I love musical theater. The songs, the drama, the costumes, the lights; I love it all. I don't think there is anything quite as powerful as matching a great story with beautiful music. It melts my heart, it makes me smile, and often brings a tear to my eye. Ok, my family says it brings many tear. I cry a lot, is that so wrong? Anyway, back to musicals. I vividly remember going to see my first show Hello Dolly with my grandmother. I was smitten. Carol Channing played the role of Dolly. I told myself that one day I will sing and act on a stage.

That first show was many years ago and yes, I have sang and acted on many stages. But, I never dreamed at 8 or 9 that I would be here doing this. After finishing a double major in music and drama, (that's another story) I went on to teach public school music. I have directed, performed, and produced many church and school shows. I have watched my kids develop their talents in the arts. All these experiences have been fulfilling for me. However, what I love most is getting to use my talents and experience on The Creative Team at our church. I work side by side with my husband and other talented folks creating meaningful worship experiences for those attending our services. It's kind of like writing and producing little mini musicals week after week. I mean, what greater story is there than the one of God's love and redemption? When you combine God's story with music you take full advantage of the power I mentioned earlier.

This Christmas was a high point for me as an artist. Working with my friend Ginger on the script and my talented husband on the music, we wrote and produced our version of "The Christmas Story". We used lines from pop tunes to tell the story of Mary, Joseph and the infant King. Describing Mary as "just a small town girl, living in a lonely world..." from Don't Stop Believing by Journey and the Wise Men searching with U2's I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. You get the idea. It was amazing. The students and kids were so great. It was a success. As I sat smiling from ear to ear listening to the congregation laugh and sing along, I realized something. This is the feeling; the same feeling I had as a child sitting in the auditorium with my grandmother. Maybe the shows I produce will help cultivate a love for theater in someone else.