Life of Jesus presented in dramatic portrayal

A dramatic presentation of "The Gospel of Matthew" will be presented at 7-9 p.m. Friday at St. Gall Catholic Church, 1343 Centerville Lane, Gardnerville.

Performed by Michael Reardon and directed by Patrick Lane, "The Gospel of Matthew" is a contemporary translation of scripture, proclaimed in the oral tradition of the early church, designed with music, lighting, and costuming.

A reception to meet the artists will follow the presentation.

Michael Reardon, a native of Anaconda, Mont., has memorized the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, as well as the Book of Revelation, and performs them dramatically worldwide. He is a native of Anaconda, Montana.

Patrick Lane, from Morrill, Neb., is a director, musician and lighting artist. He designed the special effects and wrote original music for the production, all of which is done live for each performance.

The book of Matthew is the first book of the New Testament and tells the life of Jesus from the viewpoint of the Apostle Matthew. This gospel includes familiar teachings of Jesus, such as the Sermon on the Mount.

Reardon and Lane have given more than 1,000 performances in cities throughout the United States, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Republic of China, Europe, and Israel. This is their second performance at St. Gall.

In Rome, they performed at the Biblical Institute of the Gregorian University, and at the American Church of Santa Susanna, and in Vatican City at North American College.

There is no admission charge, however an offering will be received to help cover expenses.

For more information, call the church at 775-782-2852.

For more on Reardon and Lane, and their company Into the Light Productions, go to www.gospels.org.