7/12/2023
Performances and Artists
Twenty years ago, acclaimed composer Keith Thompson found himself working on a show unlike any other.
A director friend had suggested adapting a live show from a book by author Dr. Robert J. Landy, which compiled his interviews with more than 500 kids worldwide about their interpretations of God.
“Because it was all different cultures and religions and races and nationalities from all over the world, the differences (in the kids’ insights) were very pronounced,” says Thompson, lauded for his work as music director for “Jersey Boys” and “Hairspray” on the Las Vegas Strip. “Put all that together, and it really becomes fascinating.”
Along with Dr. Landy and creative director Greg Ganakas, Thompson helped transform this collection of global perspectives into “God Lives in Glass,” a powerful stage production interweaving dance, orchestration and singing.
With the lyrics taken directly from the children’s interviews, the show ranges from hilarious to poignant to inspiring.
“What we came up with was something we felt was very important,” Thompson says. “We don’t promote any doctrine or ideology. We don’t comment on it. We just let everybody see it.”
And with Thompson’s energizing and emotional music, the show also proves highly entertaining.
Audiences of all ages will enjoy this show, Thompson adds, whether it prompts personal revelations or simply makes them dance in their seats.
“What ‘God Lives in Glass’ does is reach into the community and lets people explore their commonality, as well as their differences,” Thompson says. “It will mean different things to different people, but it really is a uniter, than rather a divider.”
A Show Packed with Top Vegas Artists
“God Lives in Glass” will deliver a bevy of powerhouse performances by beloved Las Vegas artists.
Ever since Thompson began presenting the show here several years ago, he says, many Vegas entertainers have called him asking to participate.
“It’s about the experience of all of us joining together,” he says.
This production’s star-studded vocalists will include: Broadway stars Jimmy Lockett and Niki Scalera, Kristen Hertzenberg (former star of “Phantom — The Las Vegas Spectacular”), Christine Hudman Pardy (former lead singer of “La Reve” at Wynn Las Vegas), headliner Tony Arias and many more.
The show will also feature acclaimed pianist Philip Fortenberry, whose storied career includes performing with 10 Broadway musicals, as well as playing Michael Douglas’ piano double in HBO’s Liberace biopic “Behind the Candelabra.”
“We’ve taken a beautiful incarnation of this piece, and we share it and create something that hopefully is reaching out into our community,” Thompson says.
Inspired by Broadway Hit
Everyone will find a tune in this show they like, Thompson emphasizes.
That’s because the songs span almost every genre, including pop, rock, blues, reggae, rap and gospel.
Thompson drew inspiration from Broadway hit “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” he says, because of its wide range in musical styles that appeals to a broad audience base.
A variety of musical stylings also proved essential for “God Lives in Glass,” he adds, in order to portray the starkly different cultural and individual perspectives.
“That’s why (this show) is good for families — it can spark conversations between parents and children and siblings,” Thompson says. “It’s going to be interesting to hear many different perspectives about this.”
SEE THE SHOW
“God Lives in Glass” runs at 3 p.m. on Sunday, August 13 – for tickets, CLICK HERE.