A Review: Something Greater
Photo by Anita Hord
By Nancy Bryan-Ellison
From the moment the first note rang out, Something Greater felt like a production far bigger than its modest five-week rehearsal window. I had the rare privilege of having a “front-row seat” to its journey from concept to stage—helping with everything from casting calls to promotional graphics—and I can honestly say that what opened on stage looked and felt like the work of a company with months of preparation, not weeks.
It wasn’t without its hurdles. Casting an impressive group of young adults for a complex, original biblical musical is no small feat. There were last-minute role changes, a tight timeline, and the sheer ambition of bringing to life an imagined excerpt from the “Lost Book of Nathan.” But this cast and crew didn’t just rise to the challenge—they soared. The teamwork was palpable, creating a production that felt seamless and alive.
Written by FUMC Plano member L. Kim Ross, with music by Ross and our own Director of Worship Arts, Robin Kaufman Anderson, this original work weaves scripture, history, music, imagination, and drama into a story that feels both ancient and urgent. Though rooted in biblical history, the production’s creative mix of modern dress and ancient imagery made the story feel startlingly present. King David in a suit and spectacles and Nathan the Prophet in Nikes, carrying a black briefcase, brought the characters into our world, while the all-white apparitions evoked a timeless, spiritual realm.
While the entire company brought depth and energy to the stage, three performances stood as pillars of the musical’s success:
Elbert Haney, a Music Education major at Collin College, opened the musical with a strong, clear solo that set the tone for the evening. Though many of his roles were brief, each was performed with precision and presence—especially his portrayals of Young King David and the Apostle Paul. As Young David, Haney’s playful energy and musicality lit up the stage; as Paul, his passion and authority commanded it.
Griffin Shoemaker (King David) brought both authority and humor to the role. His David could roar with righteous anger one moment and disarm with sly wit the next. One particularly memorable scene came as he described his vision of the temple to his wife, Shey—equal parts comedy and sadness—revealing a king both proud and human. Having known Griffin since he was a child, it was a joy to see him come full circle in such a demanding role. His dual connection to the church—as both actor and staff member—added a special note of pride for me personally.
Hudson Donnell (Nathan), a senior at Wylie High School, anchored the story as our narrator and trusted guide. Tasked with both telling the story and living within it, Donnell delivered with wisdom, warmth, and grounded authority. He gained my trust immediately. In the second-to-last scene, his delivery of the line, “Things change. That doesn’t change everything. Perhaps it is not that everything happens for a reason, but that God can create reason out of everything,” will be a moment of truth that stays with me for a long time.
And among these seasoned professionals was Haley Villaruel, a University of Texas at Austin graduate and first-grade teacher in Richardson ISD. This was Haley’s first performance in a lead role and as a soloist. Her portrayal of King David’s wife, Bathsheba (known as Shey in the production), was sweet and kind, embodying a strong matriarch of reason. The show also explored some dramatic history about Shey’s marriage to King David, including the murder of her first husband—a gripping storyline that added intriguing depth to her character.
At its heart, Something Greater is more than a work of historical imagination. It’s a story about navigating change, finding purpose in the unexpected, and trusting that God’s plans—even when they differ from our own—are greater than we can imagine. This production not only told that story—it lived it in its creation. And in that way, the team behind Something Greater delivered something greater than even they may have envisioned: a piece of theatre that inspires, entertains, and leaves the audience reflecting long after the final bow.
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If Something Greater moved you, please consider supporting our music and arts ministries. Your generous donations help us continue creating meaningful productions that inspire, challenge, and bring our community together. To give, please CLICK HERE and choose MUSIC MINISTRY from the drop-down menu. Every gift, big or small, makes a difference. Thank you for helping us bring stories like this to life!
