The Cast of "The Amazing Jerusalem Makeover" - 35 in all, between the ages of 5 and 58.
The Narrator introduced the setting, with Jerusalem broken down and many Jews living in Persia.
"Their beautiful city of Jerusalem needed some major work... But so did their hearts."
A Jewish grandfather in Persia sings about wanting to go home to Jerusalem to his granddaughter.
The scene flashes back to Jerusalem, where residents sing about their broken down wall.
They long for Jerusalem's glory to shine bright again.
But for now, their city is broken down and in ruins.
Longing for a new Jerusalem...
In Persia, Nehemiah - the cup bearer to King Artaxerxes - greets his brother Hanani, who has returned from a visit to Jerusalem.
Nehemiah is saddened when he hears that Jerusalem's wall is broken down, and that the gates have been burned.
Nehemiah agrees to ask King Artaxerxes for help, but realizes that He must ask God for help first.
"Oh Lord our God, You're faithful to your promises, loyal to your servants who obey..."
Nehemiah finishes praying and turns, remembering and longing for Jerusalem.
Later, citizens of Susa enter for a banquet thrown by the king and queen.
King Artaxerxes welcomes everyone as the servants hand out cups.
He praises his city of Susa - "For there's no other city that's even half as pretty, or has such reputation and renown!"
Everyone notices that in the midst of the celebration, Nehemiah is looking sad as he attends to the king's needs.
The party-goers still enjoy singing and toasting, however!
The King and Queen quite enjoyed themselves, thanks to the attentions of the Jewish servant girls.
After the guests leave, the king stops Nehemiah to ask him what is wrong.
Nehemiah sings about wanting to go home.
He sings about the destruction of Jerusalem and asks the king to provide him with resources to return and rebuild.
Nehemiah is joined in his longings to go home by other Jews in Persia.
The scene changes to Jerusalem, as the narrator introduces the bad guys, those not so happy that Nehemiah is returning.
"What is this you're telling me? Jews? Returning to build a wall around that dirty little town of theirs?" Sanballet asks Tobiah and Geshem.
The shady characters laugh over their evil schemes.
Sanballet snaps for his sidekicks to stop goofing off and follow him.
Nehemiah asks Joaida to lead the rebuilding, and Joaida calls for the citizens of Jerusalem to join him.
"Are you with me people? Then let's begin!"
The townspeople sing "Brick by Brick" as the rebuilding efforts are organized.
"Brick by brick, working for God's glory..."
"Stone by stone, one upon the other... working with my brother till the wall and all the people are as one."
The bad guys have come out to watch, and Sanballet advances with his cronies as his theme plays.
The Jews huddle together with their families, wondering what will happen.
The Nasties sing "What do they think they're doing?"
"But boss I heard them say, 'If we build it, they will come!'"
"But don't they know that what goes up..."
"...will soon come tumbling down!"
"We're gonna nip it in the bud!"
Intimidating the Jews
Nehemiah worriedly looks after Sanballet and his entourage.
Some of the people come up to Nehemiah to complain about the hard work and the intimidation by the bad guys.
Nehemiah responds with encouragement and arms the men to stand guard.
"Don't be afraid of them! Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!"
They continue to build, singing "Remember the Lord."
A messenger delivers messages from Sanballet, but Nehemiah refuses to go and meet with him.
The men sing and pledge to defend their families and the wall.
Sanballet sends someone to see Nehemiah, the nasty Noadiah.
"There's a story going round the nations, and Geshem even says it's true..."
"Do yourself a favor, take a little trip, follow our advice..."
"Disappear!"
"This wall has people talking, wondering what's up your sleeve."
"Here's a tip: don't think we're so naive!"
"Save yourself some trouble - give up your little wall!"
"Take a hike!"
"And if you don't change your attitude... These thugs are gonna help you see the light!"
"Sure, your friends would cross the desert just to find you..."
"But they'd have to know exactly where to dig!"
"The rumors aren't true. Tell Sanballet he's making it all up... And I'm not going anywhere!"
The opposition never seems to end, as Shemaiah comes up to intimidate Nehemiah and try to get him to go with him and hide in the temple because of death threats.
Nehemiah exposes Shemaiah for what he is - a spy sent by Sanballet.
Nehemiah encourages everyone to praise the Lord, and the workers enthusiastically comply.
Everyone goes back to work as they sing a reprise of "Remember the Lord."
"Remember the Lord, Who is Awesome and Great! For the wall must be finished, each tower and gate."
"People, with God's help, we did it! The wall is finished!" cheers Joaida.
The Narrator explains how the wall was completed in only 52 days, causing their enemies to be ashamed and realize that the wall had been finished with the help of God.
"Then the people gave thanks to the Lord, as they remembered all that had happened, and how God had restored the wall."
Their celebration turns into dances of joy!
Even the men join in the circle.
Later, Ezra the priest reads the book of the Law of Moses as the people are assembled, and they begin to repent before the Lord.
Nehemiah encourages them, "Don't be sad or cry. Go and enjoy good foods and sweet drinks. Send some to people who have none, because today is a holy day to the Lord. Don't be sad, because the joy of the Lord will make you strong!"
The people sing and dance - "Now God has blessed his people and our name will be revered by all the nations once again!"
"This very wall has given us new confidence that we have been forgiven by God's grace."
"Our mourning turned to joy and as a consequence, we celebrate God's presence in this place!"
"Jerusalem, a city and a people are restored again. Keep your children safe within your walls..."
"When our sin makes us wander, God is waiting to restore!"
Everyone enjoyed learning the dances, though at times during rehearsals, we wondered if they would come together in time!
"Jerusalem, we rejoice to see you standing strong again."
"Jerusalem!"
