Last weekend four sisters came to Ragtown. They had never attended a performance, but had heard about the theater and decided to meet in Post and have a sister’s weekend together.
They were astonished when they entered the theater, as people always are who attend for the first time. At intermission, after the Ragtown Gospel Jubilee (the new name for our gospel music showcase) they were jubilant and generous with compliments and encouragement as we visited back at our product table.
I told them what I always tell people, “We’re just the warm up act. Wait till you see this play. We toss the ball up and they knock it out of the park.” And they always do.
The ending scene of LAZARUS is very moving, and it isn’t unusual for it to elicit a few tears, but as the curtain closed, I saw one of the sisters making for the back of the theater, obviously upset. Another was just behind her.
I made my way to the back corner where they were huddled together, and as I walked up to them one embraced me and sobbed into my shoulder, “This play reached a place so deep that nothing else has ever been able to touch. You have no idea what a difference this has made…to all of us.”
The other sister joined our embrace, and it was a very sweet, very tender moment. I looked up to see that Glenn was holding and consoling another of the sisters.
They din’t share the specifics of their story. It wasn’t necessary. That was between God and them. They did say that it was an issue of forgiveness, as it so often if for all of us.
How many plays are a vehicle for such a powerful, life-changing encounter. How many dramas have you seen that could reach a place so much deeper than mere emotion to heal a wound that has been poisoning hearts for years?
I believe with all my heart that every church, every denomination, every home group and Sunday School class of every age group that is missing the productions at Ragtown are missing the opportunity to encounter our Savior and Lord in an way utterly unique in their experience.
How many hearts might be touched just as those sisters’ were? How many relationships restored? How many secret wounds healed?
If you know a group leader in your church, please encourage him or her to bring their group to LAZARUS. In casting and directing this play, Glenn Polk has done an extraordinary job. As an actor, he his nothing short of exquisite as the ancient Lazarus. Jay Young brings such sensitivity and depth to his role as the mysterious pilgrim who has sought out the Lord’s dear friend. Nancy Thuett and David Johnson bring a wonderful touch of humor to this powerful drama. And it is our most beautiful set yet. Just gorgeous.
The best that could happen is that those groups will forge a deeper bond as they experience whatever God reveals to their own hearts through the words of the play.
The worst that happen is they will experience some of the best and most original live Christian music and drama they will ever see, in one of the most beautiful theaters in the country, and be thoroughly entertained.
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