Sounds more like a Roman spectacle to me... I dunno how I feel when a church goes to that extreme... I've found that the focus shifts (for some of the cast) from glorifying God, to glorifying self... human nature... and not uncommon in people who like to perform... not saying that's happenin' in this case...
talked to the missus, we may be able to swing it this year... just let us know the details (directions, times, cost)
Our Cantata is the 15th, during the 0930 and 1100 services... only the choir, about 30 adults... I got pegged for a solo... (1 of 2 male solos)
You do have to be careful. But for us it is a real ministry. Moreso at Christmas time than Easter since the non-church goers are more likely to come to a Christmas program.
But the leadership of our church has always been very careful to keep the focus in the proper place. In some years, they have stepped back and not done the production for that very reason. Particularly at Easter when we realized that we were reaching only the church community. And our Minister of Fine Arts is very committed to not hindering the worship aspect of our regular services.
That said, I'll freepmail you the details.