Have you seen Jonah at Sight and Sound Theatre Branson?  This show has taken the town by storm, wowing both locals and visitors alike.  Combining the traditional biblical story of Jonah and the whale with modern production values, the show has created one of the grandest spectacles you can see in Branson.

The story of Jonah particularly appeals to families as even children are familiar with biblical tale.  The prophet Jonah was asked by God to help the city of Nineveh to repent their sins.  When Jonah refused and ran from this task, booking passage on a ship in the opposite direction of the wicked city, God responded with a violent storm.  Jonah eventually gets tossed into the sea, seemingly in peril.  However, instead of drowning Jonah is swallowed by a great fish – the whale – which God provided.   In the belly of the whale Jonah repents and cries out to the lord in prayer, begging forgiveness.  During this time, one of the bible’s most encouraging passages is delivered: “Salvation comes from the Lord.” (Jonah 2:9, NIV). 

Watching this emotional message come to life on the Sight and Sound Theatre stage is truly remarkable.  The show, which is a musical, features spectacular special effects, a large cast of 41 actors, giant sets, soaring vocals, and, of course, a huge whale.  There are some four-legged cast members as well, adding to the reality of the performance. Watch as alpacas, camels, birds, donkeys, cattle horses, sheep dogs, and even a zonkey (a cross between a zebra and a donkey) parade across the stage. 

The message of the show is one of forgiveness.  Musical selections, all of which are original songs, drive this theme home.  The audience seemed especially moved by “I Am Free,” which speaks of redemption.