‘The Man From Aldersgate’ to be performed in Huntington

HUNTINGTON, IN -- Veteran actor Roger Nelson will present his critically acclaimed one-man show, The Man From Aldersgate, on Friday, February 16 at 8 p.m. at The First Nazarene Church in Huntington. The performance is free and open to the public.

Jim Bond, President of Point Loma Nazarene College in San Diego, called Nelson's portrayal of John Wesley, "a delicate blending of artistry and ministry," and "...an unforgettable spiritual experience." The Man From Aldersgate is a close-up look at John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church and an important figure in British history. The play is adapted from The Journals of John Wesley by playwright Brad L. Smith.

Wesley was an unsuccessful English cleric until he attended a religious service on Aldersgate Street in London. His life and ministry were transformed when his heart was "strangely warmed." Wesley's vision and love for God inspired many and has impacted the world for more than two centuries. He not only sparked a revival within the Christian church, but the Methodist movement he founded was largely responsible for massive social reforms in eighteenth century England.

Roger Nelson received his B.A. in mathematics from the University of Colorado, and his M.S. from Farleigh Dickinson University, where he taught mathematics. He served in the U.S. Army for three years as an officer. He has appeared in summer stock performances, films and national television commercials. In 1993, the International Christian Visual Media Association presented Nelson the Crown Award for Best Actor for a video of The Man From Aldersgate. His other credits include Butterflies Are Free, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and The Three Sisters.

Nelson has given nearly 1000 performances of The Man From Aldersgate and has touched the hearts of many with performances throughout 47 states and 30 countries.

Originally scheduled at the Merillat Centre for the Arts, The Man From Aldersgate was moved to Huntington's First Nazarene Church to allow set construction for Huntington College Theatre's February 22-25 performance of Godspell. For further information, call the Merillat Centre for the Arts at (260) 356-6000, extension 2060.<