More than anything, these two little girls have brought more joy into my life the past 9 years than I’d experienced in all the years before.
We adopted Ellie and then Gracie at a point when we thought we had finished raising kids. The last thing on my mind was starting over again. When the opportunity first arose, the selfish part of me made very reasonable arguments against it. Thankfully my wife, who has the biggest heart of any mother the world has ever known, prayed and trusted God would get through to me. And now today, I can’t imagine my lack of faith and fear depriving me of the overwhelming joy of knowing these two delightful girls!
Having Ellie and Gracie inspired me to do something that has taken the past decade for me to complete. A direct byproduct of my love for them has been writing a new musical based on the classic novel POLLYANNA. It’s the story of a young orphan reluctantly adopted later in life by her Aunt Polly. Despite the hardship and tragedy the girl had faced, she held tenaciously to a faith that said God was still in control and “there is always something to be glad about”. Through that faith, she changes not only her Aunt Polly but the entire town.
Quite frankly, it is a story that’s out of place today. It flies directly in the face of our cynical, combative times. Instead of vitriol and fighting, it says that kindness is the most powerful force for positive change in the world. I honestly can’t think of a more subversive message for our current culture wars.
I’d like to invite you to the initial incarnation of this new show. I have written the script, the music, and the lyrics – the whole enchilada! Since it’s a new show, before it can receive of full production with costumes and sets it must first be born onstage in what is known as a “staged reading”. This will give you a rare glimpse into the process with which new shows are created. One day, God willing, you’ll be able to say, “I saw it first!”
Some of the best talent in SW Florida has joined together to bring these characters to life. They are all dear friends of mine and have gone through this tedious process simply out of kindness to me! The have endured endless rewrites of the script and many rehearsals. But if I could have picked anyone to play these roles, I can’t imagine making better choices than the cast we’ve been blessed with!
The show will be presented ONE NIGHT ONLY on FRIDAY, JUNE 23 at 7PM. Limited tickets are still available.
I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of POLLYANNA. When it’s over, maybe you’ll understand a little better what it’s like to be as blessed as I am – to have daughters God sends to surprise you with joy just when you thought all your surprises were over!
Much love,
Dave
