Snapshot: Bible’s Last Supper Comes Alive

Jesus’ final gathering with his disciples came to life with a Living Last Supper production at Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. May St. in Aurora.

Co-directors of the church's first such production, Jim Merk and Meredith Lindgren, church members, said the cast comprises 13 congregation men in period costumes.

The production is based on a script by Ernest K. Emurian.

The set is based on Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, “The Last Supper,” a late 15th century muralpainting in the refectory of the convent of Santa Maria della Grazie in Milan, Italy.

The painting represents the scene of the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples, as told in the Gospel of John, 13:21

A musical interlude featured the Chicago Classic Stings and a combined choir of singers from WUMC and Fourth Street UMC, both in Aurora.

Bill Nelson of Aurora directed the musicians.

Costumes are courtesy of First Presbyterian Church, Aurora.

Cast members are:

Aurora: Mike Rumple, narrator; Fred Neumann, apostle Matthew; Ralph Brian, Nathaniel; Dave Studdard, James; Bruce Lindgren, Andrew; Asa Gaiter, Judas; Steve Slaughter,Thaddeus; Bob McKnight, Philip; Herb John, John; J.T Connell, Peter; and Sanath Cristanujaya, Jesus.

North Aurora: Larry Miller, Simon the Zealot

Oswego: Jonathan Akyea, James the Lesser

Sugar Grove: Rich Brown, Thomas

Lighting and set construction was by Jim Merk, Wally Loague, Dick Arcus, Bill Garbe, and Joe Stoffel.

Thank you to Al Benson for the photo and information.