ROAD TO GLORY

Ohio Star Theater (OST) in Sugarcreek presents The Road to Damascus, a musical journey through the book of Acts, the first musical written, produced and scored exclusively by the OST team.

Responding to patron feedback, OST is giving the people what they've asked for — more Bible-based content. Since its inception in 2017, visitors have come to the theater from all over with expectations of high-quality productions, a professional cast and a positive, family-friendly message for patrons. The Road to Damascus will not disappoint.

"When OST started, an outside company produced the shows using our theater," Tammie McKenzie, artistic director, said. "Locals were becoming less and less interested in these productions. When Mike Miller became president of OST two years ago, he had a goal of bringing locals back to the theater and made changes that led him to this production premiering Wednesday, May 14, and running through Tuesday, November 4, 2025."

OST wanted to do a show they could build a tradition around, and one local theatergoers would enjoy while looking forward to similar content in the future. With so many Bible stories to choose from, the creative team at OST picked the book of Acts for the first production because of the opportunity for real storytelling.

"The production centers around Paul and his conversion in the early days of the church without the earthly presence of Christ," McKenzie said. "What was it like for the people of that time without Christ as their leader? We explore that from several different perspectives."

"The show tells the story of Paul and how he became a follower of Christ and offers the message for us to do the same," McKenzie said. "Even though we're talking about thousands of years ago, this story is just as relevant today. It was exciting to tell it in our voices and we're confident it will resonate with our audience."

And the OST voices that have worked so hard to tell this beautiful story include writers Joseph Sheridan and Ellie Zumbach, director Tammie McKenzie and composer Steve Parsons.

"Another thing that makes this show so special is that much of the staff is from Ohio and the Sugarcreek area," McKenzie said. "This gives us a special connection to our audience. We are thrilled to offer them something unique and even rare — a live Bible story told in musical form."

McKenzie promises The Road to Damascus brings this Bible story to life in a way they have never seen before.

"As Christians, we believe that we have been given a great commission by Christ to spread the word," McKenzie said. "In the book of Acts, we are introduced to the Holy Spirit who bestows gifts like wisdom and understanding that empower the people to do what Christ did on earth. We are telling this wonderful story of faith through music, dancing and singing in a show we know audiences will enjoy. We even have live animals on stage."

The Road to Damascus is structured like a Broadway musical right here in Amish Country. As a part of Dutchman Hospitality Group, OST guests can see the show and enjoy dinner and lodging in one convenient, inspiring getaway.

"People come from all over to visit Amish Country because it promises a quiet retreat," McKenzie said. "Just as in the book of Acts, there is much adversity in the world, and we all experience doubt. The Road to Damascus and future OST productions offer encouragement to continue our journeys to spread the word of Christ in our own lives. At OST, we're privileged to be a part of that for years to come."

Ohio Star Theater is located at 1387 Old Rt. 39, in Sugarcreek. For more information on OST visit the website DHGroup.com. For the best ticket prices, Ohio Star Theater advises purchasing tickets directly from OST, and not third-party websites. Call the box office at 855-344-7547.