"Many times I’ve heard or read about contemplative prayer; about putting yourself in the scene when reading a story about Jesus in Scripture.  That’s the comparison I would make about seeing the performance of Tom Quiner’s “The Woman At The Well” mini musical.  I was very much moved as the performers brought before my eyes Jesus and his compassionate interaction with the Samaritan woman.  It was absolutely beautiful."

~ JUDY LISTON, Attendee

"Several years ago, I became involved with Tom Quiner and his music with the production "Calvary, The Resurrection Story." It has been through the Grace of our Lord Jesus, I have been given the opportunity to work on a number of his productions. I feel blessed to be sharing a gift with the world each time I am involved. The saying "you get out of it, what you put into it" has an all powerful feeling when performing in one of the glorious evangelizations produced by Tom Quiner. God Bless all of those fortunate to be involved either on stage or in the audience for these gifts from God."

~ KRAIG KLOPFENSTEIN, Cast Member

"Our parish community has been privileged to have seen all of Tom's productions.  The shows are like giving yourself and your family a beautiful wrapped gift.  In opening the gift one is entertained, inspired and educated in the faith."

~ FR. MICHAEL AMADEO, Pastor of Holy Trinity Catholic Church

"Tom's productions are entertaining as well as inspiring. Tom places the actors and thus the audience at pivotol moments in our shared Catholic history. The songs and dialogue have pulled me into the scenes to experience the insights, doubts, sorrows and joys of some of the most important people from scripture and the Church in a way that is both thought provoking and encouraging to my own faith."

~ LISA WIGGENS, Attendee

"Tom Quiner’s musicals combine artistry and faith in a way that is visceral, moving and never preachy. I loved the raw power of Calvary and the playful intellectual agility of Guy Agnostico."

~ REBECCA CHRISTIAN, Attendee, Playwright

"I have had the pleasure of being in a number of Tom’s productions and really enjoy the music he creates.  I can go to a rehearsal tired after a day or week of work and come back refreshed and energized.  The musicians Tom pulls together are talented and friendly, so it is a pleasant social experience. Tom’s productions are a win – win: I contribute to the community while I get my artistic, spiritual and cultural needs met!

~ JULIE CURRY, Cast Member

"I was fortunate to participate in 2 of Tom's previous productions, "The Guy Agnostico Show" and "A Living Heaven". Both productions exposed the truths of our Catholic faith and aroused the souls of both the participants and the audiences. I anticipate that "The Pope of the People" will inspire us to live as John Paul the Great did."

~ CHRIS LANG, Cast Member

"I attended Tom Quiner’s production entitled “A Living Heaven” at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church last Lent. To say that it moved me does not even begin to convey the power the presentation had on me. The characters from the Bible seemed to come alive before my eyes and the music captured my soul. The scene where Jesus was “carried” to the Tomb through the audience, gave me the most surreal feeling, as if I was actually there in Jesus’ time watching the story unfold. It was hard not to break down and cry. I have been extremely eager to see what Tom has up his sleeve next as I am convinced that he is a gifted story teller and allows us to see the story behind the words."

~ DEB CULP, Attendee

"God gave us the gift of music as a way of praising him. Music has a way of reaching our souls in ways that the spoken word cannot. It brings meaning and spiritual response to the listener. Tom Quiner has been blessed with the gift and passion to compose music and present it in an inspiring theatrical manner to share the Gospel with those fortunate to attend the performances. As someone who had the joy be able to particIpate in two of Tom's productions and was personally blessed each time. I would encourage everyone to attend the next musical presentation of the Gospel that Tom produces as you will be inspired, and blessed by God's glory."

~ GARY HAYEN, Cast Member

"I have been honored to have participated in two of Tom Quiner's productions. I truly believe I have received more than I have given. A lot of hard work and preparation goes in to putting on one of these productions and yet each time we are actually doing the performance, I have received a feeling of being blessed and have been moved emotionally watching everyone else becoming the person we have practiced to be. It has moved the people watching to tears, and I have heard so many positive comments from them afterwards. I guarantee Tom will not leave you unaffected and you will be glad that you came.

~ KARLY BEAVERS, Cast Member


 

"Participating in the musical helped me prepare for one of the most enriching Lenten seasons I'd ever experienced. I was reminded of how we're each called to share God's gifts to proclaim his message. Sitting in rehearsals with Suzanne (age 4 at the time) sparked some amazing conversations. Her compassion for the woman at the well reminded me of the beauty of a child's simple interpretations. Of course we just love everyone, I can't wait for her to ask why adults make the world so hard."

~ SARAH SULLIVAN BIGALOW, Cast Member

"In the musical, I learned that no matter what I do, Jesus loves me.

~ SUZANNE SULLIVAN BIGALOW, Cast Member

"I was honored to be a part of Tom's "A Living Heaven" production.  As a protestant, I wasn't sure if I would be able to understand or  convey the Catholic perspective of the show.  When I discovered it was simply the Christian perspective, it made me realize how ecumenical Tom's work really is.  His works elementally convey the commitment and deep love of God through Christ.  The thematic elements of grace and forgiveness transcend denominations and traditions and simply speak to the experience of the faithful."

~ SCOTT STILWELL, Songwriter, Cast Member

“I have worked with Tom for many years in a variety of musical settings. He  offers his imagination and creativity in the service of our faith. As a singer and musician, I can say that Tom welcomes the differing gifts and talents that everyone brings, including young and old, and yet he presents a coherent vision and message.” 

~ BILL CONNET, Composer, Cast Member

'The Guy Agnostico program was informative, down to earth, with moments of good humor. Tom has a creative way of bringing the Gospel message, Church Fathers, and great theologians of the past alive in a faithful and easily understandable way to the people of today. He has a great gift and I would highly recommend viewing his works. "

~ FR. CHRIS FONTANINI

“Taking part in A Living Heaven as St. Anselm and Calvary as a stagehand was a truly rewarding and humbling experience for me. Musicals and plays such as these truly bring to life the lives and words of those they represent. These productions are a wonderful reminder to me of the vibrancy and excitement of the Catholic Faith in Iowa. Being a part of these musicals will forever be a cherished memory of mine.”
NICK NEIBERGALL, Cast Member

"My wife and I attended Tom's Guy Agnostico and Woman At The Well  which were very professionally done, educational and inspiring.  We were also pleased to learn that such magnifcent talent exists in the Des Moines community.  We look forward to April 2011 and The Pope Of The People!  There's no way we will miss it!"

~ DONALD G HAUSER, Attendee

"Participating in the Musicals ‘A Living Heaven’ and ‘The Woman at the Well’ was a Spiritual Experience unlike any I have ever had. It brought the Holy Spirit into my heart. It also brought tears to the eyes of my family as they watched the performances."

~ STEVE REED, Cast Member, Musician

"The Guy Agnostico Show" was a unique blend of of humor, history, and Catholic teaching. The show delivered entertaining, and intellectually stimulating material that really hit hard, and got to the core of Christian Apologetics."

~ JOHN QUINER, Cast Member

"I loved being in Tom's production of the Woman at the Well.  It was hard work, but it was also a lot of fun.  Tom's music and lyrics were uplifting and moved me spiritually.  Anyone who participates as a member in his new production "The Pope of the People" or attends as a guest is sure to be enlightened and entertained."

~ REENEE SHANABERGER, Cast Member

"Tom Quiner's musicals have an effect on me that I can feel deep in my soul.  The faithfulness he presents in the many layers of music and vocals fills the room as he shares his love of God with us through his work.  Whether a performer or in the audience, I leave the experience with the warm peaceful feeling of having been graced with the presence of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!"

~ MOLLY MCGRANE, Cast Member

"These performances gave a  great new perspective on the biblical faith, for those (like myself) who have or never have been exposed to these stories or religion."

~ BRAD FEINGOLD, Attendee

"Being a part of Tom's productions has been a great outlet for me.  It has given me a chance to perform in a Christian environment that is supportive and has a true message centered on Christ.
While it takes a lot of effort, Tom has a way of bringing a true passion to performing that keeps me and the audience coming back for more. It has been an honor to tell our stories of faith in well written, modern productions."

~ TOM LEWENDOWSKI, Cast Member


 

"Tom Quiner’s religious plays have been for me more of a prayer than a production.  They offer much food for spiritual meditation and enrichment.  I recommend them highly."
MSGR. FRANK CHIODO, Pastor, St. Anthony Church

"Tom’s songs are a joy to sing because the lyricism of the music blends perfectly with the soul of the lyrics.  Each line, whether in the score or the dialogue, is crafted with care and reverence.  You get the sense that the composing process for him is a deep and meaningful way to explore biblical passages, and as a result, being able to perform these works is a personal experience of faith for the performer and audience."
KATE THOMPSON, Cast Member

"Music and singing praises to God has always made me feel closer to God.  I cannot think of a better way to praise Him then thru music.  Your productions have lifted my soul with the sound of music."
ROSE VOLKMER, Attendee

"Tom Quiner's productions are not only entertaining, they are challenging and inspirational. They tug at my heart and draw me closer to Jesus. They present the Gospel in a very unique way."
TIM STACY, Attendee

"Tom Quiner's productions are high quality.  More important, they are high impact.   Not only are they creative and entertaining; I have left each performance thinking, preoccupied, about a quote, a song, or a moment that touched me and everyone in the audience.   The productions are like a good prayer - its meaning unfolds over time; and the more time you give it, the better it makes you feel."
CHRIS COLEMAN, Attendee

"I’ve seen Tom’s productions of “The Woman at the Well” and a “Living Heaven”.  These performances were  prior to the Mass for Life at St. Anthony Catholic Church (’09) and at Christ the King Catholic Church (’10).  The music, the performers and the message combined to be truly inspirational.  Tom expresses his talents not only through writing the mini dramas but also by his ability to assemble a cast of talented local actors and musicians ."
MARILYN SHARP, Attendee

"Your productions entertain while also deepening one's faith.  Thanks for using your talents to further the Kingdom of God!  We look forward to your next show."
RACHEL BROWN, Attendee

" As a cast member of "A Living Heaven" I had the opportunity appreciate the creative acumen of Tom Quiner.  Watching Tom and Karen bring alive the music into the whole production was exciting....and fun!
However, it was when I watched the production on DVD later that I was able to experience this effort in its fullness and totality and was deeply moved by its power. I eagerly anticipate Tom's next creation and expect it to be equally awesome."
TOM MALY, Cast Member

"Tom Quiner's productions combine the energy of live performance with the Sacred Tradition of our Catholic Faith."
CAROL ZIMMERMAN, Attendee

"Very uplifting; contrasting  the various concepts of divinity portrayed through accessible and pleasant humanity. Inspirational and moving to watch, causes you to leave with a feeling of 'Wow!'"

~ HANNAH ZIMMERMAN, High School Student, Attendee

"I always (try to) say yes to playing with Tom because I know I'll come away feeling uplifted and humming a catchy tune. Not to mention that I seem to learn something new about my faith in the process. There's something about seeing the music and lyrics come to life in a production - it's a new way to experience Catholicism."

~ LUCY MILLER, Violinist

“Tom creates from the heart which reflects in his work. His passion is contagious!”

~ KAREN TREINEN, Cast Member

"I found it be  a very fulfilling spiritual experience, where one used his God given talents to help reenact a story retold from earliest childhood. The involvement with other believers created a oneness rarely experienced in a group."

~ JERRY MICHAEL, Cast Member

"The music was fun to sing and uplifting.  The people professional and  friendly ,  making it a great experience for me.   The musicals inspire and help to deepen your faith. " 

~ ROGER JONES, Cast Member

"As Protestants, my husband and I didn't know what to expect when we attended The Guy Agnostico Show. Although Catholicism is more traditional that we are used to, your productions helped us meet in the middle. It reminded us that we are one Body of Christ.  We look forward to your next show!"

~ BECKY JOHNSON, Attendee