Indie songwriter and playright John Ludwig has written this 13 song musical that does justice to the start of "the greatest story ever told". One Night in Bethlehem unfolds and unpacks the Biblical narrative from the gospels of Matthew and Luke in a way that lifts the characters off the pages and into your heart. The approachable angel Gabriel (Gabe) brings God's messages to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the Wise Men and helps foil the forces of evil's malicious intentions against Jesus. God's plan for humanity's salvation starts with the unexpected people the world wouldn't choose who are called to these eternally remembered roles. It ends with a challenge for all of us to carry the story forward. John has this to say about the process and the results: "One of the themes in ONiB is that God's things happen in God's time - not ours. Before this cast recording became a reality, there was a single song a decade earlier, then one more and a plotline that brought us Gabe and Lu as protagonist and antagonist. Then a few years and the script and lyrics and music started happening. Then waiting and feeling I wasn't getting it done. The co-writes with Scott went out for years. A couple other albums happened. Life happened. But ONiB didn't. But then God's time did happen - and within a month this album was recorded. Listening to this, I hope you too will realize that when He gives you something this good, the waiting part of the journey is well worth it. One of the other themes in ONiB is the unlikely choices (by human standards) God makes for the 'starring' roles in his story. This writer certainly falls in that category and is eternally grateful to have been chosen to tell the start of salvation's story. This story of a savior baby is told in a way that is ultimately inclusive enough for those of any faith or even no faith to hear and perhaps start a journey towards Jesus. A final theme is bringing out the humanity of these well known names. Linking their humanity to yours so that you too realize you're part of the story. I can't say enough good to cover "thanks" to all the musicians, singers, and staff at TMC Studios who brought this recording to life with great care, great craftsmanship, great love, and glorious results. I hope you'll agree the wait was well worth it". Because it is about the Christmas story which many people know, and they will be interested to learn new things about the people involved. This musical is similar in style to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, with characters that are identifiable and personable. There are a number of musical styles that highlight and emphasize the characters who sing them. Typically, each song has a key word that reflects that/those characters role in the storyline. topically and musically songs vary as follows: A Little Past Old (Zechariah) Humorous News (Gabe) The News is blues! Yes to Love (Mary) Beautiful ballad Kicking Mommy in the Tummy (Mary, Elizabeth) Pregnant fun! I'll Give My All (Joseph) Stirring ballad of affirmation Rejoice (Zechariah, Elizabeth) Showy production number Room at the Inn (Innkeeper) Quiet guitar Glory was the Word (Shepherds) best night ever! Shepherds rockin' it! Love Hate Ambition and Power (Herod) Grungy evil at work Some Call us Wise (Wise Men) Haunting and melodic Pure Peace (Simeon, Anna) A peaceful duet Amazed Certain Sure and Believing (Joseph, Mary) Stirring duet of 2 special parents One Night in Bethlehem (Entire cast) Early Mumford-ish Americana The musical is full of hope and redemption for (in) the world, and many people are looking for hope. A couple verses from the title cut summarize it all: The heroes of this love story, are ones we wouldn’t choose But when the voice of the Lord appeared, not one of them refused Unlikely cast, unlikely path, on the road to eternity Why start the reign of grace, in such obscurity? When the Master is the servant, the world turns upside down God reveals his ways to be, so unlike our own Creator to creation, pure love, holy and divine Jesus, Messiah, with us, till the end of time