A NOTE FROM MRS. BONNIE...............
The word “Love” is one of the most inspiring and emotionally fulfilling words in the English language. It is important for us all to remember that love isn’t just an emotion or feeling, but an act. Love is a choice. You don’t have to feel love in order to act out of love. When I started to write this production, I couldn’t help but prayerfully consider what love meant to me. I immediately went to the relationship between a husband and wife, and then to the love of a parent and a child. I knew that was the first aspect of the story that I wanted to tell. There is nothing more beautiful or powerful than the love of a family!
It wasn’t until after The Passion: New Orleans was broadcast via Fox on Palm Sunday, that my entire story shifted. As horrible as this may sound, Christ’s love was not the first idea that came to my mind. However, there is no greater love than the love that Christ showed us all when he died on that rugged cross. He didn’t deserve it. But there He was paying the debt for ALL of my transgressions. I truly felt God call me to tell this incredible love story through dance. I wanted it to be relevant. I wanted it to be tangible. I wanted my students to thoroughly reflect on what life might have been like walking with Jesus in those last few days of His life. So…..I did what any Bible Believing and Disney loving person would do! I took on the challenge of mixing the Passion of the Christ with High School Musical. Yes, I know you are thinking that I am completely crazy. That’s okay! I am! I am crazy about telling this amazing story of God’s unfailing love for all of us.
I want to thank my incredible team of faculty and staff, who keep me sane and encourage me to do the impossible. Even if it means changing the entire second act of the show one month before the production opens. To the Footprints Family, thank you for continuing to trust me wth your dancers. None of this would be possible without your faith in me! To the incredibly talented and brilliant Lori Herndon Waddell, who puts words to my vision, I am truly blessed to have had you in my life for the last twenty years. To my Mom and Dad, thank you for teaching me the act of love and showing it to me every day. To my husband Kevin and our son Zach, you are the love of my life. None of this would be possible without your unconditional love and support for me, and most importantly, My Heavenly Father. Thank you Lord for the opportunity to share your story! To YOU be ALL the Glory!
Your LOVE NEVER FAILS!
