effect He had on those with whom
He made contact. The story is told by Mathew, Mark, Luke and John,
with other characters appearing in musical testimony: Mary, the mother
of Jesus, the woman who had been sick for 12 years, and the humorous and
lovable three kings.
Unlike most other musicals, CELEBRATE LIFE! did not simply run its
course and go out of print. It has remained popular since its
debut. Its longevity is due in large part to its rare versatility.
It is performed simply with choir and narrator, or used as the core of a
grand pageant |