You may be sitting in your seat, perusing your program, wondering why a Catholic school is performing a musical fable that has four main characters who are gods. The answer to that question is multi-faceted, so let me explain my thought process in choosing this show.
The first thing that caught my attention, and will likely catch yours, is the beautiful and exciting music that has a unique Caribbean flair. The cast responded to this awesome music in a way that was completely new to me. They came to our first music rehearsals already knowing it all! To say they love performing it is an understatement. It is difficult to listen to this music without moving, so I encourage you to let your toes tap freely.
The second thing that appealed to me was the amount of students that we would be able to showcase in this show. We have such an incredible pool of acting and singing talent to choose from that I am always searching for shows that allow us to feature as many students as possible. This show passed that test with flying colors.
Lastly, and most importantly, as I read the script and really began to understand the story of this musical folktale, I was overwhelmed with how beautifully Christian the message was. The underlying theme is that even in the face of difficulties, love prevails. Not just any love, however. It is selfless, sacrificing love, a love that seeks nothing for itself. Pope St. John Paul II defined love best when he said "love is total donation of self for the good of the other." We see that beautiful Truth woven throughout this musical.
This weekend we celebrate Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and prepare to commemorate His Passion & Death during Holy Week. Finally, we will celebrate with the whole Communion of Saints Jesus' glorious Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Jesus has proven to us and we believe that all are worth forgiveness. He has proven to us that hope prevails even in the face of great tribulation. He has proven to us, in His perfect, selfless act of sacrifice on the Cross, that Love will always overcome death.
That Faith, that Hope, and that Love is why we tell the story.
May God bless you all during the upcoming Holy Week and this Easter Season. Thank you so much for coming. Enjoy the show.
In Christ,
Lauren Shuyler, Director
Tree of Remembrance
Toward the end of the show you will see a tree that represents this theme of love overcoming death. Because LC is like a family and our hope is rooted in Christ and His Resurrection, we decided to make this tree extra special. We have had students, teachers, and staff decorate flowers for the tree with pictures of their loved ones who have died. This tree not only showcases the theme of the show, but also symbolizes our knowledge as Christians that even in death, our beloved dead live on as Christ promised through His Resurrection.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
