What a treat

I want to let you know how VERY MUCH we enjoyed your Eric Liddell show. What a treat for us!
--Christy An Bennett
Adjunct professor of History of Christianity
Alliance Theological Seminary
Inspiration for starting work on Beyond the Chariots

Second time

I was so moved by your performance on Saturday. It was great to see it a second time through, and I was so moved by your portrayal, particularly in one of the final scenes where Eric is talking with Mai Ker... It was a privilege and honor to have witnessed it again! Thank you!
--Claude Chew
Hartsdale, NY

More than a performance

You gave us much more than an exceptional performance. You gave us your heart and a love for people everywhere. What a talent you possess. What a blessing you are.
--Jill Morris
Community Relations Director
Greater Atlanta Christian School

Oscar award-winning quote

"Original"... "Touching"... "Well-staged".

These words best describe In All Circumstances and Feast of the Tabernacles, two very different presentations which successfully combine faith and theatre -- a rare feat!

—Robert M. Fresco

Academy Award-winning filmmaker for Chechoslovakia 1968

You livened it up

You made my weekend.  You livened it up.

--Gina Atkinson

Birmingham, England

after seeing Jonah and Harvey Silverstein

Heroic

"(Beyond the Chariots) was heroic and noble."
--Sam Witherington
Birmingham, England

If I could paint a picture...

I couldn't believe that a single man could project such a large picture.
--Hazel Brookes
Birmingham, England
After a performance of Beyond the Chariots

Short attention span

I can't sit through an entire movie. I have an extremely short attention span, but this play (Beyond the Chariots, http://BeyondtheChariots) really held my interest.
--Stacy V. Fields
White Plains, NY

Convinced

You convinced me every time you changed character.
--Dalores Wenzler
Milwaukee, WI
after seeing The Acts (http://RichDrama.com/Acts)

After Five Bells for 9/11

My husband and I were encouraged and filled with hope at the end of the evening.
Pam Hill
Pittsburgh, PA

Another anonymous post

I was at the presentation of "5 Bells for 9/11" at the South Hills
Church of the Nazarene in Bethel Park, PA. This performance was awe-inspiring and very moving. I wondered how the families of those who perished would feel, reliving these moments. My question was answered when Mrs. Ann van Hine spoke at the end of the program. She is evidence of God's healing power. I would encourage anyone who has not seen this to do so. I am thankful that Rich Swingle and Ann van Hine are using the gifts God has given them in this powerful way. May He bless them abundantly for their obedience.

an anonymous comment posted to RichDrama.com/NewsBlog

I was at the play on Tuesday, the 6th anniversary of 9/11. I couldn't even talk about it afterward because I was still "contemplating" it all. I was not as "teary-eyed" as I thought I would be, but I was deeply affected by the stories of hope. It was an amazing performance by Rich as he switched characters so quickly and did a phenomenal job. God was glorified as the stories unfolded and hope arose from the rubble. How I would love to see this again. But I feel so privileged to have been there and to have heard Ann van Hine and her testimony. It brings me to tears now as it is still so fresh in my mind, but they are tears of joy that God does not leave us in our misery, but that he provides hope in the midst of it all!! Thank you, Rich and Ann. You are truly messengers of the one true God.

An Olympic Performance

Rich Swingle marvelously intertwines history, culture, and religion through a host of characters with the main character's persona (Eric Liddell) exhibiting a cruciform way of life; true to life that even his still living daughters (i.e. Patricia, Heather and Maureen) would gladly attest to as they lost a father while others lost more than an Olympic hero for Swingle reminds us that Liddell was a man of humility and faith for the sake of others, the Chinese.
--John White

Definitely Worth Seeing

Rich Swingle is amazing in his capacity to communicate, involve and enthrall in his presentation of the life of Eric Liddell. The story has been diligently researched and brilliantly put together as a one-man play of diverse characters from a variety of ethnicities. It is exciting, dynamic, touching ... and true! Regardless of what else you may see in Edinburgh, see this!
--John Langlois
Australia

Powerful Play with a Personal Message

While the genre of one-man plays still needs to be explored by the general public at large, Rich Swingle's Beyond the Chariots does it more than justice by presenting not only an outstanding script and oustanding acting talents; it leaves you nourished and inspired with the story of this incredible Scotsman who truly traded the world for the work of serving his God. In viewing this play as an Off-Broadway production in New York City, I was struck by the technical difficulty of the assembling of this play into a cohesive and accessible plotline given the wide range of races, ages and backgrounds of the characters portrayed, yet Swingle pulls it off without a glitch, down to his excellent vocal control after running an imaginary (and very real) sprint during one of Liddell's running sequences in the play! But all that aside, one is touched by this moving portrayal of a humble and down to earth man who would willingly turn down the opportunity to run in the 1924 Olympics to remain faithful to his God because the race was on a Sunday. Such humility, committment and integrity is so rare today and Swingle portrays this beautifully! Liddell was a man who was willing to give up the world for following the Christ, that is Jesus. But in short, an excellent play! Exceptionally well crafted on so many levels!
--Claude Chew

Pasted onto a poster outside our theatre at the Edinburgh Fringe

Fantastic, believable performance, delivered with energy and emotion--Thank you!
*****

*****

This is a FAB show! It was fascinating to see the rest of the life of Eric Liddell, of "Chariots of Fire" fame; knowing it is a true story adds thought-provoking significance. Plus, as someone who has lived in Asia for four years, I am VERY impressed with the actor's grasp of Chinese language AND culture as he plays multiple roles! This is a show not to be missed--I saw it in the States first and would gladly see it again!

--Loch Winona, United States

from London

I have just returned from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, having seen Beyond the Chariots. I thought it was BRILLIANT and marvelously performed. I would like to know if there are any plans to perform it in London?
—Susan Beck

From a Dane in Oklahoma

About "Beyond the Chariots": "You made my year!"
--Colonel Vibeke Krommenhoek
International Youth Ministries Coordinator
Salvation Army

Beyond the Chariots: A Great Experience

I've never enjoyed anything so much in my life!
-- Maryann Andonian, Vancouver, WA

A breath of fresh air

(Your performance) was like opening a window and getting a breath of fresh air.
--Marge Kendall
mother-in-law of the late Mike Yaconelli

Five Bells for 9/11 on fifth anniversary

Many people commented on how helpful the service was to them and the excellent job you did. Three quarters of those in attendance were NOT from Grace so God has allowed us to truly reach out to the community.

--Karen Denaro
Minister of Worship
Grace Community Baptist Church
Washingtonville, NY

more powerful

 I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful job you did last evening.  You have changed "Five Bells" from the previous times I have seen it and it was even more powerful and more honoring to God.

--Ann Van Hine

Her late husband, Bruce Van Hine, is one of the characters in Rich's play Five Bells for 9/11

Fwd: Rich Swingle's CITA Workshop

We just wanted to thank Rich for the wonderful Sociodrama workshop  

at the CITA (Christians in Theatre Arts: CITA.org) conference!  A lot of wonderful techniques were shared  

and the impact of the improvisations created was really profound.   

Throughout the rest of the conference the participants would  

address each other as "family".  (Amazing bonding for such a  

limited time together, don't you think?)

Thanks again for this offering!

Continued blessings to Rich --

------------------------------------------------------

Cara and Tracie of Drawing Water

http://www.drawingwater.org

Re: Beyond the Chariots

Phenomenal!
--Charmaine Hunter
Choreographer, Celine Dion's dance troupe
former principle, Dance Theatre of Harlem
Cirque du Soleil

Impressed

Rich – I was impressed with your work as an actor and producer for Beyond the Chariots.  May God continue to bless your work in every way.

--Max McLean

Actor

(MaxMcLean.com)

Emmy Award Winner

"Get as many people in to see this as you can."
--Bobby Grayson
Emmy Award Winner

Which was better?

I can't decide which was better, the acting or the writing.
--Robert Fresco
Academy Award-winning film maker

So moving and beautiful

Dear Rich and Joyce,
May the Lord bless you for blessing us with "Beyond the Chariots."

It was so moving and beautiful. I sensed the Holy Spirit as Eric sang, "Be Still My Soul." I just loved all the energy and robust good humor that went into "Though Your Sins Be as Scarlet..."

The light and sets were so beautiful.

Rich, your energy was amazing.

What a treat to be blessed with this gift--We enjoyed the performance so much. I'm eager to see where it goes from here...to the Nations indeed!

Love always in Jesus,
Jim, Linda and Rebekah Warren

Authentic

I was so very privileged to see Rich's show this past Sunday in Winona Lake. FABULOUS. As a former teacher at an international school in Taiwan, I was impressed not only by Rich's exquisite acting and creativity, but also his authentic portrayal of Chinese culture!
--Amy Keith
Winona Lake, IN

Such meaning

Thank you so much for coming to our school and bringing us such inspiration and positive energy!! We all benefited from your visit. It was great to meet you and I'm so excited about the work that you do. Praise the Lord! I will pray for your continued success as you reach out to others. The students in my Drama and Grade 9 English Classes enjoyed your performance (of Beyond the Chariots) and felt honoured that they could provide feedback to you. What an amazing show with such meaning.

--Liz Gaiger

International Christian School

Hong Kong

Back to our roots

"Thus far all feedback has been very praising and grateful for 'A Clear Leading'. The general consensus is that you brought us back to our roots."

Tom Wolfe

Clerk, Religious Education

Adelphi Friends Meeting

A note from Hong Kong

"We so appreciated the work you did with our students and the opportunity to see your show (Beyond the Chariots). As I've read through my students' journal reflections on the workshops I'm blessed again at seeing how much, and how many different things, they learned from you.

"Thank you again for giving of yourself for our benefit -- and thank you for being a model for our students of how we can use our talents for God's glory."

--Susan Wade
International Christian School
Hong Kong

Beyond the Chariots: Authentic

"Great performance--authentic, moving, thought provoking!"
--Dr. James Hudson Taylor III
Great-grandson of Hudson Taylor, who founded the China Inland Mission, now Overseas Mission Fellowship International
When he was a boy, Dr. Taylor was in the concentration camp with Eric Liddell.

More interesting than Chariots of Fire

"This is going to blow you away! I've seen Chariots of Fire about 20 times, but I think this is more interesting."
--Chris White
Associate Pastor
Trail Christian Fellowship
Shady Cove, OR

About the Revelation

"I just wanted to tell you how much God used you today!!! I was so moved and still am. It is something that hasn't happened to me in such a long time; it was wonderful!!! Thank you for being His instrument."
--Jodi Penn
Hayden Lake, ID

thought-provoking

"Everyone enjoyed your chapel performance, of course. And it's clear
(from students' comments) that the 'sociodrama' segment in class was
thoroughly thought-provoking (in a very good way)."
—Alan Rathe
Professor of Worship
Alliance Theological Seminary

Views of the Manger

"The best preparatory celebration I've ever had for Advent. You exegeted the scriptures very well."
—Don Bubna
Coach, Consultant and Conciliator
Serving under Salem Alliance Church
Salem, Oregon

Masterful

The Revelation was masterful.

—Stephen Court

co-author of Be a Hero and Revolution

Anointed

A remarkable and very talented man of God, Rich Swingle is a NY actor and evangelist who is used mightily of the Lord through his many anointed one-man performances. He has taught and performed throughout the USA and in many countries, inspiring young people not only in the performing arts but also in their walk with the Lord. 

--Oona Goodman

NYC

High Energy

(Rich has) exuberance and high energy in the portrayal of several well-defined characters of the piece.  This guy is REALLY talented!

--Felicia Lopes

General Manager, Drama Desk Awards

President, 5 Stone Productions, LLC 

from a producer of Broadway's Swinging on a Star

"Rich's work not only has a dramatic appeal, but is spiritually nourishing, and that's quite a powerful combination. I like productions that raise people's consciousness and make a difference in lives. Rich does this singlehandedly."
-Kimberly Vaughn
Broadway producer, director, performer and teacher

After seeing an excerpt of Beyond the Chariots

"Good job."
--Tony Campolo, PhD
Speaker, Author, Sociologist

Post your own comment

If the presentations of Rich and/or Joyce Swingle have impacted your life feel free to post your own comment below.

Enacted Prayer in Toronto

Rich Swingle has been a staff member of our annual summer School of Music and Gospel Arts for the past two years and his contribution has been inestimable.

This past week he led more than 230 of us in 'Enacted Prayer' which was expressed several times throughout the 10-day event. Real life concerns and events were brought alive in these impromptu enactments. After a brief set-up we looked on in solemn silence as the 'actors' depicted a range of life circumstances needing remedy. We viewed in detachment the sickness, confusion and desperation we could not resolve on our own. Sometimes 'God' was seen to work a miracle in answer to our prayer. But, sometimes it was simply enough to release our cares and visualize how things were now out of our hands and placed into his.

This exercise was therapeutic both in the clinical as well as spiritual sense. I mean to say, for those who saw with their physical eyes only, these tableaus engendered hope and encouragement. To those able to see with spiritual eyes, release was gained, faith renewed and a measure of peace restored .

As camp administrator I can attest the benefit of healing and wholeness derived from Enacted Prayer. In my opinion it would be an engaging and powerful tool in any community whether faith-based or not.

Sincerely
Major Len Ballantine
Secretary for Music and Gospel Arts
Canada and Bermuda Territory

Enacted Prayer

"The enacted prayer was profound on many levels... The essential wordlessness ...was very powerful... Words are often just superfluous noise. Enacted prayer points people emotionally heavenward out of the abyss of circumstance. Enacted prayer reflects the process of prayer as outlined by St. Paul...that when we cannot pray, the Holy Spirit will pray for us and through us with groans that cannot be uttered."
--Connie Knighton M.T.S.
Clinical Member A.A.M.F.T.
Individual, Marital and Family Therapist

You inspired me

I appreciate your willingness to be radical for Jesus. You inspired me with your freedom to not hold back, to let loose and not let our traditions be a barrier for you to be free to worship.
--Dion Durdle
Grounded
www.GroundedWorship.com

Journey to the Garden (listed under short pieces)

That will stay with me for the rest of my life.
--Lydia Bayne
LaGrangeville, NY

From a former skeptic

"I really enjoyed your presentation.  I have been a huge Eric Liddell fan for years.  I must admit I was a little skeptical about coming to see your (play).  But I was deeply moved by the message of your piece and also by the professionalism of your presentation.  Thank you."
--Mark Branner
Director of Theatre Arts
Antelope Valley College in Lancaster,
California

Beyond the Chariots

I am still reeling from it as it was so profound.
--Dave Layne
Scarsdale, NY

Way to go bro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Martha (Graham) would have loved Rich's physicality, and his innate ability to maintain character and dramatic line throughout his performance.

- Steve Rooks, former Principal Dancer
Martha Graham Dance Company

Shine before men

Dear Rich,
I was so moved by your dramatic portrayal of the people who had come "Face to Face with Jesus." I could not help to think while you presented that these were perhaps some of the very people that Jesus told "Were the light of the World"! Your God given talents and gifts brought this thought to mind and I can only imagine how bright they did shine for Jesus after what He did for each of those you portrayed so powerfully! May your light continue to shine brother for His Glory!

Your blood brother,

Rod Mayer

Great stuff!!

I so appreciated your ministry at Pastor's Conference.  Great stuff!!
Faith Marsalli
Pastor
Klamath Falls Friends Church

re: The Acts

I thought you were Paul. I had to tell you how real it was.
-Andy Van der Wiele
North Haledon, NJ

from a review in England

It was exciting and provocative.
-Peter Lewis
"Rich recollection of Quaker 'hooligan'"
Hexham Courant, England (June 2, 2000)

Remarkable on a Number of Levels

I thought the Woolman play was remarkable on a number of levels. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of taking a stand for truth and justice. I liked the 'ordinary' aspects revealing [that] injustice can exist under our noses, forming the fabric of our lives. Simply because it is commonplace does not justify its existance or continuation.
-Sherrie Schulke, Professor of Sociology
George Fox University

From York, England

You gave us a wonderful performance of 'A Clear Leading' when you visited us at Pocklington School. The workshop you gave my Theatre Studies set the next morning was interesting and very useful, we speak about it often.
-Amy Greene, Student
Pocklington School, York, England

A Tour de Force

A tour de force.
-Joyce Taylor, CEO
Discovery Channel Network Europe

Happy with What God is Doing Through You

I am so happy with what God is doing for us all through you.
-Ellie Ellsworth, Artistic Director for the Eugene O'Neill Cabaret Symposium

A Gifted Couple

This is an incredible ministry of a remarkably gifted couple who use their talents and unity to emulate and communicate Jesus in a real and relevant way.
-Rev. Don McCracken
Single Adult ministries Director, Metro
New York District Church of the Nazarene

Israel TV Program

We had the pleasure of having actor Rich Swingle guest host on 'Y2', a Christian music video TV program for youth aired in Israel and the surrounding Middle East nations. His presenting was genuine and very humorous. Also his dramatic performances in Jerusalem were profound expressions of truth embodied with movement vocabulary that crosses cultural and language barriers touching the heart with the excellence of God's word and spirit.
-Richard Ayal Frieden, Producer
Heart Rock TV, Inc., Jerusalem, Israel

Great Characters

Really enjoyed your work. You do some great characters.
-Jeff Allen
comedian/actor

A Clearer Picture of God's Purpose

The writtings of the book of Revelation had always mystified me since I was a little girl, but tonight I was given a clearer picture of God's purpose.
-Sue Blish, former missionary to South America