One of the highlights of The Salvation Army’s recent congress in the Western US, called The Gathering 2012, was the world premiere of a new musical written, staged, choreographed, acted and sung by Salvation Army officers and soldiers from the Southern California Division.

The musical is called Spirit! II: Empire and it’s the continuation of a wildly successful Salvation Army musical presented for the first time at Royal Albert Hall in London in 1975, called Spirit!

The first musical was written by two men who both later ascended to the top leadership role in The Salvation Army; General John Gowans and General John Larsson and told the story of the early Christian church from Pentecost onward.

:: Click here and here to read more about Spirit! and Spirit! II: Empire in our territorial newspaper, New Frontier.

:: Click here to see photos of the cast and here to see production stills.

The continuation was written by General Larsson’s two sons Kevin and Karl Larsson, and the lyrics were penned by a British Salvation Army officer named Major Malcom Westwood. It picks up the rest of the story of the early church, described in the New Testament book of Acts.

Spirit! II: Empire received rave reviews by everyone at The Gathering 2012. The music, costumes, choreography and acting were first rate. Broadway’s got nothing on The Salvation Army!

If you get an opportunity to see it, take it! If the show goes on the road, you can be sure I’ll post their tour schedule.

Congratulations to Kevin and Karl Larsson and all the talented folks in our Southern California Division who gave their time and talent to make Spirit! II: Empire possible.

Related posts:

1. Salvation Army nurtures young musicians
2. Sal Army Rose Parade Music Competition: vote for your favorite!
3. Fighting crime with Salvation Army founder William Booth
4. Salvation Army lingo, part 1.
5. San Diego Kroc holds 4th of July ‘Church at the Pool’

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