Musical in a Day: A Community Comes Together for “Zac”

In a remarkable display of musical talent and community spirit, around 40 members of Carleton Rode Baptist Church and surrounding areas in South Norfolk accomplished what many might consider impossible: learning and performing an entire Christian musical in just one day. On November 1st, this diverse group gathered to tackle “Zac,” the latest musical from renowned composer Roger Jones of Christian Music Ministries. Jones, who began writing Christian musicals in 1976 with “Jerusalem Joy” for his primary school students, has since created 25 musicals that bring biblical stories to life in fresh and engaging ways. “Zac” tells the familiar tale of Zacchaeus, the tax collector who climbed a tree to see Jesus and whose life was transformed by the encounter—a story of redemption that resonated deeply with both performers and audience members.

The ambitious “musical in a day” approach was led by Annie Routley and Paul Edwards from Christian Music Ministries. While some participants had familiarized themselves with the music beforehand—choir members singing along to the CD the previous week and instrumentalists receiving their sheet music in advance—the bulk of the learning and rehearsing took place within that single Saturday. Starting at 10 AM, the 30-person choir was accompanied by a diverse ensemble including three guitars, three violins, piano, drums, flute, and oboe. Annie, who arranged the musical, taught the songs while Paul kept everyone on schedule and provided continuous encouragement. The group worked diligently through the day, pausing only for coffee breaks and lunch provided by the church’s coffee shop staff, in what became not just a musical endeavor but a meaningful community experience.

What made this event particularly special was the diverse makeup of the participants. The choir and band consisted of people from various churches and communities across South Norfolk, united by their love of music and faith. They were joined by Linda and Jonathan from the Christian Music Ministries team in Birmingham, who served as narrators and soloists while also playing guitar. As Beryl Dawson from the church explained, “It was also a lovely time to get to know each other, and enjoy each other’s company, sharing our individual stories.” This sense of community was enhanced by the support team handling food, sound, technology, and venue management, demonstrating how such productions bring people together behind the scenes as well as on stage.

After just six and a half hours of learning and rehearsing, the moment of truth arrived when approximately 50 audience members gathered for the 4:30 PM performance. Despite the short preparation time, the performance came together beautifully. The musical conveyed the story of Zacchaeus with both humor and poignancy, using a mix of original compositions and familiar lyrics set to new melodies. The central message—that Jesus calls each person to “come down from whatever tree we are hiding in” to walk alongside him—resonated with performers and audience alike. The day held an unexpected surprise when Roger Jones himself made an appearance at the performance and read one of the narrator parts, adding an extra element of excitement to an already memorable day.

The impact of the event extended far beyond the performance itself. For many participants, the songs continued to “sing in their hearts” long after the day concluded. Beryl Dawson emphasized that the experience challenged everyone “to consider anew the message Jesus has for you in your life today,” highlighting how the arts can serve as a powerful medium for spiritual reflection and growth. The success of this “musical in a day” approach demonstrates how creative expressions of faith can bring communities together, breaking down barriers between different churches and traditions while creating meaningful shared experiences. It also showcases the accessibility of Jones’ compositions—designed to be learned relatively quickly while still conveying profound spiritual messages.

The Carleton Rode Baptist Church’s production of “Zac” illustrates the enduring power of musical storytelling in religious communities. For over four decades, Roger Jones has been creating musicals that allow people of all ages and musical backgrounds to engage with biblical stories in dynamic, participatory ways. This particular performance represents just one example of how his work continues to inspire and unite communities across the UK. As Beryl encouraged others, “If you get the chance to be part of one of Roger’s musicals, do give it a go.” The combination of singable music, meaningful stories, and the fellowship that comes from working together toward a common goal creates an experience that enriches both the performers and those who come to listen—demonstrating that sometimes, the most meaningful spiritual moments come not just from hearing a message, but from actively participating in bringing it to life.