It’s hard to believe, but it was over thirty-one years ago that Mr. Elliott and I participated in our first theater production together. And it’s not a stretch to say that our experiences with high school theater and music were second only to God’s work and our families’ influence in shaping who we are today. Not because either of us ended up choosing music or theater as a career—God apparently had other plans—or because of any accolades we received or fun that we had. Instead, the single biggest benefit we gained from participation in the arts was being pushed out of our comfort zone and encouraged to set aside fears and insecurities for the sake of a larger goal.
We didn’t realize it then, but God was using the arts to instill within us boldness, fortitude, and other skills needed by every disciple of Christ who wants to make an impact on the world around them.
That’s why it seems perfectly fitting that for the past three years, we’ve spent our wedding anniversary directing these amazing students in theatrical productions—having coached, coaxed, and, yes, often pushed them out of their comfort zones so they might see within themselves what we and the Lord see: young men and women who have amazing potential to serve, sacrifice, step out in faith, and do wonderful things for His glory.
Cinderella is an extremely challenging production for a school of our size. Many schools that perform this show have twice the number of people in their cast that we have in our entire secondary school. But these kids have risen to the occasion, and we can’t wait for you to see it.
The scope of Cinderella also required an extraordinary amount of help from parents and friends of the ministry. To each of you who are named here and unnamed, thank you . . . for your help, for your servant’s hearts, and for giving us the distinct pleasure of working with your kids. We love each and every one of them.
Special thanks goes to the following individuals and families for their help and support:
- The stage-build crew and those who came to help during so many Saturdays in April.
- Suzette Nelson, Amy Anderson, Becca Cave, Darren Morgan, and Jonah Elliott for scenic painting.
- Ryan McKinnon and family for crafting and decorating the carriage.
- My mom, Jean Carlson, for making Cinderella’s ball gown. It’s truly magical!
- The amazing Jessica Solarek for hours and hours of practice and rehearsals.
- Bob Lee, Joe Anderson, and Brent Hoernemann for hanging lights.
- Jeff Jewson for sound design and setup.
- Cindy Matson and Shelley Hraba for providing helpful feedback.
- Heidi Lee and Amy Anderson for concessions and entry decor.
- Jonah and Jennie for all of the amazing choreography and direction assistance.
- Mr. Elliott for being our #1 tech guy, music man, and for making my crazy ideas a reality.
- Christy Ferris for administrative support.
- The rest of the Elliott fam for putting up with your parents and helping us do the thing we have all come to love.
Cast and crew, I’m so proud of all that you have accomplished. May the memories last a lifetime and may you walk with boldness on whatever journey God has for you in the coming years.
With gratitude for this “lovely night,”
Laura Elliott
