This video is about Actor Bill Oberst Jr., Pianist Rocky Fretz Gospel Music Show sells out, 'Jesus Walks on Water' Actor Bill Oberst Jr. and pianist Rocky Fretz, both South Strand natives, premiered in their new stage show, “I Love To Tell The Story: Great Hymns And The Stories Behind Them,” Saturday in the historic Strand Theater. Based on the enthusiasm of sold-out crowds at the two performances, this could become a touring event, according to participants. The show included guest vocalists, Jo Camlin, Lee Ford, Kristi Brown Jackson, Russell Johnson, Stacy Rabon, Donnie Sellers and the Marion County Inspirational Mass Choir. There were more than 20 familiar hymns and a section celebrating Spirituals, first made popular in the late 19th century by freedmen who introduced songs of the antebellum era to wider audiences. Among the writers of hymns celebrated was Fanny J. Crosby, the blind poetess who wrote so many popular hymns that she was forced to use pseudonyms because publishers balked at having so many selections by the same author. “I grew up in church singing these hymns,” Oberst says. “We encouraged the audience to sing along.” Fretz is a pianist/composer and producer of international contemporary music who has performed more than 7,500 times in venues across the world. His ninth album, “The Path Ahead,” produced by Will Ackerman, Grammy Award-winning founder of Windham Hill Records, won an Independent Music Award for Best New Age Album and was nominated for Album Of The Year by Solo Piano Radio.com, ReviewsNewAge.com and Solo Piano. His 2015 Rocky International Tour will include performances in Spain, France and Argentina. Oberst is a Los Angeles-based actor known for his one-man stage shows “Jesus Of Nazareth” and “Lewis Grizzard Live,” and for roles in film and TV projects including Hallmark Channel movies and award-winning turns as Gen. W.T. Sherman and Abraham Lincoln. His 2014 guest-star appearance on the CBS series “Criminal Minds” was the most-watched show on television the night it premiered. CBS recently placed Oberst’s character on its list of Most Notorious Serial Killers in the series’ 10-year history. The two men are both Grand Strand natives and longtime friends who last performed on stage together in 2007. Oberst says that the genesis for “I Love To Tell The Story: Great Hymns And The Stories Behind Them” came in the mail courtesy of his mother. “She sends me care packages” he says. “In one of them was a book on the stories behind popular hymns; how they came to be. The idea of a show celebrating hymns took hold and there was only one person I wanted to do it with. I’m delighted that he said yes.” Fretz says he loved the idea and, “I always jump at the chance to perform with Bill.” Fretz and Oberst say the new show may go on tour, if the two entertainer’s schedules permit such link-ups on stage. “These creative collaborations with Bill are always beautiful, moving and inspiring” Fretz says. A portion of the proceeds is benefiting the American Cancer Society. Music and arrangements by Rocky Fretz.

• published: 12 Jan 2015
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