By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Constructed in 1950, the Crest Theater in downtown Great Bend can - some 72 years later - still evokes nostalgia. That's why NewSpring Church in Wichita selected the Crest as a backdrop for a short film session to promote an upcoming message series.
The brief film will include cars from the era, characters dressed in period attire, and some timely decorations. The Great Bend Fire Department provided some water at the set to make it appear as though it had just rained. NewSpring's Communications Project Manager Tiffany Nix said everything just came together.
"Once the fire department came, they were doing a wet-down for us," she said. "That moment was just really special. It was just so cool seeing the actors all in period attire. With the theater and the lights on, it was a magical experience."
Theater Manager Madison Hembree said NewSpring sent about 10 crew members down for the filming last Friday. Part of the street was temporarily blocked to preserve the nostalgic look.
"It was super neat," said Hembree. "We're one of the only theaters that has kind of been able to maintain the marquee and lights. It's history, and the theater is full of it. It's really great to be known for that."
NewSpring films videos to promote its message series at the church. Film taken from Great Bend will be used to promote the series, and will also be featured in some videos shown over three days during NewSpring's Christmas Eve services from Dec. 22-24.
"This is one of our bigger productions of the year," Nix said. "It's for a movie-themed series about how the story of Christmas is an epic one, and there are many roles that play a part. But the real star is Jesus."
Watch for the promotional video featuring the Crest as soon as this weekend on NewSpring's website at NewSpring.org. Click the graphic for The Real Star of Christmas.