A Monster Calls is a show that means so much to both of us. So many people choose not to come and see plays because they aren't as exciting as musicals. That is not the case with this show and we are grateful you chose to come and join us for this performance. With award winning lighting, a fully new and original score and the 8 time defending state champions in theatre, you are in for not only an engaging and exciting evening, but hopefully a meaningful and life changing one as well.
For me (Jordan), I first became familiar with the story and play when I had the opportunity to take a group of Liahona students to see the original production at The Old Vic in London in 2018. My emotions were raw and the story touched me in a unique way that convinced me I needed to direct this show when it became available to do. When I was the age of many of the kids in this show, my brother was diagnosed with a "curable" form of cancer. For a year my parents kept us positive and always looking on the bright side of every new treatment. There were highs and there were lows, but eventually, the time came for my brother to return to be with our Father in Heaven. To teenage me who wanted so badly to believe that everything would be ok, it came abruptly. I was in shock when I was given the news that my brother had passed away. For some reason, I felt it was wrong or weak to cry. That if I did, I would be denying or betraying my testimony of life after death. For years I suppressed the tears and pain until the night before I left on my mission and 2 years of pain and tears came pouring out. Like Connor, it's important that we all learn that it's ok to hurt, that it's ok to cry, and lastly, that it's ok to want it to be over- because it's not until we accept those feelings, that we can build back up on the foundation of the gospel using the love of our Savior and Heavenly Father as the glue to heal our hurting souls.
For me (Gina), it is hard to even express how personal Connor’s story is, other than to simply say, “I lived it.” I was raised by a single mother who was diagnosed with cancer when I was ten years old. She fought aggressively for five years - year after year of surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, while still working full time to support her children. Her strength and pain are unfathomable to me. She fought valiantly, and she returned home to our Heavenly Father when I was only 15 years old. I was the only child left at home, and parentless. I understand Connor’s pain, anger, and loss in a way I wish I did not. I did not have an ancient Yew Tree to help me process the feelings of a loss so great. But I was carried by a more powerful force. My Savior Jesus Christ, My Father in Heaven, my incredible grandfather, my hero brother, loving teachers, loyal friends - their mighty branches pulled me up through the unimaginable.
I have lived the last 23 years of my life with the knowledge that I was given this mountain to show others how to climb it. So while this show has been a difficult process for me, I am proud to tell Connor’s story on this stage. We tell this story to help others know that it’s okay to grieve, it’s okay to be angry, and it’s okay to let go when the pain is just too unbearable - because, if we let Him, the Lord will carry us when the Monster calls.
We thank you for taking the time to read our thoughts and for supporting the arts in the community. We hope that you will leave this performance remembering that through whatever pain you are feeling, "If you speak the truth you will be able to face whatever comes."
Jordan Long and Gina Marie McGirr
Directors
