Theatre Review: Simply Etta

SIMPLY ETTA
Written, Directed, and Starring Sheran Goodspeed Keyton
Musical Accompaniment by Alejandro Serrano Ayuso

Reviewed by Kristopher A. Harrison, Associate Theater Critic

for John Garcia's THE COLUMN

From the moment you walk in to Tucker's Blues, a small, dark, blues club in Deep
Ellum, you know that this is the kind of place where special things can happen.
Tucked away in a back alley of the local birthplace of blues, you get the
feeling that this is the kind of place where legendary people get discovered.
And Simply Etta is just such a discovery: surprising, enjoyable, and at times
amazing.

Simply Etta, originally conceived as a tribute to iconic singer Etta James, uses
the actual words of Etta James—taken directly from her autobiography, the liner
notes of her albums, and transcripts from interviews—to form the basis of this
biographical musical. Singer and actress Sheran Goodspeed Keyton marvelously
brings to life this portrait of the troubled musician, guiding the audience
through a powerhouse performance of acting and singing.

Whenever you go to see a one-person show, you never really know what you are
going to get.  Everything rests on the abilities of the lone performer.  If
he/she is good, then you are in for a wonderful experience.  If, however the
lone performer is bad, you are in for a very, very long night.

From the moment that Sheran Goodspeed Keyton first opens her mouth, this
audience knows we won't be disappointed.  Her confident swagger and her
phenomenal singing voice grabs our attention and our admiration right from the
start.  Better yet, this seasoned performer kept the audience in her grip,
making us laugh along with her, cry along with her, and even sing along with
her.

Etta James, best known for her trademark song "At Last," was in the news this
past year, as it was revealed that she suffers from Alzheimer's disease.  You
may recall her biting criticism aimed at Beyoncé when Beyoncé sang "At Last" at
Obama's inaugural ball.  Her family later apologized, blaming her fierce
comments on the dementia.  Simply Etta begins at this point, with the aging Ms.
James looking back on various episodes in her life.  Keyton uses some of Etta
James most recognizable songs to weave an emotional tapestry telling the story
of her troubled childhood, her drug addiction, and her abusive relationships.

Through it all, we root for Etta, because Keyton portrays her so well.  There is
never a moment in which she falters or misses a beat.  Keyton has a broad
emotional range as an actress, and she paints an intimate portrait of a troubled
soul.  She brings us gut wrenching dramatic moments as she delves deep into the
musician's painful past memories.  She also brings us joyful, hilarious moments
that celebrate James' highpoints.  But the main reason we love Ms. Keyton so
much is because of her powerhouse voice.

The show is as much blues concert as it is dramatic monologue, and she brought
the house to its feet song after song.  Backed by Ayuso on the piano (who has
his own moments to shine in some fantastic solo work), Keyton belts out gospel,
soulful R&B, and blues that seems to be rooted in all the drama of Ms. James'
real life struggles.  I left wondering where I could buy the album.

If you love blues, this show is a must see.  It is a hidden gem of a
performance.


Reviewed by Kristopher A. Harrison, Associate Theater Critic
for John Garcia's THE COLUMN

_________________________________________________________________

SIMPLY ETTA at Tucker's Blues
2617 Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75226

Sundays and Mondays only - January 30th-31st,
February 7th & Feb. 13th-14th-All at 7:30 pm

Run time approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.
$10 cover charge-cash bar. Call 214-744-2583 for tickets.

Theatre Review: Death is No Small Change!

Pegasus Theatre celebrates its 25th season by producing yet another of its now famous "Black and White" plays. The plays, written by and starring Kurt Kleinmann, all feature the would-be actor turned would-be bumbling detective Harry Hunsacker, and all are set in the stylized world of 1930's-era black and white films. Death is No Small Change! (playing at Eisemann Center for Performing Arts in Richardson through January 23) has all the classic elements of an old film murder mystery. A (mad?) scientist and his fellow brain surgeons live and work on a private island. When detectives come to investigate a bizarre string of murders, a fierce storm forces them all to spend the night on the island, knowing that one among them is a murderer. Hunsacker is brought in to help (or hinder) the investigation, and the audience attempts to stay one-step ahead of Hunsacker and figure out the identity of murderer before s/he strikes again.

The design elements are the reason to go see Death is No Small Change! Pegasus's trademark "Black and White" production style attempts to recreate the look of old 1930s and 1940s films. And, after all these years, they certainly have perfected the process. Everything from the costumes, the scenery and even the actors' make-up (which I'm told takes two hours to put on and take off) are all done in shades of white, black, and grey. They've done such a good job that by the end of the night when producer Barbara Weinberger came out on stage in a bright red dress, there was an audible reaction from the audience. Everyone had gotten so used to seeing only "black and white" that the burst of color made us realize just how effective the designers work had been.

Throughout the performance, the designers did an excellent job of creating a world that faithfully adhered to this vision. At times, you really felt like you were watching an old black and white movie. Kudos must be given especially to the lighting designer (Sam Nance) who was able to subtly create different moods without relying on color. Also, the set and prop designers (Clare Floyd DeVries and John Harvey, respectively) created a wonderful environment. The play is set entirely in the laboratory of Dr. Lionel Yarazelski, and the set was full of fun, 1930s-era scientific details—machines that looked as if they were pulled straight from the back lot of an old film studio.

In terms of the acting, there were some notable bright spots. Miranda, the daughter of Dr. Yarazelski, played by Catherine DuBord, did a fantastic job of fully living in to the style of the piece. Her vocal work and her movements were perfectly reminiscent of the presentational style of acting that dominated film work from the pre-War era. In a play full of stereotyped characters, she was able to create a character that was intriguing and enjoyable to watch.

Some of the other actors who turned in solid performances--even though their characters were quite two-dimensional--include Leslie Patrick as Muriel the maid who made the most of her role. And David Benn as Sebastian the stiff and creepy butler got consistent laughs with every entrance.

The lead characters handled their roles well too. Kurt Kleinmann could likely play Harry Hunsacker in his sleep at this point, but a twist in the plot showed off his acting ability in a different way. Chad Cline as Lt. Foster started off the night a bit flustered, but soon settled in to his role and turned in a solid, energetic performance. Ben Bryant as Nigel Grouse, Hunsacker's assistant, showed off his strong comedic instincts and made me want to keep watching him. Mario Cabrera was perhaps the most creative, evoking real empathy even in the midst of the campy style. I'd enjoy seeing him tackle a meatier role.

Where this production suffers is in the pacing and the writing. Act I of the play does all the right things to set up the murder mystery well. Each character is placed under suspicion and the plot is knotted up tightly so that when Act II begins, we have all the possibilities of a really tense, farcical mystery on our hands. But the script simply fails to deliver in Act II. There are plenty of unnecessary moments written in, and the pacing is so painfully slow that when the climactic moment comes and the real killer is finally revealed, there is little payoff. The actors seem to enjoy some self-serving laughs, but they don't deliver them well enough for the audience to fully enjoy them. The result is that many of the jokes simply fell flat.

In the final analysis, this company is to be commended. They did such a good job of recreating the world of old films that the audience truly loses itself in the world of 1930s-era murder mystery films. However, what the script and the director fail to do is go beyond simply a Xerox copy of that style to give us also a fresh play that speaks to 2010. That being said, it is worth noting that, when the director asked the audience how many had seen a Harry Hunsacker black and white play before, about ninety percent raised their hands. I guess that whatever they are doing is working just fine. If you've never seen a black and white play, it is worth it, if only for the design elements.

  John Garcia's The Column

New Years Resolutions

As you are considering what resolutions you'll make in the New Year, this will make you feel like a failure before you start. There are the resolutions of Jonathan Edwards, a puritan minister who is considered by many to be among the greatest unheralded theologians in the world, and certainly in America. There's along list here, but many are worth noting for our own lives. Happy New Year...

Resolutions 1 through 21 were written by in one sitting in New Haven in 1722.

The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards (1722-1723)

Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ's sake.

Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.

1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad's of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.

2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.

3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.

4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don't hinder.

12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.

13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.

14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.

15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.

16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.

19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.

20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.

21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.

22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.

23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God's glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.

24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.

25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.

26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.

27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.

30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.

31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is

perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.

32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, "A faithful man who can find?" may not be partly fulfilled in me.

33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects. Dec.26, 1722.

34. Resolved, in narration's never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.

35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.

36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.

37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec.22 and 26, 1722.

38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord's day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.

39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.

40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.

41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.

42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-23.

43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God's, agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, January 12. Jan.12, 1723.

44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan.12, 1723.

45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan.12 and 13.1723.

46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.

47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peace able, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5,1723.

48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.

49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.

50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.

51. Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.

52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.

53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.

54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.

55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.

56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and July 13 1723.

58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May27, and July 13, 1723.

59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July ii, and July 13.

60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4, and 13, 1723.

61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723.

62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; "knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord." June 25 and July 13, 1723.

63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan.14' and July '3' 1723.

64. Resolved, when I find those "groanings which cannot be uttered" (Rom. 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those "breakings of soul for the longing it hath," of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear', of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton's 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26, and Aug.10 1723.

66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.

67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.

68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.

70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak. 

Aug. 17, 1723

Merry Christmas!

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Review of Dallas Theatre Center's A Christmas Carol

I've recently begun writing reviews for John Garcia's The Column, at www.thecolumnonline.com. You can also read the reviews at pegasusnews.com.

 Here's my first review, for the DTC's production of the Dickens classic

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Dallas Theatre Center’s Kalita Humphreys Theatre

By Charles Dickens
Adapted by Richard Hellesen

PRODUCTION STAFF

Director: Matthew Gray

Musical Director and Choreographer: Lindy Heath Cabe

Stage Manager: Melissa Daroff
Lighting Designer: Matthew Richards
Sound Designer: Ryan Mansfield
Scenic Designer: Bob Lavellee
Costume Designer: Wade Laboissonniere

Dialect Coach: Emily Gray

Production Manager: Jeff Gifford

Assistant Stage Manager: Chris “Waffles” Wathen

Casting: Lee Trull

Assistant Director: Preston Swincher

CAST

Ebenezer Scrooge: Chamblee Ferguson

The Ghost of Jacob Marley: Liz Mikel

The Ghost of Christmas Past/Ensemble: Cedric Neal

Belle/Ensemble: Abbey Siegworth

Fred/Young Scrooge: Lee Trull

Mrs. Fezziwig/Charwoman/Ensemble: Christina Vela

Bob Cratchit/Ensemble: Regan Adair

The Ghost of Christmas Present/Fezziwig/Charitable Gentleman/Ensemble: J. Brent Alford

Edward Cratchit/Ensemble: Christian St. John Chiles

Belinda Cratchit/Ensemble: Caitlin Hale Daniels

Tiny Tim/Boy Scrooge/Ensemble: Mark Fisher

Mrs. Cratchit/Ensemble: Emily Gray

Peter Cratchit/Ensemble: Jake Gray

Edward Cratchit/Ensemble: Aidan Langford

Tiny Tim/Boy Scrooge/Ensemble: Marlhy Murphy

Topper/Charitable Gentleman/Ensemble: Alex Organ

Tiny Tim/Boy Scrooge/Ensemble: Paloma Renteria

Fred’s Wife/Ensemble: Cara Statham Serber

Beggar Child/Ensemble: Halle Thompson

Peter Cratchit/Ensemble: Ben Villaseñor

Dick Wilkins/Lower Class Husband/Ensemble: David Gorena

Laundress/Ensemble: Tiffany Hobbs

Martha Cratchit/Fan/Ensemble: Rachel Weline

Reviewed by Associate Theatre Critic Kristopher A. Harrison for John Garcia's THE COLUMN

Reviewed Friday, Dec. 3^rd, 2010, 7:30pm

For some, it might be the first snowfall. For others, it might be the mad rush of Black Friday shopping. But for many Dallasites, the first sign that the Christmas season is upon us is Dallas Theatre Center’s annual production of A Christmas Carol. DTC has been producing the Charles Dickens classic for over 20 years, and this year is no exception.

Reviewing a play that is so familiar is often a challenge. The audience comes with a bevy of preconceived ideas such that someone is bound to leave disappointed. That being said, the DTC production, directed by Matthew Gray, does not disappoint.  It hits all the right emotional notes, and hits them with the precision of a well-oiled machine. The cast is a tightly knit group of high-energy performers, without a noticeable weak link. I was especially impressed by the handful of ensemble members from the storied acting program at SMU’s Meadows school. Their work was on par with the seasoned professionals. Also, I made sure to keep my eyes on Lee Trull, who plays Fred, Scrooge’s nephew. In a room full of good performances, Trull stood out as one I couldn’t stop watching. His sense of joy and his comedic work were exceptionally entertaining.

Another pleasant performance was that of Regan Adair as Bob Cratchit. The role of Cratchit has the tendency to be something of a limp dishrag, but Adair brought brilliant nuances to the role. He had a quiet bit of stage business involving hats at the beginning that had me hooked. And, his Christmas Day toast in Act II was worth the ticket price.

Chamblee Ferguson, who himself has played Cratchit in past productions, took the stage as Scrooge this year. His early, “pre-conversion” Scrooge was so unlikeable, even despicable, that I found myself not wanting him to be redeemed, but to just die and make the world a better place. But, underneath his very hard exterior, Ferguson found a Scrooge that was tender, repentant, and ultimately quite moving. There were more than a few damp eyes in the house as his Scrooge finally fully understood all that he had missed, and determined to make it right.

The appearance of each ghost in any production of A Christmas Carol is always met with some anticipation, as one wonders how each production team will interpret these supernatural visitors. It seems that Matthew Gray was so intent on not casting actors in roles they had played before that he got a little too creative when it came to the casting of the ghosts. All were good actors, but all were squeezed into roles they shouldn’t have been. Gray took the biggest risk in casting Liz Mikel as the Ghost of Jacob Marley. As it turns out, it wasn’t a risk worth taking. Her obvious skills shone through such that I couldn’t help thinking she needed to be in a larger role, and that her casting in this role didn’t add much to the show as a whole.

As to the other ghosts, Christmas Present was about as enthusiastic and joyful as the Starbucks’ barista who just found out he has to work on Christmas Eve, and the ghost of Christmas Future was so tiny and unintimidating next to the very tall Chamblee Ferguson that the future lacked some of the terror that it perhaps should have had. The Ghost of Christmas Past did bring a sense of nostalgic wonderment to the role, but throughout all of the night visions, it was Scrooge himself and the other ensemble members who carried the audience’s attention.

When asked what would be different in this year’s A Christmas Carol over previous years, director Matthew Gray said this, “I hope it will be darker and scarier.” I’d say he and his design team succeeded. They created an environment in which time was always slipping away, and Scrooge’s ghostly visions made you jump out of your seat. The setting was minimalist, with only a few pieces of furniture wheeled in and out to indicate the changing locations. But heavy use was made of mood lighting and of fog and thunder effects, such that the appearance of each ghost was met with loud, spooky thunder peals, thick fog, and strobe lighting. I especially appreciated the sound design, in which the unceasing chiming of clocks served as a constant reminder of just how precious our time in life is. But for all the spookiness, the design never left behind the sense of joy that the play should bring. Even in Victorian England, or even in a shaky U.S. economy, Christmas should be a time for celebration, for reflecting on our blessings, and for finding ways to bless others.

The Ghost of Christmas Past tells Scrooge, “It is good to go home—and never more at Christmas.” This season, I’d encourage you to go home to DTC’s annual production, and kick start your holiday off in the right spirit.

The Basketball Diaries

I tweeted the other day that Calla would be having her first ever basketball game. She was really excited to play, and she did a great job. I've posted a short video below. A few things to notice:

--Calla is number 24. She's on the far left.

--The other team (green) has a substantial height advantage over our team (blue).

--The girls all had fun and played hard to the end. They stopped keeping score at the half, but let's just say it was a shutout and leave it at that.

The Church Scorecard

Thanksgiving is over, and so now it is back to work. As I was reading today, I came across this quote:

"In his book East to Eden? Charles Corwin points out something that has been almost universally observed by those who have lived and worked in the Orient for a period of time. Despite the popularity of some of the non-Christian Eastern religions in the West, down through history those religions have not produced anything like the outpouring of compassionate service to humanity that has characterized biblical Christianity. Hospitals, leporsaria, literacy campaigns, and many other humanitarian services have accompanied the progress of Christianity across the face of the earth. Christianity's rivals cannot begin to match that record. In fact, research will reveal that works of compassion undertaken by Buddhists or adherents of some other Eastern religion often originated after Christian enterprises of the same stripe were initiated in the general area."

This is an exciting thought, assuming that it is true. The Christian church has historically been doing what it is supposed to be doing, sharing a tangible gospel message and promoting the Kingdom. But what about the churches in North America today? How are we doing? Can it really be said of us that we are significantly impacting our culture? What will history say about the American church in this century? What are your thoughts?