Angels and Henchmen: VocalEssence Chorus and Ensemble Singers, God: G. Phillip Shoultz, III, Raphaella: Jamie Chamberlin, Raphael: Nathan Granner, Satan: Nathan Petersen-Kindem, Abdiel: Peter Aldrich, Belial: Joshua Conroy, Zophiel: Carey Shunskis, Messiah: JoAnna Johnson, Orchestra

SYNOPSIS
Preface: Paradise Lost recreates the biblical story of the first fall of mankind, a group of rebel angels in Heaven. Satan, one of God’s most powerful angels, grows angry when God creates the Son, proclaiming him leader. Satan asserts his own power, organizinga group of rebel angels against God, leading to the Angelic War.The Son defeats the rebels, who are cast into Hell. In an act of revenge, Satan concocts a plan to destroy mankind.

OVERTURE

ACT I
God, the Omnipotent, proclaimed to the Angels and Henchmen the plan of Satan to erect a throne equal to God’s. A battle ensued and Satan was defeated; but he swore to avenge himself and his army.

ACT II
A second battle began, more fierce than the first. God, seeing the ravages of war on Heaven sent the Son (Messiah) to drive them down to Hell. The Son, armed with God’s might rid Satan’s armies from heaven and the saints sang ‘hosanna’.

ACT III
On the third day the Son rode forth with his fierce chariots with tenthousand thunders in His right hand. After nine days of battle they drove Satan’s warriors down to the bottomless pit—”a bottomless serpent on his belly prone”! Then Messiah triumphantly returned to Heaven to meet all his Saints. Satan’s pride had cast him out from Heaven: Remember this and fear to transgress!