I hesitated to write this review as it is easy to see a couple of dozen before mine...and most of them rating the show "excellent". But, I felt I needed to be honest as a TA contributor. I realize I'm going to be in the minority here, but I hope my track record on here will at least lend some credibility and I won't be "crucified" for not agreeing with previous reviews entirely.

Let me say first that as a Christian, I am always thrilled anytime someone is trying to get out the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I believe the folks involved with The Miracle have that as one of their goals. I applaud that! So, my critique of this production will not be as a hostile person but as a member of God's family.

That said - here goes.

This show alternates between powerful and silly. The quality of the contents is inconsistent. The technology and effects are superb - even breath-taking in some parts. Creativity is evident.

I don't want to give away too much of the show, but I want to point out the positive and the negative:

Positive - The opening scene is captivating and gripping!

Negative - there are some historical and theological gaps and mistakes that to a real student of the Bible will be glaring. I won't give them away...but if you know your Bible they will be obvious.

Positive - The voices are strong and amazing. Some of the songs are original and well done.

Negative - some lyrics are shallow and a few don't really have much meaning.

Positive - The man playing Jesus ( Mr. Sanborn) did a masterful job during the crucifixion scene.

Negative - Mr. Sanborn at times portrayed Jesus is almost flippant. There were a few scenes when he had an awkward grin that did not match the mood of the scene. He tried so hard to m ake Jesus human that it became foolish a time or two.

Positive - The Gospel message was very clear

Negative - Jesus appeared weak and sniveling in a couple of scenes.

Positive - the live animals were a real plus - especially in the captivating nativity scene! Breath-taking!

Negative - The angel costuming was confusing - both heavenly and fallen angels had similar costuming at different times.

When I consider the ticket price ( one of the most expensive in Pigeon Forge) I hesitate a little to recommend it. But, I think it's worth seeing at least once. I probably would not go back to this particular production again.

Having seen some performances at Sight & Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA and comparing the two venues, Sight & Sound blows them away. But, The Miracle Theater has the potential to be equally as good or better. I think they need a historical advisor to help with the scenes where cultural things are incorrect. And, more importantly, they need a theological advisor to tweak some of the inaccuracies that move the scenes away from Biblical accuracy. I understand needing to take some license in order to stage, but as an amateur I sat there thinking of easy ways they could have constructed the scenes in question to be more aligned with Scripture.

Again - I finish with best wishes to this hard-working cast who gave it their all. I thank God for this effort and I look forward to continual improvements for this great opportunity!

Phenomenal! My family has now seen this six times - my 6 year old son now runs to get a costume and play either Jesus or Lucifer all the time. He knows every line of every song. This is the best, the most powerful musical I have ever seen -- and of course, it is the most important because of the subject. I thought it impossible to match Brian Miller's depiction of Lucifer, his mischievous and slightly tongue-in-cheek and clearly "loving it" style from Season Two, but Lester (Rolly?) as the new Satan for 2008 is superb, too -- darker, meaner, probably more true to reality - I mean, we really shouldn't like Satan at all but I thought it interesting to be somewhat drawn to Satan since he can disguise himself as an angel of light. David Sanborn's depiction of Jesus is, I believe, spot on and such a relief from usual depictions of Jesus as hardly a man's man, pale, ineffectual, milk-toast -- which He clearly is not! Peter and Judas and well, every one, really, large roles and small, are just phenomenal. God has truly touched these folks and given them His power to perform this so well. Be sure to purchase these people's CDs and DVDs in the gift show -- they are GREAT!!!! Bravo!

The Miracle production was the highlight of our Christmas 07 trip to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge. Broadway caliber, reasonably priced, live animals, great music, inspirational and thoroughly evangelical . We are very glad we went and recommend it completely.

This was an incredible show. I have seen 14 Broadway plays in NYC and I feel this show tops all that I have seen. I highly recommend seeing The Miracle. I will return with my favorite friends and I will treat them to this show.