Gospel Messiah: A Refugee Oratorio
Back By Popular Demand and with new material!
Get $5 off your ticket before October 1, 2026 With Promo Code EARLYBIRD
The Gospel Messiah started in Portland, Maine in 2025 inspired by a successful production in Los Angeles, CA by composer/musician Jack Maeby and theatrical director Carol Tanzman and was specifically reconfigured to make it more meaningful for the Portland community. More relevant than ever given the ever-increasing number of refugees seeking shelter worldwide, the recent and horrific campaign of terror instigated by our Federal government and executed by ICE, this theatrical production features local musicians, a core group of singers, and actors, 90% of whom are BIPOC, who tell the refugee story against the backdrop of Handel's music in a dynamic gospel interpretation to create a riveting musical experience on stage.
One of the essential questions that Gospel Messiah poses is: How does a community respond when, in essence, the going gets tough? Mainers have previously fought, and continue to fight for their at-risk communities. The way is fraught, at times dangerous, and frankly, exhausting. The soaring melodies and vocals of Handel’s Messiah help give solace as well as inspiration for Mainers to keep going; the fight is worth it. The unexpected gospel arrangements, steeped in African, African-American, and European musical heritages, brings community together in a surprisingly satisfying way. The stunning poetry of Moon Machar, serving as the Spirit Guide, gives us context and emotional resonance. The addition of a family leaving their beloved homeland to embark upon a precarious journey as refugees lends a human face to the situation.
The Hill Arts + Sweetfern Geometer are bringing you an exclusive offer: Multi-course dinner + show for just $100 per person = one unforgettable night!Come hungry. Leave inspired!Sweetfern Geometer is Portland's newest farm-to-table restaurant. Sourcing nearly all their ingredients from local farms, fisherman, and foragers, they offer elevated but unpretentious cuisine, creative cocktails and natural wine.Enjoy a seasonal, multicourse meal at Sweetfern Geometer and a performance of Gospel Messiah at The Hill Arts.This offer available now through September 28 and available for the following performances and times: October 16 or 17 | Dinner at 5PM | Performance at 7PMOctober 18 | Performance at 4PM | Dinner at 6PMOctober 23 or 24 | Dinner at 5PM | Performance at 7PMOctober 25 | Performance at 4PM | Dinner at 6PMTip & beverages not included.Proceeds support Gospel Messiah ProjectThank you for purchasing tickets to a show at The Hill Arts! We look forward to welcoming you.Please note: Your name will be on our will-call list at the door, so there's no need to print tickets. Doors open 60 minutes before showtime, unless otherwise noted.A $2.00 per-ticket service fee applies to all ticket purchases. Credit card processing fees are paid by the ticket purchaser.All ticket sales are final. The Hill Arts has a no-refund policy. If an event is canceled by The Hill Arts due to weather, performer illness, or other unforeseen circumstances, refunds will be issued.Thank you for supporting live arts. We'll see you at the show!
Price and availability may vary
Thank you for purchasing tickets to a show at The Hill Arts! We look forward to welcoming you.Please note: Your name will be on our will-call list at the door, so there's no need to print tickets. Doors open 60 minutes before showtime, unless otherwise noted.A $2.00 per-ticket service fee applies to all ticket purchases. Credit card processing fees are paid by the ticket purchaser.All ticket sales are final. The Hill Arts has a no-refund policy. If an event is canceled by The Hill Arts due to weather, performer illness, or other unforeseen circumstances, refunds will be issued.Thank you for supporting live arts. We'll see you at the show!
CONTRIBUTE A BIT EXTRA WHEN PURCHASING YOUR TICKET FOR GOSPEL MESSIAH: A REFUGEE ORATORIO. PAY IT FORWARD AND HELP SUPPORT THE GOSPEL MESSIAH PROGRAM!
EVERY EXTRA DOLLAR HELPS THE HILL ARTS CONTINUE TO BE ONE OF PORTLAND'S MOST INTIMATE, VIBRANT, AND ESSENTIAL PERFORMING ARTS SPACES. THE HILL ARTS IS HOUSED IN A HISTORIC CHURCH, WHICH BRINGS A LEVEL OF EXPENSES THAT TICKET SALES AND RENTALS DON'T COVER. THOSE UNEXPECTED COSTS CAN BE A REAL CHALLENGE FOR OUR SMALL ORGANIZATION. THANK YOU!
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