One Night with the King

     One of the most beloved stories in the Bible is brought to life in this stunning production. One Night with the King recounts the life of Queen Esther of Persia, who was once simply Hadassah of Susa, and her journey to preserve God's people from destruction. An orphan who became a queen, a queen who became a legend. Esther's story was so profound that she has the honor of having her own book in the Old Testament of the Bible. Esther's story is still remembered and celebrated through the traditional Jewish holiday of Purim. 

 Before she was Queen Esther of Persia, she was known as Hadassah of Susa. A lively and beautiful young woman who was brought up in the strict religious teachings of Hebrew tradition. Esther was orphaned as a young girl and has been safely and happily raised by her distant cousin, 'Uncle Mordecai', a humble and obedient palace scribe. Esther is well loved by the Jewish community of Susa, especially by her childhood friend, handsome Jesse Ben-Joseph whom she soon begins to see as more then a friend. 

For years the Jews have lived in subjugation of the Persians.  While the relationship between the Jews and the Persians is quietly tolerated on both sides, stirrings of rebellion are beginning to filter from the palace walls and into the streets. Anti-Semitic tensions created by Haman, the King's ambitious vizier. Selfish and hateful, Hamen is bent on vengeance toward the Jews for the slaughter of his people, the Ammelekites, generations before. 

Meanwhile, King Xerxes of Persia battles his own generational conflicts. A gifted warrior and wise king, Xerxes is also an educated intellectual who hopes to bring social and cultural reform to his country. However, he is pushed and pulled on both sides. From his palace princes who seek to undermine him, to his devoted wife Vashti who only wants him the to be the king he desires to be. Vashti is a particular problem for these uspers, as she is so loved by her husband who depends on her advice. So, when they successfully dispose her for disobedience, they proceed to tell Xerxes that he must find a wife immediately. A wife hopefully of their own choosing. 

An announcement is sent out through all of Persia to gather all young virgins as potential candidates for the King's next queen. Frightened for his niece, Mordecai instructs her to hide her Jewish heritage, going so far as to change her name from the Hebrew Hadassah to the Persian Esther. Mordecai's fears are confirmed when Esther is taken to the palace. While there, she and numerous woman must go through beauty treatments and royal education overseen by Hagei, the head eunuch.   

Esther endears herself to Hagei who is impressed by her winsome charm, her intelligence and her unusual education. Believing Esther to be a perfect prospect for the future queen, Hagei brings Esther and Xerxes together in an unexpected meeting one night. This meeting has a profound effect on both the king and the young woman. Esther is intrigued by the handsome but conflicted king and Xerxes is mystified by the young woman whose people and background she keeps so secretly to herself.

To the amazement of all in the palace, Xerxes makes Esther his queen. Setting into motion God's plan to rescue his people from annihilation through Esther, Mordecai and their unshakable faith in their God and his promise to his people. 

 Based on the book of the same name, One Night with the King received negative reviews from secular critics, but has become a much loved Biblical favorite among the general public. It's been compared to the Biblical epics of the 1950's and is praised for its beautiful costuming and music. Although the storyline is heavily romanticized, it wasn't portrayed as sappy or over the top. Esther's and Xerxes love was based on genuine respect and a desire to truly know one another. 

Plus Mordecai is played by the remarkable acting legend, John Rhys-Davies and you can't go wrong with that!

Several realistic situations were added that definitely enriched the story. Esther's love for the king came at a heartbreaking cost. The loss of a future life with her best friend Jesse who was made a eunuch and can no longer be the man he desires to be. There was also the prophesied undertones of Hitler and his 'final solution' to the destruction of the Jews as seen through Hamen's plan to eradicate them centuries before. 

As with many young girls, Esther was always a favorite Bible hero of mine growing up. While most secular scholars compare her to modern feminism, Queen Esther was far from that. Her true qualities were obedience to God and to her uncle, and the sacrifice of her own autonomous nature--she did try to back out of going to the king. Through obedience and sacrifice, Esther found the courage to defy law and authority, and stand before the king to save her people.