RichDrama - Blog , PlaysRichDrama - Blog , Playshttps://www.richdrama.com/blog/PlaysThu, 09 Apr 2026 05:29:36 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[SuperCentennial Celebrations]]>https://www.richdrama.com/blog/post/SuperCentennialCelebrationsThese pieces about three of our founding fathers are available for our nation's 250th birthday: “Thomas Jefferson Explains the Declaration” : On our 25t ]]>

Monologues for our 250th

These pieces about three of our founding fathers are available for our nation's 250th birthday:


“Thomas Jefferson Explains the Declaration”: On our 25th anniversary as a nation, our third President explains the Declaration of Independence, which he drafted. Some children are invited to the stage, so he can explain it to them… and so adults in our era can understand it better. 

“Something’s Brewin’ in Boston”: Rev. John Bacon stirs the crowd to join him at his church, the Old South Meeting House, where people will be gathering to plan the Boston Tea Party. Rev. Bacon reminds a modern audience that “the clergy of this colony understand the solemn charge laid upon us: to shepherd not only souls, but the cause of liberty itself.” 

"A Pastor Signs the Declaration": Rev. John Witherspoon, the sixth president of Princeton University, was the only clergyman to sign the Declaration of Independence. He reflects on the day and the importance of faith in our founding.

All three pieces are planned for the Museum of the Bible on the Third and Fourth of July this year for Intercessors for America’s Rededicate America — Celebrating 250 Years of Faith. 

"Something's Brewing in Boston" was first performed at the Council for National Policy in Boston, where “Rev. Bacon called upon Jenny Beth Martin (co-founder and national coordinator of the Tea Party Patriots) to help plan what would become possibly the most famous protest in our nation’s history. Unaware of the setup she leapt to her feet and yelled, “I’ll throw tea into the sea!” When Rev. Bacon asked Chad Connelly (founder and CEO of Faith Wins, “dedicated to education, activating, and mobilizing faith leaders…”) if he knew of any who would encourage pastors, he said, “I’m on it.” And when Rev. Bacon asked David Barton (founder of Wallbuilders) if he would pray that the Lord would raise up skilled historians, he said, “I love it.” 

Those luminaries may not be at your event, but I’d be thrilled to work in whoever is there! 

The pieces can stand alone or be combined. 


Each is about 15 minutes. 

Book a Performance
]]>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 15:50:20 -0400<![CDATA[Beyond the Chariots (Au-delà des Chariots)]]>https://www.richdrama.com/blog/post/beyond-the-chariots-au-delà-des-chariotsFor English: www.RichDrama.com/blog/post/BeyondTheChariots Le film Chariots de feu, récompensé par quatre Oscars, raconte comment Eric Liddell a refusé de courir le 100 mètres aux Jeux olympiques de Paris en 1924 parce qu'une épreuve de qualification avait lieu un dimanche.]]>

For English click here.


Le film Chariots de feu, récompensé par quatre Oscars, raconte comment Eric Liddell a refusé de courir le 100 mètres aux Jeux olympiques de Paris en 1924 parce qu'une épreuve de qualification avait lieu un dimanche. À la place, il a couru le 400 mètres, une course dans laquelle il n'était pas censé se classer. Il a terminé avec cinq mètres d'avance sur le favori, remportant l'or et battant le record du monde. La pièce de Rich Swingle, Beyond the Chariots, reprend là où le film s'est arrêté, montrant Eric dans sa plus grande course, en tant que missionnaire dans une Chine déchirée par la guerre. 

Nous sommes ravis de présenter la pièce en Europe cet été pour célébrer le centenaire du record du monde de Liddell sur 400 m aux Jeux olympiques de Paris en 1924. C'est la première fois que les Jeux olympiques sont accueillis par une ville à exactement 100 ans d'intervalle, et cela met Liddell sous les feux de la rampe.

Voici les dates de notre tournée :

NYC
June 22, 2 p.m. (t)

Beyond the Chariots

Theatre 315
315 W 47th Street
Manhattan


Portglenone, Northern Ireland

28 June - 2 July
29 June, 4 p.m.
Big Top
29 June, 7 p.m. 
Big Top
Excerpts from

Frankfurt, Germany
4 July, 8 p.m. (German translation slides)
"Jonah" and "Gideon" from  Big Fish Little Worm
Mosaikkirche
Kruppstr. 98
 
Paris, France
6 July, 11 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. (t)
Centenary of Eric Liddell preaching in the Scots Kirk
Scots Kirk

Edinburgh, Scotland
11 July, 12:30 p.m.
Centenary of Eric Liddell's world record in the 400m 
Brief excerpt from
The Wellbeing Lunch
The Eric Liddell Centre

Edinburgh, Scotland
11 July, 3 and 6 p.m.
Centenary of Eric Liddell's world record in the 400m 
Morningside United Church
15 Chamberlain Rd, Edinburgh EH10 4DH

Leith, Scotland

Kilsyth, Scotland
14 July, 3.30 p.m.
Kilsyth Burns and Old Church

Chantilly, France
July 18, 6.30 p.m. (t)
Three hours after an Olympic torch exchange there


Paris, France
20 July, 19h 45 (t)
Protestant Evangelical Chinese Church
102 avenue Jean Jaures, 93500 Pantin

Paris, France
24 Juillet, 20h (t)
l'Eglise Evangélique Baptiste 
Vie Nouvelle de Noisy
23 Avenue du Général de Gaulle,
93160 Noisy-le-Grand

Paris, France
                      27 Juillet, 20h (t)                     
Excerpts from Beyond the Chariots
Vernissage
l'Eglise Evangélique Baptiste de Paris
48 rue de Lille 
75007 Paris

Paris, France
                      3 Août, 20h (t)                      
l'Eglise Evangélique Baptiste de Paris
48 rue de Lille 
75007 Paris
Participation libre

Paris, France
 4 Août, 10h 30 
Un sous-titré en français
Eglise Apostolique de Paris
115 rue Lamarck, 75018

Paris, France
10 August (t)

17h45  Ouverture des portes

18h00   Apéro de bienvenue

19h00  Pièce de théâtre avec Rich Swingle

21h00  Témoignages

Paris Épicenter 
24, rue Antoine-Julien
Hénard, 75012, Paris
15€
Limited seating

(​​t): Un sous-titrage sera disponible dans la plupart des salles en français, en chinois traditionnel et simplifié, en coréen, en espagnol, en tamoul et (si demandé) en hongrois. 

La bande announce a été filmé à l'Expo à Singapore en 2010...
Nous avons déjà présenté la pièce à Pékin, Dan Dong (Chine), Hong Kong et Macao pendant les Jeux olympiques de 2008, à Vancouver pendant les Jeux olympiques de 2010, à Singapour pendant les Jeux olympiques de la jeunesse de 2010 et à Londres pendant les Jeux olympiques de 2012. Nous l'avons également présenté aux États-Unis, en Malaisie, à Singapour, à Taïwan et en Corée.

Des articles
The Shanghai Daily: "The Flying Scotsman's China days"
National Catholic Reporter: "Rich Swingle acts out his ministry"

Le spectacle est vraiment saisissant.
La présentation de l’Évangile est claire!
--  Pascal Vermès 
Grand admirateur d'Eric Liddell!

I’m not sure which was better: the writing or the acting.
—Robert Fresco
Academy Award-winning filmmaker for Chechoslovakia 1968

At the Christian Worldview
Film Festival, 2016.
Courtesy Evergreen Media Productions.

I was moved by how you used Isaiah 40 in the afternoon. My guess: around the very moment that Eric was speaking 100 years ago!

A friend wrote to me…”It is crazy to think all this happened from one decision.” 

The power of our decisions for good can leave such an impact on people’s lives.

It was his willingness for complete surrender and his offensive of love.

Rich, you captured Eric so well. Your love and respect for him shone through. You are such a talented actor - you live the roles you play.

I thought the script was clever, tight and extremely well put together. I appreciated each twist and turn. I stayed on to see the second performance. 

There were so many clever lines that showed you have lived with this for so long and you really knew him.

And brother your accents are amazing…they never felt awkward. You are very talented.

--Marty Woods, founder

www.France1Million.world


We all need a reminder of what God can do through a devoted soul, and there is no better way to draw close to that than by watching Rich Swingle perform this miraculous one-man show. It's not just the layers Rich brings out of the characters, not just his command as an actor playing multiple roles, it isn't just the fine writing -- it's that God's spirit is present from beginning to end as Rich draws us into Eric Liddell's heart. I marvel at the depth of this performance and the power in this play. As a former runner, I loved how the intensity of running was captured on a small stage. Beyond the Chariots will take you through joy, pain, and redemption with laughs along the way. What it will not do is leave you untouched.
--Joan Bauer, novelist
Author of Hope Was Here, Stand Tall, and Rules of the Road
Awards include: Newbery Honor Medal, the LA Times Book Prize, the Christopher Award

...a fine story, lovingly and energetically told.
—The Scotsman

...the acting capabilities on show in this one-man show...were...astounding...
—ThreeWeeks

It is hard to tell a story as a single actor involving multiple characters - ambitious always, but Rich brought clarity and had a strong point of view throughout. His character work is really good and as always, his dialects are wonderful!
—John Forbes
Actor, Director, Producer
TV, Film - Stage - Off-Broadway, NYC

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

Get everyone to see this that you can!
—Bobby Grayson
Emmy Award-winning makeup artist for Saturday Night Live

I was impressed with Rich’s work as an actor and producer for Beyond the Chariots.  Every moment was skillful.
—Max McLean
Actor

Great performance--authentic, moving, thought provoking! Beyond the Chariots grips you with Eric Liddell’s story of success to significance. 
—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.

(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

If you need an event that will inspire believers in Christ, draw seekers to Christ, entertain all and amaze everyone, this is it!
—Susan Somerville Brown
Closing company of CATS on Broadway

What an incredible performance!!!  We were highly entertained and inspired!
—Mark D. Rasche
Co-Founder, CEO
Wise King Media
Adventum, Johnathan Park Audio Adventures

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

Swingle's one-man, high-energy, hour-long play...won him many hearts.
—David Nadeau, The Capital, Three Hills, Alberta, Canada

I cannot possibly express how much last night's event moved me, apart from your amazing talent and marvelous dramatic presentation. Having never known my father, I have... looked for authentic experiences that confirm my impressions of him as a man. "Beyond the Chariots" made you feel the intensity and the "blood, sweat and tears" of my Father's life. It was wonderful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Sincerely
—Maureen (Liddell) Moore

Rich's depiction of Eric Liddell's continued story is POWERFUL! I was instantly drawn into Eric's journey and was touched by his ministry, and the twist at the end. Only God!
--Becky Bartlett
Actress

For more photos click here.
For photos from the performance
at Alistair Begg's church
click here. And for those at the 
College of Officer Training click here.

More about Eric Liddell

There are two booklets about Eric Liddell in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics: 

    J.John, an evangelist, author, and broadcaster, wrote "Race of Your Life."

    Graham Daniels and Jonny Reid wrote "Racing for Glory."


For a list of books by and about Eric Liddell visit www.EricLiddell.org/about-eric-liddell. 

For more comments about Rich's work visit our Quotes page.

]]>Fri, 19 Jul 2024 16:54:52 -0400<![CDATA["Hudson Taylor Invests in China"]]>https://www.richdrama.com/blog/post/HudsonTaylorThis is my one-person sketch on Hudson Taylor, and I'm so blessed with how it turned out! We filmed it at the Christ Over Career National Kickoff in New York City.]]>

And Speaks to Christ Over Career

This is my one-man sketch on Hudson Taylor as performed at the Salvation Army's Territorial Arts Ministry Conservatory: 

]]>Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:59:20 -0400<![CDATA[Alien Immigration Training]]>https://www.richdrama.com/blog/post/AlienImmigrationTrainingAlien Immigration Training is geared toward youth. It is based on the idea that we are either aliens to God's grace, or if we have accepted that grace, we are aliens to this world. There is also a version appropriate for public schools and other secular settings.]]>

Alien Immigration Training is geared toward youth. It is based on the idea that we are either aliens to God's grace, or if we have accepted that grace, we are aliens to this world. There is also a version appropriate for public schools and other secular settings. In fact the play was selected for a performance in Jordan in May 2011 as a part of CITA to the Nations, which Rich helped to lead.

Rich uses his physical comedy skills, often compared with Jim Carrey, to portray a number of different aliens, such as the Rage, the Pride, and the Hate, that can often emerge from us, as we struggle to survive in this world. It is an interactive program in which audience members give Rich the scenarios that are most helpful to them in exploring life on this planet.

Photos Courtesy of Charlie Jones of Peculiar People...



Click on photo to download a higher resolution image for publicity purposes. Also pictured: Thomas William Sieberhagen

For more comments about Rich's work visit What people are saying.

For more on Rich's work, visit RichDrama.com.
Book a Performance
]]>Sun, 30 Apr 2023 14:31:10 -0400<![CDATA[Views of the Manger]]>https://www.richdrama.com/blog/post/ViewsOfTheMangerRich's Christmas program begins with the story of Abraham, using his covenant with God as a look forward to how Christ would come and be the covenant keeper. It also tells the stories of Zechariah and Elizabeth, Gabriel, Joseph, the innkeeper, and the three wise men.]]>

In NYC, Epiphany Eve, 2017.
For more images click:
Views of the Manger
Rich's Christmas program begins with the story of Abraham, using his covenant with God as a look forward to how Christ would come and be the covenant keeper. It also tells the stories of Zechariah and Elizabeth, Gabriel, Joseph, the innkeeper, and the three wise men. These one-person sketches bring comedy and pathos to the greatest story ever told.

Rich performed the play in Cuba, so there are Spanish translation slides available if that would benefit your group. 

Joyce can supplement the play with her two short Christmas pieces, "The Shepherd's Daughter" and "The Consecrated Prophetess".

Running time: 60 minutes, or as short pieces.

Here's what 5-year-old Riley had to say about 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

Your performance was a gift.
--Emmanuel Lobato, Yonkers, NY

This was performed on the other side of the wall from what is believed to be the actual manger in which Jesus was born:

Our guide to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem said it's over 9 out of 10 probability that it's the actual manger because a Byzantine church is built over a little chapel, or grotto, enclosing a stone manger. That chapel is the oldest church on earth that is still being used. It was built within 100 years of Jesus' death, so it was the grandkids of those who were there that identified it as The Spot. This was a part of CITA to the Nations, a trip to Jordan and Israel to teach theatre arts to students in Amman, Jordan, and to perform pieces where they took place in both countries.

© Copyright 1994 and 2011 by Mac Nelson and Rich Swingle

For more comments about Rich's work visit What people are saying.

Book a Performance or Ask Questions
]]>Sun, 30 Apr 2023 14:27:13 -0400<![CDATA[The Revelation]]>https://www.richdrama.com/blog/post/TheRevelationThe Revelation is a dynamic portrayal of the last book of the Bible. The drama is a one-person play which can stand alone or be surrounded by music and original art. The premiere was for a standing room only crowd of over...]]>
For more photos click here.
The Revelation is a dynamic portrayal of the last book of the Bible. The drama is a one-person play which can stand alone or be surrounded by music and original art. The premiere was for a standing room only crowd of more than 400 at the County Center of Westchester, New York. It has since been performed at the national drama conference hosted by Lillenas Publishers, was featured Off-Broadway at The Lamb's Little Theatre.

The Revelation was performed in Sydney, Newcastle and Melbourne, Australia as a part of a tour that included performances of Big Fish Little Worm in New Zealand. It started at Congress Hall in downtown Sydney with the Sydney Staff Songsters celebrating their 20th anniversary.

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

I remember seeing Rich perform this back in the day at The Lamb's Theater. "The Revelation" is a stunning, contemporary, and vivid work that exceeds every expectation. It's as though John himself is personally sharing his vision with you and every mystery is revealed.
--Dr. David Wallace
Internationally-touring musician
Grammy-nominated performer
Award-winning composer

You are truly amazing, praise God for his incredible gift to you. What you ministered at Camberwell was significant - it was all part of what he's working at Camberwell, in the Army and in Melbourne! It was great to see you again and to meet Joyce, and I really just wanted to thank you for your example and for Christ shining so powerfully through you! I'm praying for his continued blessing on you and Joyce and your ministry! Come back to Aus soon!
--Nikki Capp
Territorial Mission Development Director
The Salvation Army - Australia Southern Territory

I’ve never seen The Book of Revelation brought to such vivid life.
—Sam Perna
Production Team for Christmas Grace

Thanks for the wonderful contributions you made to our Worship Arts Retreat last weekend at Camp Wonderland. Everyone was blessed and inspired by your performance, instruction, and humble spirit. I hope our paths will cross again in the future - hopefully when we can attract a bigger audience to witness your consecrated skills.
--William Himes
US Central Territorial Music and Gospel Arts Secretary
The Salvation Army

What a PERFECT way to begin our study (of Revelation)! Thank you. You broke the ice for me by removing much of the fear and trepidation I have felt in the past with this study. I have entered it with a completely different attitude: One of excitement and expectation, knowing my Lord is victor over all. All praise to Him. I have to tell you that I truly felt the Spirit move that morning. I sat with tears running down my cheeks and when the closing song was being sung and we were able to see your shadow dancing freely, I cried even more.
--Tana Loibl
Hayden Lake, Idaho

I've had the great privilege of witnessing your ministry at a Salvation Army music camp in Canada about 10 years ago. I recall your performance on Revelation as John. That awesome ministry and performance has been a great influence. Thank you.
--Peter Park

You had such an impact on the folks here at Bethel.
--Richard Smith (recalling Rich's performance three years earlier)
Pastor
Bethel Baptist Temple
Livonia, MI

Wow!! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! ...in my 75 and 1/2 years I have seen hundreds of sermons and plays, but I have never seen anything like that. Rich brought the character of John so alive and to portray the book of Revelation in the way he did was absolutely amazing.
--Christian
Ocala, FL

This video can be customized for your venue...

For more comments about Rich's work visit What people are saying.
If you've seen The Revelation, feel free to leave a comment below...

Book a Performance
]]>Sun, 30 Apr 2023 14:22:29 -0400<![CDATA[Five Bells for 9/11]]>https://www.richdrama.com/blog/post/FiveBellsFive Bells for 9/11 is a memorial to those who died and to those who were wounded physically and emotionally on that infamous morning. The play tells the stories of three people who were directly impacted...]]>
Five Bells for 9/11 is a memorial to those who died and to those who were wounded physically and emotionally on that infamous morning.

Photos courtesy of Ken Bizzigotti of
Times Herald-Register.
The play tells the stories of three people who were directly impacted: Bruce Van Hine, a fire fighter for Squad 41; Lana Ho Shing, a mutual funds specialist for Morgan Stanley, and Father Brian Jordan, a Franciscan priest at the Church of St. Francis.

I've written this piece in such a way as to leave the audience with new, healing memories linked to those that still wound us. Ann Van Hine, the wife of one of the characters in the play said, "We shouldn't be coping, we should be hoping." It is my deepest desire that this play will bring hope and healing to those who experience it.

Arrangements can be made for the play to be performed live in your community. 

You can also schedule Ann Clark Van Hine, the widow of one of the characters in the play, to speak after the performance, and/or have Dominick Crincoli play the song he wrote for the play, "I Will Respond." Dominick could also perform a mini-concert and/or worship service after the play, with or without his band.

I wrote an article about Ann Van Hine: Twenty Years After Our Darkest Day the Light Still Shines. 

The article was based on this interview with Ann at the 9/11 Memorial: 
I wrote a second article, Memorials of Answered Prayers on 9/11, based on the following interviews:

Gretchen B. tells how Holy Spirit prompted her to pray atop the World Trade Center days before 9/11...

Frank Silecchia talks about finding the Healing Cross of Ground Zero...


Photo courtesy of
Frank Silecchia, who discovered
the Healing Cross of Ground Zero.
The play was performed in or near NYC on the tenth and near the fifteenth and twentieth anniversaries, and Off-Broadway at The Lamb's Theatre on 9/11/02.

That was lovely. Thank you.
--Robert M. Fresco
Academy Award winning filmmaker
Checklosovakia 1968

This show should be done ESPECIALLY on Memorial and Veterans Day. On the latter two official national holidays - we remember those in uniform, but with Sept 11th....Rich’s show reminds us that we must also remember civilians who wore a uniform of 'HONOR'...like the man who ran towards the towers and not away.
-- Cheryl Felicia Rhoads
The voice of Liberty the Eagle in Star Spangled Adventures
Ben Carson's American Cornerstone Institute
www.LittlePatriotsLearning.com

Rich, thanks so much for such a powerful and moving performance and message.
--Melanie M. Jeschke 
 Author of The Oxford Chronicles and Jillian Dare

Wow. I remember being at MasterWorks a year or so after 9/11 and seeing this drama. There wasn't a dry eye in the room - the all guys row behind me was sniffling all throughout. I wish I could see it again, but it made a deep impression on me, and brought healing to our group. Thank you for sharing your gifts.
--Lauri Koenig
violin instructor
Wirth Center for Performing Arts
St. Cloud, MN

Thank you for such a great performance. I lost my friend who was a firefighter. Your performance and sensitivity meant the world to me that night.
--Sara Kronemann
NYC
(After Five Bells for 9/11 performed in NYC on 9/11/11)

Rich's play is wonderful, and as the years pass it becomes more important, because now we have a generation that wasn’t born… I was actually born just ten years after World War II, and as a kid learning about World War II, even though my Mom had grown up in World War II, I thought it was as far back as the Revolutionary War. Like it was so long ago, why are these people still talking about it. And I think that’s our challenge. The Bible tells us to tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of our Lord and Savior. This play spreads his glory.* And we need to tell them the God stuff and the history stuff as well. We need to make sure they know.
--Ann Van Hine (widow of Bruce Van Hine, whose story is featured in the play)
*That line quoted in the Times Herald-Register.
Ann said the rest during her talk following Rich's performance commemorating the 15th anniversary of 9/11.

A powerful, powerful performance by Rich Swingle commemorating 9/11 and the unexpected heroes. ... and grab a box of kleenex. 
--Susan Shearer 
Producer, Actor

I watched your 'Five Bells for 9/11' with great interest (and EMOTION). My California community sent me to 9/11 where I worked directly next to Ground Zero to provide sanitation, healthy food and liquid supplies for the NYFD Fireworkers, NYPD and New Jersey's 'Wall of the Blue', EMT's, and so many others because the Red Cross and Salvation Army supplies and personnel 24/7 demands each month afterwards were rapidly depleting. Like everyone else, I worked 22/7 (two hours sleep) for months whereby in between those triple shifts God opened the door to train at the Billy Graham Crisis Center in order to offer Grief Counseling to assist our public servants whose minds, memories, and entire lives were shipwrecked with tumultuous oceans of PTSD. Inside the front cover of my Bible holds one of my most cherished reminders for ongoing prayer to this day: the signatures of those Firemen and NYPD and NJPD I was privileged to assist.
--Barbara X Smith
Master Instructor
Hoffmann Learning Research Institute

Click for more comments about Rich's work.
Book a Performance
]]>Sun, 30 Apr 2023 14:11:39 -0400<![CDATA[Beyond the Chariots]]>https://www.richdrama.com/blog/post/BeyondTheChariotsThe four-time Academy Award-winning film Chariots Of Fire tells how Eric Liddell refused to run the 100 meters in the 1924 Paris Olympics because a qualifying heat was held on a Sunday. Instead...]]>
The four-time Academy Award-winning film Chariots Of Fire tells how Eric Liddell refused to run the 100 meters in the 1924 Paris Olympics because a qualifying heat was held on a Sunday. Instead he ran the 400m, a race in which he wasn't expected to place. He finished it five meters ahead of the favorite, winning the gold and breaking the world record. Rich Swingle's one-man play, Beyond the Chariots, picks up where the film left off, showing Eric in his greatest race, as a missionary to war-torn China. 

We took the play to Europe to celebrate the centennial of Liddell's world record in the 400m at the 1924 Paris Olympics. That was the first time the Olympics were hosted by a city exactly 100 years apart, and it put the spotlight on Liddell in some big ways.
​​Translation slides are available in French, Spanish, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, Korean, Tamil, and (if requested) Hungarian. 

In the past we've brought the play to Beijing, Dan Dong (China), Hong Kong, and Macau during the 2008 Olympics, Vancouver during the 2010 Olympics, Singapore during the 2010 Youth Olympics, London during the 2012 Olympics, and Paris during the 2024 Olympics, 100 years after Liddell broke the world record at the 1924 Paris Olympics. We've also brought it to Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival, Northern Ireland for Summer Madness, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Korea.

If your group needs a translation we don't have yet we can set up a common document so you can have a number of people working on it simultaneously, which can allow for a very speedy process.

If available, accomplished pianist Timothy J. Mercaldo can play music from Chariots of Fire before, during, and at key moments in the play.

Running time: Just over one hour, though a 45-minute version is available if necessary.

Watch the play at the Singapore Expo
Articles
The Shanghai Daily: "The Flying Scotsman's China days"
National Catholic Reporter: "Rich Swingle acts out his ministry"

Le spectacle est vraiment saisissant.
(The show is grabbing.)
La présentation de l’Évangile est claire!
(The presentation of the Gospel is clear!)
--  Pascal Vermès 
Grand admirateur d'Eric Liddell!

I’m not sure which was better: the writing or the acting.
—Robert Fresco
Academy Award-winning filmmaker for Chechoslovakia 1968

I cannot possibly express how much last night's event moved me, apart from your amazing talent and marvelous dramatic presentation. Having never known my father, I have... looked for authentic experiences that confirm my impressions of him as a man. "Beyond the Chariots" made you feel the intensity and the "blood, sweat and tears" of my Father's life. It was wonderful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Sincerely
—Maureen (Liddell) Moore

Thank you - that was extremely moving and effective. It was remarkable. 
— Sir Iaian Torrence
Pro-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, Honorary Professor of Early Christian Doctrine and Ethics at the University of Edinburgh, President and Professor of Patristics Emeritus at Princeton Theological Seminary, and a former Extra Chaplain to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Scotland. He was formerly Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland, and Dean of the Order of the Thistle
He sent the note after seeing Beyond the Chariots at Morningside United Church (where Liddell taught Sunday school and spoke from time to time while in university) on the centenary of Liddell breaking the world record in the 400m.

At the Christian Worldview
Film Festival, 2016.
Courtesy Evergreen Media Productions.

I was moved by how you used Isaiah 40 in the afternoon. My guess: around the very moment that Eric was speaking 100 years ago!

A friend wrote to me…”It is crazy to think all this happened from one decision.” 

The power of our decisions for good can leave such an impact on people’s lives.

It was his willingness for complete surrender and his offensive of love.

Rich, you captured Eric so well. Your love and respect for him shone through. You are such a talented actor - you live the roles you play.

I thought the script was clever, tight and extremely well put together. ...so subtle that even though I saw it four times I still saw new things! 

I appreciated each twist and turn.

There were so many clever lines that showed you have lived with this for so long and you really knew him. 

And brother your accents are amazing…they never felt awkward. You are very talented.

--Marty Woods, founder

www.France1Million.world


We all need a reminder of what God can do through a devoted soul, and there is no better way to draw close to that than by watching Rich Swingle perform this miraculous one-man show. It's not just the layers Rich brings out of the characters, not just his command as an actor playing multiple roles, it isn't just the fine writing -- it's that God's spirit is present from beginning to end as Rich draws us into Eric Liddell's heart. I marvel at the depth of this performance and the power in this play. As a former runner, I loved how the intensity of running was captured on a small stage. Beyond the Chariots will take you through joy, pain, and redemption with laughs along the way. What it will not do is leave you untouched.
--Joan Bauer, novelist
Author of Hope Was Here, Stand Tall, and Rules of the Road
Awards include: Newbery Honor Medal, the LA Times Book Prize, the Christopher Award

...a fine story, lovingly and energetically told.
—The Scotsman

...the acting capabilities on show in this one-man show...were...astounding...
—ThreeWeeks

It is hard to tell a story as a single actor involving multiple characters - ambitious always, but Rich brought clarity and had a strong point of view throughout. His character work is really good and as always, his dialects are wonderful!
—John Forbes
Actor, Director, Producer
TV, Film - Stage - Off-Broadway, NYC

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

Get everyone to see this that you can!
—Bobby Grayson
Emmy Award-winning makeup artist for Saturday Night Live

I was impressed with Rich’s work as an actor and producer for Beyond the Chariots.  Every moment was skillful.
—Max McLean
Actor

Great performance--authentic, moving, thought provoking! Beyond the Chariots grips you with Eric Liddell’s story of success to significance. 
—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.

(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

If you need an event that will inspire believers in Christ, draw seekers to Christ, entertain all and amaze everyone, this is it!
—Susan Somerville Brown
Closing company of CATS on Broadway

What an incredible performance!!!  We were highly entertained and inspired!
—Mark D. Rasche
Co-Founder, CEO
Wise King Media
Adventum, Johnathan Park Audio Adventures

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

Swingle's one-man, high-energy, hour-long play...won him many hearts.
—David Nadeau, The Capital, Three Hills, Alberta, Canada

Rich's depiction of Eric Liddell's continued story is POWERFUL! I was instantly drawn into Eric's journey and was touched by his ministry, and the twist at the end. Only God!
--Becky Bartlett
Actress

More about Eric Liddell

There are two booklets about Eric Liddell in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics: 

    J.John, an evangelist, author, and broadcaster, wrote "Race of Your Life."

    Graham Daniels and Jonny Reid wrote "Racing for Glory."


For a list of books by and about Eric Liddell visit www.EricLiddell.org/about-eric-liddell. 

For more comments about Rich's work visit our Quotes page.

Book a Performance
]]>Sun, 30 Apr 2023 14:02:33 -0400<![CDATA[Journey to the Garden]]>https://www.richdrama.com/blog/post/JourneyToTheGardenThis event invites each audience member to become a disciple and travel with Jesus from his baptism to the Garden Tomb. Slides from Israel of the actual places these events are believed to have taken place are the backdrop of the greatest story ever told.]]>
Performance in Amman, Jordan.
The crucifixion scene in Amman, Jordan.

This event invites each audience member to become a disciple and travel with Jesus from his baptism to the Garden Tomb. Slides from Israel of the actual places these events are believed to have taken place are the backdrop of the greatest story ever told.

This is one of Rich's most flexible pieces, and he will work with your team to create a Maundy Thursday, Good Friday or Easter service your group will never forget. Since audience members join the Lord in the upper room, you can host it as a foot-washing service and special communion year round, or let it stand alone as a play.

It can be staged in such a way that audience members recline at table as they would have in the first century.

Running time: 15-60 minutes.
More Photos

I am so thankful that you came to call us to remember the Journey to the Garden ... and all that our Lord accomplished for us in His great love. It was a wonderful evening. The chairman of the Elders left me a message last night that he had never been in a service that had impacted him so powerfully. He thought it was the best communion service (and Good Friday service) that he had ever attended and thanked me deeply for having you come. That sort of response has already been coming in this morning as well. So thanks for allowing God to use you. May this fruit remain!
--Sparky Pritchard
Senior Pastor
Immanuel Baptist Church
Richmond, VA

Rich, your performance was an utter balm and joy to witness! Konstantine is 2 and I didn’t expect him to watch intently but he started crying so sadly as you played Jesus being tortured. Balderich, 5, was so into the performance and could understand what was going on very clearly! Thanks again for making it come alive for us!!
--Christina Vincent
Actress, Writer, Educator

This will stay with us forever.
--Ron Flodquist
Oxford, CT

The Scriptures came alive in a deeper way!!  I will be playing these scenes over and over in my memory during this Passion Week!  Glory to God!!

--Nancy Rife

Prayer Leader for Intercessors for America

Director of the Upper Peninsula House of Prayer at Father’s Heart Church in Ishpeming , Michigan

Well done! Very powerful! May all those who watched it be filled with thanks and amazement at the love of Christ for us at the cost of His life. May they all remember the true meaning of Easter. 🙏❤️🙌

--Cathi Scorcia


From the founders of the Creative Arts Fellowship, which hosted Journey to the Garden outdoors when they were both performing for the St. Louis Symphony...

We were all mesmerized by watching Rich (as Jesus) enacting the story of the crucifixion and the resurrection up close and personal. It brought the whole story to life for us in a new and meaningful way; especially when God showed up to create the storm with lightning, thunder, and a tornado! What will God do for you when you experience this wonderful work? Come and see!
--Paula Kasica

Christ's tomb was empty. Will yours be?
--John Kasica

Journey to the Garden
in Jerusalem

This site just outside the wall of
Jerusalem is believed to be near where
Jesus was crucified: Golgotha, or
The Place of the Skull. A number of
skulls were found here. This image is
one of many backdrops for
Journey to the Garden.

Here's a video we can customize for your church to let them know Rich is bringing Journey to the Garden to your community:

For more comments about Rich's work visit What people are saying.

If you've experienced Journey to the Garden, feel free to leave a comment below...

For more on Rich's work visit RichDrama.com.

Book a Performance
]]>Sun, 30 Apr 2023 13:42:50 -0400<![CDATA[Big Fish/ Little Worm]]>https://www.richdrama.com/blog/post/BigFishLittleWormThe stories of Jonah, Gideon, Jeremiah and Lazarus come to vibrant life under a theme of hearing God's voice and responding. This is Rich's first creation, and he's been doing the Jonah piece since 1992.]]>
For more photos click
here.
The stories of Jonah, Gideon, Jeremiah and Lazarus come to vibrant life under a theme of hearing God's voice and responding. This is Rich's first creation, and he's been doing the Jonah piece since 1992.

Running time: 7-60 minutes (with narration woven throughout).

Korean and German translation slides are available. If your group needs a translation we don't have yet we can set up a common document so you can have a number of people working on it simultaneously, which can allow for a very speedy process.

The play lets us look at a familiar Bible story (Jonah alone) in a new way, giving us some insight into the humanity of Jonah and the reality of how God deals with his people.
—James Masters, Ph.D.
Playwright

Wow. We laughed so hard! Our eldest was close to the stage when the whale "vomited" Jonah out. He could not believe how high you jumped from all fours! Slapping each other with the fish was GREAT! Everybody laughed and thought that was great. Thank you so much for putting character and skin to the Bible. We seriously hope to see you again.
Blessings,
Zack and Dawn and children
San Antonio, TX
(Jonah, from Big Fish / Little Worm, was performed at the Christian Worldview Film Festival, 2014)

THE BREAKDOWN
At Portland, Oregon's Newmark Theatre.
"Jonah," is the central piece of Big Fish / Little Worm. Because of the water theme of the piece, it has been performed on shores. Once, Rich performed the piece on Lake Michigan. When Jonah pointed to Ninevah, he was pointing to Chicago!

Running time: 20 minutes.

"Sheepish" tells how Gideon hears God’s voice and responds...eventually.

Running time: 7 minutes.

"The Potter" tells how God molded Jeremiah, the “Weeping Prophet.”

Running time: 7 minutes.

"Lazarus," by Sean Gaffney (Rich has written the others) is a comedic piece detailing the events of Lazarus, as he awakes to his own stench.

Running time: 7 minutes.

Sia and I just watched your "Sheepish" piece on Gideon and we were mesmerized by your performance. YOU are one talented dude! So tonight,  we will have our "Midionite" snack.......CHARGE!!!!!!!! BRAVO to your performance.
Peace,
—Stephen and Sia Tofanos
White Plains, NY

For more comments about Rich's work visit our Quotes page.
If you've seen Big Fish / Little Worm or any of the stand-alone pieces feel free to leave a comment below...


Rich performs Jonah at the inaugural Christian Worldview Film Festival, San Antonio, TX. Photo courtesy Jaclyn Hall.

Rich's performance at George Fox University had a miraculous response:
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]]>Sun, 30 Apr 2023 13:37:14 -0400