New Horizons

The trip to see Ben and Penny and attending the Masters was a memorable and heart warming experience.  On return home, we thought we would cruise out the rest of the spring and putter away at our yard work, the grandkids, our church commitments, and preparation for our Norway trip this summer.  Then soon after returning from Georgia, we went out to dinner with Jim and Julie Halpin.  I've known Jim since high school and Julie since PLU days.  They married mid life and have been such true and trusted friends.  Jim and I painted houses together for 14 years and owned rental units as well.  I have always admired Julie.  She recently retired from the drama teacher at Curtis High School, and is a respected director.  She took on such challenging productions as Joseph and the Technicolor Coat, the Crucible, and To Kill a Mockingbird, even using the "N" word on stage.  Julie can do that as she coordinated with her community and her respect runs so deep.  Now Julie takes on community theater, sometimes having 3 productions going on at once.  As we ate dinner, Julie noted, "You know, Norm, I am doing Godspell in late June.  I want you to try out."  I laughed it off. I so enjoy the Godspell story.  I did enjoy the 6 or so plays that I did in high school but I hadn't done anything since.  Two weeks later the phone rang and it was Julie.  "I'll get Barb," I said but Julie responded, "No, I want to talk to you.  Auditions are Tuesday.  I want you to be there."  I told I would be happy to sing in the chorus and even serve as usher.  I thought it would be cool to play a bit part and enjoy watching Julie's creative energy at work from the inside for a change.  I auditioned, sang a song and did some readings.

SHE CAST ME AS JESUS.  I was numb for two days.  I told her, "Are you sure?  I've seen a bald and fat Buddha before but...."  There were so many lines to learn ,  some paragraphs long... four solos, dancing, and "quarterbacking" the on stage sequence of events.   I have a lot of items left on my "bucket list".  Leading a play was not on that list.  And especially, playing Jesus....  Who can do that?  The refrain from Wayne's World kept coming to mind...."I am not worthy!"

I completely immersed myself into the preparation and memorization.  When I did work in the yard, an ear piece played the songs or dialogue.  I passed up fishing trips and did not bike much.  Grandkids helped me prepare and probably know the songs as well as I do.

I did it.  Perhaps not the best, perhaps not even well.  There were rocky times but on our third and last performance, it finally went pretty well.  The cast were all 55+  (Young at Heart Players) and many were very talented and experienced actors.   We were lacking a few voices and even though our young choreographer worked her heart out for us, our dancing techniques reflected our ages (83 - 55) and physical impairments.  But several of our cast were such strong performers, even in their 70's.  Their work ethic, their talent, and their continued support drove me on.  Also, they are such strong believers, most serve in many missions,  and they continued to support me to tell the Story.    Our friend Debbie Hushagen was the musical director and she helped me with many of the solos.  Her husband Jim, both PLU friends, played the guitar.  Theater local Iris played the  drums.

Julie added script that created our Godspell experience around a 40 year college reunion.  A fun experience mainly due to the support of the other cast members.  Done.  It is finished.  Thanks, cast, for such a memorable and remarkable 8 weeks.  Apparently 500+ attended the 3 performances.  I hope the message got through and I pray that they were entertained.  I know my grandkids loved it.

I really did live out the quote at the top of this blog; a quote that has been there for a couple of years.