Founding member Cheryl Shields recalls how it all started when she organized the first production to raise funds for the Appalachian Work Project.

By John Riddle, Contributing Journalist, Delaware LIVE

For more than three decades, one local theater group has been quietly transforming lives, building community, and bringing powerful stories to the stage, while staying rooted in a mission of faith.

God’s Power & Light Theater Company, based at The Everett Theatre in Middletown, Delaware, has been inspiring audiences for over 30 years with productions that blend heartfelt storytelling, musical excellence, and a strong sense of purpose.

The company’s journey began with a simple idea and a meaningful goal.

Scene from a “Christmas Story produced in December 2025 featuring with Mom & Dad. Photo courtesy of God’s Power and Light Theatre.

Founding member Cheryl Shields recalls how it all started when she organized a production of The Witness by Jimmy and Carol Owens to raise funds for a church youth group participating in the Appalachian Work Project. What began as a fundraising effort quickly grew into something much bigger. The group toured the production for two years before eventually establishing a name, and a home, at The Everett Theatre.

Today, God’s Power & Light Theater Company is a 501(c)(3) Christian-based, family-oriented organization dedicated to providing wholesome entertainment for the community. But their impact goes far beyond the stage.

In addition to producing high-quality plays and musicals, the company supports church missions, provides scholarships to its members, and creates opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved. Whether performing on stage, working behind the scenes, or contributing to technical production, participants are welcomed into what many describe as a close-knit, supportive family.

Over the years, the group has presented an impressive range of productions, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, and It’s a Wonderful Life. While their roots are firmly planted in faith-based storytelling, the company has expanded to include a variety of family-friendly and Broadway-style performances, appealing to a wide and diverse audience.

“It’s been my pleasure for the years I’ve had directing our productions,” said Shields. “I’m very happy to be able to support two new directors to our group.”

Those directors, Landon and Aaron Maloney, are now leading the company’s upcoming spring production of Jesus Christ Superstar, bringing fresh energy and vision to this classic musical.

For Landon Maloney, stepping into the director’s role has been both a challenge and a rewarding learning experience.

“The best part of directing this play, especially for a first timer, is learning,” he said. “What works and what doesn’t; what’s new and what’s uninspired; what to keep and what to discard, and, most importantly, what your cast and crew have to teach you.”

His goal for the production goes beyond simply entertaining audiences.

“With Jesus Christ Superstar, I’m looking to connect the audience to a story they already know well in an entirely unique way,” he added, “and hopefully leave the theater ever so slightly changed, together.”

For Aaron Maloney, who serves as both Musical Director and portrays Judas, the production carries a deep personal significance.

“GP&L was one of the first theatre companies I ever performed with when I was six years old,” he said. “The fact that 30 years later, I’m able to be Musical Director for my favorite musical of all time for them is a dream come true.”

He also praised the cast, noting, “Their talent and personalities are more than I could’ve ever asked for.”

That sense of community and shared purpose is something cast members consistently highlight.

Actor Greg McKinnon, who plays Jesus, described the experience as both meaningful and rare.

“GP&L has provided a space where the main driver truly is putting on a wonderful show with wonderful people,” he said. “There’s a feeling of expanding your own boundaries and being able to test them in such a supportive environment… that’s something you rarely get in this life.”

Denise Rodriguez, who portrays Mary, echoed that sentiment.

“I love performing with GP&L because of the amount of love you get from everyone,” she said. “No one feels alone. It’s like a home away from home.”

She added that one of her favorite parts of the experience is the transformation that happens on stage.

“The minute you are in costume, you are that character,” she said. “So definitely giving props to the costume designers for their efforts, dedication, and creativity.”

Audiences will have the opportunity to experience this passion and talent firsthand when Jesus Christ Superstar, the iconic musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, takes the stage at The Everett Theatre from May 14–17, 2026.

As God’s Power & Light Theater Company continues its mission, one thing remains clear: this is more than just theater. It’s a place where faith, creativity, and community come together, on stage and beyond.

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