Glenn Beck's 'Christmas Sweater' scheduled to be simulcast at local theater
12/16/08
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By Scott Meeker
smeeker@joplinglobe.com
Over time, even the weakest moments in a person's life can become strengths.
That's how conservative commentator and author Glenn Beck looks at the success of his latest book, "The Christmas Sweater."
Released in November, the book relates a deeply personal tragedy through the character of Eddie, a 12-year-old boy who wants nothing more than a Huffy bicycle for Christmas but instead receives a sweater from his mother. His response to the gift and a car accident that follows soon after puts Eddie on a difficult road to self-discovery.
"We all have our biggest shame, something that makes us blush, and this is mine," Beck said in a phone interview Monday. "I decided to start writing it almost three years ago. I've told an eight-minute version of it on stage before, but it was so emotionally difficult to share, and I even went on air and said I can't tell this story anymore. But I went on vacation with my wife, and we talked about it and prayed on it. I realized the story didn't belong to me. I decided to tell the whole story, do this stage show and then put it to rest.
"I wrote it as a novel instead of a real-life story because I didn't want people to see me, per se. I wanted people to see themselves, and this was more of an effective tool."
Beck will conclude his touring presentation of "The Christmas Sweater" with a program Wednesday in Charleston, S.C. The performance will be broadcast live on the big screen at 7 p.m. at the Northstar Cinema in Joplin as part of the partnership between Hollywood Theaters and NCM Fathom, a division of National CineMedia.
Beck is no stranger to tough talk when it comes to the state of the nation's economy on his radio show and former television program on CNN. "The Christmas Sweater" deals with a family struggling through tough financial times, but he said any parallels with current economic conditions were coincidental.
"I've been on the economy now for two years, and both of (the political parties) are taking us down to a place I don't even recognize," he said. "I'm afraid we're living in 1860 and on the verge of some real trouble.
"But this book went to bed last year, and for it to come out now is remarkable. It's about finding your voice, connecting with who you really and spiritually are, and that no matter how bleak things look, you'll make it."
Putting together the stage show for "The Christmas Sweater" has been "an extraordinary dream," said Beck.
The score is provided by a 10-piece orchestra, and a Disney animator was recruited to create images that will be projected behind Beck during the program.
"We also got one of the best sound designers in the country," he said. "During the winter storm, the sound effects have 3,000 edits. It absolutely comes alive. If you see it in a movie theater with a good subwoofer, you will feel it."
Beck said he's been gratified by the response he's received from readers and those who have attended the live show.
"It's such an emotional piece for me," he said. "There's times that I've made it through the show unscathed. Other times the orchestra is saying, 'Hold, hold, hold; he'll pull it together.' The actual sweater incident and the ending are difficult for me to get through.
"I said to my wife the weekend (the book) first came out, 'Honey, I can't believe that a story I hid for 40 years is now sitting on people's nightstands and they're reading it, and I'm encouraging them to do it.' It's an example of how a weakness can become a strength."
A taped encore presentation will be offered at 7 p.m. Thursday at Northstar. For ticket information, people may visit www.gohollywood.com or www.FathomEvents.com.
New show
Glenn Beck will join Fox News Channel with a new show set to debut Jan. 19. He said the format will be more frank and with an attitude different from that of his CNN show.
"These are very, very perilous times," Beck said. "America has to come together. Democrats and Republicans have to become Americans again and hold on, because we're heading for some tough times."
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