The final three productions of “PETER THE ROCK” were wonderful. Our audiences honored us with the best possible conclusion to a memorable chapter in this adventure we call RAGTOWN GOSPEL THEATER. We unveiled a portrait of my brother, Glenn, as he appeared in the role of Simon Peter. It was my tribute to his marvelous portrayal. Our son, Jordan, produced a stunning DVD production of “PETER THE ROCK” that we are now offering for sale, just in time for Christmas. Now we are ready for a new and exciting episode.
“LAZARUS” will premier on Friday, November 30th. This will be a limited engagement, and will not be held over, so you will want to get your tickets early. Unlike our debut production, “LAZARUS” is not a solo performance. This is a multi-character cast. GLENN POLK will direct the production, and appear in the title role. Joining him will be a very well-respected actor and director, Harlan Reddell, and a most gifted character actor, Ric Fey. I cannot wait to see “LAZARUS” on stage.
As a writer who has to depend on the Lord to bring these things to fruition, I truly do not feel like I can take credit for the words. Consequently, it is easy for me to stand back and be excited about this play. I want everyone to see it, because I believe, with all my heart, that the Lord is solely responsible for what went onto the page.
To explain, I want to share a little inside story about the writing of “LAZARUS.”
We were coming close to the end of “PETER THE ROCK,” and Glenn was getting nervous, because he had not yet seen the script of “LAZARUS.” We had made the decision that “LAZARUS” must follow “PETER THE ROCK.” I had told him that I had a rough version of the script done, and I would re-write it a few times and have it ready in plenty of time. Every week that passed, he was getting a little more concerned. So was I.
I think learning to depend on the Lord is one of the hardest things a Christian faces. Certainly, there are far more difficult circumstances that people face, which leave folks with no alternative than trusting Jesus. Writing a play is nothing, compared to facing such heartache and fear. But, even in our work, we have many, many opportunities to choose Jesus, or struggle with it on our own.
Writing the script for “LAZARUS” was important to the future of Ragtown Gospel Theater, and having seen the effect this experience has had on so many people, I certainly felt the burden to produce something that would measure up to “PETER THE ROCK.” My early draft did not.
After some initial agonizing, recognizing that I was not capable of doing such a thing on my own, I gave up. I just stopped trying. Every now and then I would mention to the Lord that I really needed to get a script done, but I didn’t try to force it. I knew couldn’t do it. Glenn continued to look more and more anxious.
I like to cook, and one night I was cooking spaghetti for my wife and our daughter. I was just adding a little oregano to the sauce…when I got it. I got the whole thing! I kept cooking, seeing this story unfold. It makes the hair stand up on my neck just thinking about it now.
After dinner, I began to dig through the Bible, and I found confirmation for a drama that takes place between the lines of scripture. Lazarus became real to me. His story became more than an illustration or metaphor. The Lord gave me a story that I cannot wait to share with you.
I received further confirmation when I gave the script to Glenn. I gave it to him on a Friday night, after a performance. On Saturday morning he and his wife, Twila, called us, and talked for over an hour about how reading the script had affected them. Plays don’t usually do that. I know the Lord gave me something I did not have the ability to write.
Now I hope you will come and see what I am talking about. We need your support and attendance right away. Please call and purchase your tickets.
By the way, here is a scheduling change we’re making, beginning with the premier of “LAZARUS” on November 30th. We’re changing our show times to 7:30 pm every Friday and Saturday. We’ve tried to accomodate everyone’s schedules by having early and later starting times, but that has just resulted in confusion. So 7:30 to 9:30 will be the new performance times both evenings.
Bless Y’all,
Chip
I can hardly wait to see Lazarus. Even though I loved Peter The Rock, I somehow just know that Lazarus is the Play which raises the bar for all future endeavors. I have no doubts about the source of the inspiration for your efforts Chip. You are very well aware of my own experience in that regard when I was trying to keep family and friends informed as to my progress while engaged in the toughest battle of my life to this point, trying to win a war with Cancer. Most everything I wrote during that time seemed to be words I had little control over. It was as if I only put them on paper, and was not the author. I know God spoke to me through the messages he allowed me to write, and somehow he spoke to others through those same messages, and the responses they brought from others. Your Plays do that in a much more powerful way, and I know God is using you as his insturment to spread the good news.
I am so proud of you Chip, for your efforts in doing what you are being led to do, and I am equally proud of Glenn for his abilities and efforts in doing that as well.
I wish you every success for this new Play, and who knows how many eyes may be opened by coming to see Lazarus. I have a feeling that your Play may be the catalyst which will lead to the resurrection of many Christian lives which have become dormant even to the point of being useless in advancing His Kingdom.
As always, you will remain in our thoughts and prayers as you continue to travel this path which God has prepared you for. I feel that he is leading you when you need him to do that, and walking beside you at all other times.
Your biggest fan, (in more ways than one),
Travis