What People Are Saying

Redemption and laughs

2009-06-12T14:50:00.001-04:00

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: Newbery Honor Medal, the LA Times Book Prize, the Christopher Award

After performances in a public high school

2009-06-10T21:20:00.001-04:00

The kids had a great time. When I asked one teacher what she thought of your performance, she smiled and said one word - "Phenomenal!" I see you as highly energetic, creative, polished, engaging, and invigorating. When I watch you perform "Beyond the Chariots" and your opening of Les Mis ("The Fall"), I find myself reflecting on human nature, man's inner struggles, and his quest for true peace. Your life and work radiate love for mankind. May you continue to be used as an instrument of grace to inspire the multitudes.

--Cindy Sebring

English Teacher

Annandale High School

Annandale, VA

What a gift

2009-06-08T13:56:00.002-04:00

What a gift you have been given, Rich. You are one amazing and extremely talented performer. What you shared at the conference within worship was quite powerful and so well done. Then, at the conference's end, I returned home with your DVD and watched your performance of Beyond the Chariots and it blew me away. I was indeed again impressed with your complete presence to each and every character portrayed.

With best regards,

Jane Wellford
Associate Professor of Performing Arts
Elon University

The Power of Theatre

2009-03-05T23:01:00.002-05:00

Thank you for an outstanding presentation. Thank you for reminding me of the power of theater for the effective presentation of the Gospel.

--Rev. Ron Singleton
College Chaplain & Director -- Christian Education and Leadership Program
Limestone College
Gaffney, SC

passion for his work

2009-02-19T11:52:00.001-05:00

I met Rich over this weekend at a Worship Arts Retreat through my
church that was held in Wisconsin and I have to say Rich is one of the
most genuinely nice guys I've ever met. He has passion for his work as
an actor and he loves the Lord. It was a pleasure to see him doing His
(God's) work and eating lunch with him was a pleasure; he is such a
nice guy!
--Brian B
Warren MI

Insightful

2009-02-19T11:44:00.001-05:00

Rich did his "Views from a Manger" one-man play for our church, Lagrange Christian Assembly in Lagrange, IL, this past Christmas. I really appreciated the fact that he was able to weave deep Biblical truths into the fabric of this very entertaining performance. i.e. One of Rich's many characters points out that, understood in the cultural context of Abraham's day, God's action of walking through the pieces of the sacrifice while cutting covenant with Abraham designates that God himself is the covenant keeper. This role was usually reserved for the lesser king in the covenant who had the burden of keeping to the terms of the covenant or bearing the consequences.
This was a wonderful foreshadowing of how God made himself less as a baby in a manger in order to bear the burden of keeping his covenant with mankind, on the cross. It was an energetic and insightful performance.

--Renee R

Encouraged to do what we do

2009-02-18T14:12:00.001-05:00

Rich,

Thank you so much for coming today to share with us. You truly encouraged me to keep doing what we do! It is such a great honor to have you open yourself up for our questions! Its great. I will be praying for the movie, please keep us posted on its development.

Thanks again.

Romans 10:15 <><

In Him

Corie Savage

Theatre Ministry major

North Greenville University

Tigerville, SC

www.ngu.edu/theatre

Connecting with the drama ministry class

2009-02-17T16:22:00.002-05:00

Rich,

Thank you so much for stopping in to our Drama in Ministry class. You are always a delight and the information you shared was very helpful and encouraging to my students (and me as well!).

We will be checking out your blog & website updates... can't wait to hear about how the film is coming along.

You have been an inspiration to my students and I thank you for your work for the Lord.

Go in Peace, Live in Grace, & Trust in God's Love
Corrie Eddleman
Assistant Professor of Theatre
North Greenville University
Tigerville, SC
www.ngu.edu/theatre
http://CorrieEddleman.com

3rd time

2009-02-12T11:13:00.001-05:00

The Acts on Thursday was awesome. Though it is the 3rd time I've seen it performed, the Holy Spirit was moving like it was the first.

--Sandy Rodriguez

White Plains, NY

Re: A Clear Leading

2009-02-02T13:18:00.001-05:00

I enjoyed your play so much. You are truly blessed from God with an
incredible gift.
Robbin D Copenhaver
Meridian, ID

For information on A Clear Leading, visit http://RichDrama.com/AClearLeading

After a drama workshop

2009-01-30T11:25:00.001-05:00

Thanks so much for doing the drama workshop at the seminary. The folks who came felt really blessed and thoroughly appreciated what you shared with them. Grace & peace as you continue your phenomenal ministry.
--Dr. Carole Spencer
Director of Friends Center
Adjunct Professor of Church History and Spiritual Formation
George Fox Evangelical Seminary
Portland, OR

All my life

2008-12-24T01:22:00.001-05:00

"I've been studying the Bible all my life and I've known all these facts, and I've known them to be true, but this was a most beautiful presentation of the people as they probably were. It made the mental pictures that I've had come to life in this enactment.
--Carol Ernst,87 years old

Her new Hero

2008-11-28T17:47:00.001-05:00

After watching Olympic Hero in China, my 23 year old daughter Annie says Eric Liddell is her new hero for the quality of the life he led. I heard her telling a friend about Eric, and she said, "He led an amazing life!"
Paul Cozby
Theatre Guide for http://About.com

Amazing

2008-11-24T11:46:00.002-05:00

The documentary was amazing! I love Eric Liddel, and I truly appreciated hearing from so many people who were involved in his life.
--Jen Stuck
Nyack, NY

Blessed and Inspired

2008-10-25T08:14:00.003-04:00

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

Committed

2008-10-10T14:59:00.001-04:00

As an actor, Rich is very sensitive to the text and intentions of the role and is very committed to involving every aspect of his body and mental process towards building the character. As a writer, he knows exactly what he wants to get across and tends to find the most efficient and effective way of doing that, while also being open to making revisions, seeing what works and what doesn't work.

--Brandon Langeland

Portland, OR

What a treat

2008-03-01T09:28:00.001-05:00

I want to let you know how VERY MUCH we enjoyed your Eric Liddell show. What a treat for us!
--Christy An Bennett
Adjunct professor of History of Christianity
Alliance Theological Seminary
Inspiration for starting work on Beyond the Chariots

Second time

2008-02-26T17:53:00.002-05:00

I was so moved by your performance on Saturday. It was great to see it a second time through, and I was so moved by your portrayal, particularly in one of the final scenes where Eric is talking with Mai Ker... It was a privilege and honor to have witnessed it again! Thank you!
--Claude Chew
Hartsdale, NY

More than a performance

2008-02-13T15:05:00.000-05:00

You gave us much more than an exceptional performance. You gave us your heart and a love for people everywhere. What a talent you possess. What a blessing you are.
--Jill Morris
Community Relations Director
Greater Atlanta Christian School

Oscar award-winning quote

2008-01-19T06:40:00.001-05:00

"Original"... "Touching"... "Well-staged".

These words best describe In All Circumstances and Feast of the Tabernacles, two very different presentations which successfully combine faith and theatre -- a rare feat!

—Robert M. Fresco

Academy Award-winning filmmaker for Chechoslovakia 1968

You livened it up

2007-12-13T09:45:00.001-05:00

You made my weekend. You livened it up.

--Gina Atkinson

Birmingham, England

after seeing Jonah and Harvey Silverstein

Heroic

2007-12-11T14:03:00.001-05:00

"(Beyond the Chariots) was heroic and noble."
--Sam Witherington
Birmingham, England

If I could paint a picture...

2007-12-11T14:02:00.001-05:00

I couldn't believe that a single man could project such a large picture.
--Hazel Brookes
Birmingham, England
After a performance of Beyond the Chariots

Short attention span

2007-10-31T15:39:00.001-04:00

I can't sit through an entire movie. I have an extremely short attention span, but this play (Beyond the Chariots, http://BeyondtheChariots) really held my interest.
--Stacy V. Fields
White Plains, NY

Convinced

2007-10-20T13:58:00.001-04:00

You convinced me every time you changed character.
--Dalores Wenzler
Milwaukee, WI
after seeing The Acts (http://RichDrama.com/Acts)