DANIEL LIVE

DANIEL LIVE is a live broadcast in theaters of a stage play about the Jewish prophet who was taken captive to Babylon in 605 BC and became an advisor to one of the most powerful kings in the ancient world. DANIEL LIVE is a superb, spectacular production with strong performances and a Christian, biblical message that links prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures to the first coming of the Divine Messiah, Jesus at the beginning of the Christian era 2000 years ago.
As recorded in Chapters One to Six of the Book of Daniel in the Bible, the prophet is taken to King Nebuchadnezzar’s powerful and luxuriant kingdom of Babylon. There, Daniel eventually becomes an advisor to the King. The production takes Daniel from his captivity to his interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, the trial of his three friends by fire, the revelation of truth to a iteral beats man, and Daniel’s survival in the den of lions. Daniel also lived to see the great works of his God in the Persian Empire.
DANIEL LIVE shows the power of these ancient narratives in a novel way. As such, the stage play has strong, effective production values. It translates well to theaters equipped to showcase its visual impact. The actors are largely well chosen for their roles, with those of Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar being outstanding. The boisterous and possibly bipolar king Nebuchadnezzar II the Great is as madcap and magnetic as he is in Scripture and recalls the liveliness of the character from the notable 1972 stage musical, IT’S COOL IN THE FURNACE. Song lyrics are drawn largely from the Bible and are therefore epic and utterly fitting. Scenes of dreams and their interpretation are well imagined and translated. Magnificent sets, such as the lavish Ishtar Gate of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, and a truly fearsome den of ravening lions, set the stage for viewers to enter the world of Babylon and the Book of Daniel. Only one imposition of an extra biblical character in the sorceress Lilith mars the play’s historicity. A good sense of humor throughout is both uplifting and poignant.
DANIEL LIVE reminds audiences in a spectacular way of the power of these stories and the Storyteller who wove them into the fabric of history. The production has a strong Biblical, moral worldview with strong references to Jesus. In the story, Daniel and his friends struggle with the “depressing” nature of the prophesies of Jeremiah, the “Weeping Prophet.” However, they are reminded by the Prophet Ezekiel that God does not dwell in temples made by men but is the King of the cosmos. He can make dry bones come alive. Also, if the people of Israel return to God, He will restore their land.
DANIEL LIVE powerfully uses the refrain of Jeremiah 29:11, where God calls his wayward people to repent and return to him. “For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.” Even though the Hebrews sinned against God with a high hand (Numbers 15:30), He extends his love and mercy to them. Other outstanding bits of biblical theology woven into DANIEL LIVE are the clear connections the play makes from Daniel, Jeremiah and Ezekiel to the coming of the great Prophet, the Lord Jesus Christ. The play makes these connections with lots of heart and soul. Thus, viewers can hear the words of these three Old Testament prophets and are pointed directly to the Prophet, Priest and King, “one like a son of man” (Daniel 7:13), Jesus Christ, who fulfills all the prophecies. All authority and sovereignty will be given to this Messiah, according to the follow-up verse, Daniel 7:14, a clear prophecy that the Messiah will be divine.
DANIEL LIVE has some disturbing situations and mild violence. Movieguide® advises caution for young children for these minor concerns.