By Leah MarieAnn Klett, Assistant Editor Thursday, April 09, 2026

LANCASTER, Pennsylvania — Sight & Sound Theatres’ newest stage production, “Joshua,” is drawing audiences into one of the Bible’s most dramatic stories with a large-scale spectacle centered on trust, obedience and God’s mercy.

The production, which follows the biblical account of Joshua leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, features Sight & Sound’s typical stunning visuals, including towering giants, chariot battles, the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai and the collapse of Jericho’s walls. But behind the elaborate scenes lies a yearslong process of discernment for the creative team.

“It was actually a long time to get to that point,” Ryan Miller, the show’s creative producer, told The Christian Post. “At the beginning, it felt like a no-brainer … big Bible story moments, Jericho walls and all of that. But then it wasn’t until I got into it that I started losing some of that confidence.”

Miller said the production, which includes a state-of-the-art LED screen, three-story tall sets, and a cast of nearly 60, required nearly a year of prayer, research and development before the team found a clear path forward.

“It ended up being tricky to get there, for sure,” he added.

One of the most technically demanding elements was depicting the falling of Jericho’s walls as documented in Joshua 5, a sequence Miller said was unprecedented even for the theater company, known for its elaborate staging.

“The collapse felt like figuring out 10 Goliaths,” he said, noting it required extensive prototyping and innovation.

Beyond technical challenges, the creative team also grappled with how to present the darker themes found in the Book of Joshua, including violence and moral complexity, while maintaining the trust of families. Miller, a father of three, said he often evaluated scenes through the lens of what it would be like to watch alongside his own children.

“We take that really seriously,” Miller said. “We don’t want to break that trust with families … and yet we’re also handed stuff that is difficult to deal with.”

“I didn’t want to put any parent in a position that I wasn’t willing to be in,” he said.

At the same time, he emphasized the importance of portraying both God’s judgment and mercy, particularly through the inclusion of Rahab, a Canaanite woman and prostitute whose faith leads to her salvation.

“If you take her out of it, the perspective of God tends to be very judgmental,” Miller said. “She highlights the Lord’s mercy … all who cry out and call the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Actor Carl Anderson, who portrays Joshua, said he was drawn to the character’s internal strength and quiet leadership. The play highlights how Joshua trusted and followed God’s commands, even when the Israelites refused to obey. 

“He’s grounded and steadfast externally, but internally there might be chaotic things going on,” Anderson said. “I really relate to that.”

Anderson, who sings the majority of the play’s songs, described the role as spiritually challenging; Joshua’s dependence on God, he said, has influenced his own daily walk of faith.

“You have to make a choice … am I going to trust the Lord for what’s next?” he said. “It definitely impacts me every day.”

Audience response, particularly from children, has been enthusiastic. Anderson noted that younger viewers are often captivated by both the music and the larger-than-life elements of the show, including the live animals and giants.

“The way they take it all in … they remember so many parts of it because it's such a tangible story to kind of focus in on,” he said.

Founded in the 1970s by Glenn and Shirley Eshelman, Sight & Sound has grown to two state-of-the-art theater locations, one in Lancaster and one in Branson, Missouri, an online streaming platform and a film studio. The ministry recently released the film “A Great Awakening,” which earned an A+ CinemaScore from audiences and grossed more than $2 million.

“We try to say no to hundreds of good ideas and yes to the God idea,” Josh Enck, president of Sight & Sound, recently told CP. “Once we know, we don’t look back. We are anti-ego. None of this is about us. It’s about bringing the Bible to life on stage and now on screen and getting out of the way of what God is doing.”

And, as with all Sight & Sound productions, “Joshua” concludes with a clear presentation of the Gospel, a longstanding, non-negotiable element of the company’s mission.

“Our founder was a preacher … it’s such a core part of who we are,” Miller said. “The Gospel message has to be clearly communicated. It’s why we're here. At the same time, there is an element where we understand that, in many ways, we are preaching to the choir. Many people that are coming here are already saved, they're already walking with the Lord, and yet, they also need encouragement. They also need to be challenged in trusting the Lord and things like that. 

“We always try and make sure that, yes, the Gospel message is preached, while also trying to inspire and encourage and strengthen people who are already saved. That’s a core part of what we’re trying to do.”

Still, “Joshua” is undeniably entertaining even to those not familiar with the Old Testament account. Miller said the production is designed to both encourage believers and engage newcomers.

“You can come and just have a good time,” he said. “And then we trust the Holy Spirit to do His part.”

Ultimately, both Miller and Anderson said the central message of the production is one of trust, a theme embodied not only in Joshua’s leadership but also in Rahab’s unlikely act of faith.

“The overall message of the show is, are you going to trust the Lord?” Miller said. “There’s only one thing that’s not going to crumble, and that’s the foundation of Jesus Christ.

That’s the commonality between even Joshua and Rahab, whether it's Joshua choosing to trust the Lord in the manna, in the burning the chariots, in the walking around the city, or for her, it's, ‘Am I going to trust the Lord and tie the scarlet cord in my window and do something that makes absolutely no sense?’ Ultimately, that is what I want people to be thinking about: What have I put my hope and trust in?”

Anderson echoed that sentiment, expressing hope that audiences will see themselves reflected in the story.

“I want people to be able to see themselves … and know that wherever they are, the Lord is there,” he said. “They can trust Him.”

“Joshua” is on stage for one season only, March 14th – December 31, 2026. Tickets can be purchased on Sight & Sound’s website.

News Source : https://www.christianpost.com/news/joshua-at-sight-sound-blends-spectacle-with-message-of-mercy.html