Past Performances
by Linn Lewis and Jane Perry
July 29-August 14
Rain! Rain! Rain! Noah, his wife, and three sons work around the clock preparing for the biggest journey of their lives. The crows are amazed. They have never seen the like and to think, they have the gall (or is it caw?) to question Noah's sanity, mocking and provoking him day after day. Suppose Noah is right after all and they have missed their chance to board the gigantic monstrosity called a boat for protection away from this abnormality called rain. This wonderful biblical story is told from the animals' perspective.
Doubting the Downpour is sponsored by Concord Baptist Church.
by Jane Perry
June 10-June 26
The newly acquired property adjacent to the local church presents new and exciting opportunities, and five dedicated ladies of the church take on the task of proving the property's worth. Unbeknownst to them, the town has other ideas and erects roadblocks, one after the other. Meanwhile, the Reverend struggles to support his flock, appease the local bureaucracy, crush the spying reporter's half-truth stories, and finally make the most of the bequeathed property while miles away on vacation. Who could have anticipated this gift would be the cause of so much turmoil and confusion.
Dramatized by Aurand Harris from the book by C.S. Lewis
May 06-May 15
Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, IL
Young Digory and his friend, Polly, through the use of magic rings created by Digory's uncle, set forth on a series of magical adventures through mythical kingdoms and enchanted lands. In this mythical land of talking animals, there are miraculous happenings as good battles against evil and Digory struggles to return home to cure his ailing mother. This is a prequel to The Chronicles of Narnia trilogy.
In partnership with Calvary Lutheran High School - no public auditions
by Jeannette Clift George
March 25-April 10
Produced by special arrangement with Lillenas Publishing Co. KC, MO
Good news for today from the gospel of John. Based on John 20:31, this is a joyful and vibrant re-telling of Jesus' seven miracles described in the fourth Gospel, featuring four actors portraying 27 biblical characters. John, His Story was written by award-winning playwright Jeannette Clift George. The show was originally produced by A.D. Players and Lamb's Players in San Diego with an off-Broadway New York run in 1998.
John, His Story is sponsored by Cedar Grove Baptist Church.
By Joseph Robinette from the Newberry Award-winning book by Patricia MacLachlan
February 18-March 06
Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois
Set in the early 1900s, this play brings to life the charming, heartwarming story of a Kansas farmer, Jacob Witting, a widower with two children, Anna and Caleb, who places an ad in the newspapers seeking a wife. He receives a letter from Sarah Wheaton of Maine who will visit the family a month to see how things work out. The joys and challenges of everyday life are richly depicted in this story of faith, which the New York Times called "an exquisite, sometimes painfully touching tale."
By Henry O. Arnold - adapted from the novel by Frank Peretti
Directed by Mark & Lisa Howard
January 14-January 30
Kathy and Dan Ross are just like any other young couple. No one would ever imagine what secrets lie buried in their souls until Kathy is captivated by a simple name on a tiny gravestone that would change their lives forever.
On the anniversary of Roe V. Wade, this touching play is a testimony to the healing and grace that God offers to us, even grace to cover our dark and devastating choices.
Tilly is sponsored by First Assembly of God and Life Network of Central Missouri
by Ginger Casebeer
December 03-December 19
Mary, Holly and Noelle Star gave a death bed promise to their father; not only to keep the Three Star Ranch as a light of hope to the lost, but also to marry the Wise Men God brings to save the ranch. After this evening of carol singing and storytelling, you may have the faith, hope and love to wish on a Christmas star, too.
by Angie Waller
October 22-November 07
Three long-time friends rediscover their friendship and God's role in their lives during an interrupted girls' weekend. Maggie, Libby and Tessie think they are escaping to their traditional getaway. They soon discover, with a little bad weather and three unexpected guests, that God has different plans. They arrive at the getaway with their good, Christian faces on, and they leave released and with authentic relationships.
Adapted by Anne Coulter Martens from the book by Hartzell Spence
September 10-September 26
Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois
The rundown parsonage at their new parish comes as a shock - but that's only the beginning! Reverend Spence finds the church building coming apart, the congregation split into warring factions, and the choir "a cross between the devil's grandmother and a swarm of mountain wildcats". Reverend Spence's struggle to build a new church, organize a new choir, and crush intolerance leads to a battle among his flock and the threat of being dismissed from the clergy! Hartzell's complications have led him not only to the brink of romantic disaster but right into the local jail-just when the future of the Spence family depends on him!
Dramatized by Joseph Robinette from the story by C.S. Lewis
July 23-August 08
Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois
This new dramatization of C.S. Lewis' classic, set in the land of Narnia, faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. The intense action features chases, duels and escapes as the witch is determined to keep Narnia in her possession and to end the reign of Aslan. This story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life.
by Don Bosley
May 28-June 13
The D'Baquel family takes a vacation at a much-publicized bed & breakfast. Their stay goes awry, however, when they find the lodge full of animated goofballs, and a screwy bellhop keeps tossing their luggage into the cavernous canyon that lies below the hotel. Sam, the father, becomes increasingly unraveled as he keeps traversing the 347 flights of stairs to retrieve his belongings. Comedic beginnings segue into a darker reality as the pain and inner conflicts of the family members surface. One by one they begin to willingly turn over their baggage to the bellhop, gradually recognizing who He is.
by Shellie R. Foltz
Directed by Mark and Lisa Howard
April 16-May 02
When Renee begins her restoration of the historic Stargazers theatre, she doesn't realize that God has His own restoration plans for the theatre, and for Renee. Renee is a strong, independent woman who finds it hard to depend on anyone for help, and she wants things to go her way. When things don't go as planned for Renee, the journey becomes long, but sometimes God does the greatest restorations in "related spaces".
by John McGreevey
Adapted from the book by Catherine Marshall
March 05-March 21
Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois
Peter Marshall has gathered into his home the young people of the community. He makes their joys and sorrows his own. His wife knows how ready he is to overtax his strength on behalf of others, but he good-humoredly evades her efforts to shield him. To Peter Marshall, life is service, and you see this throughout the biographical play that is based on the life of Peter Marshall who twice served as chaplain of the United States Senate.
by Ginger Weaver
January 29-February 13
Notice: Show dates have changed
It is often hard to wait on the Lord. We know what we want, when we want it, but God has perfect timing. Ron and Susan have been praying for a baby for years. God answers their prayers with a blessing of not just one, but two children. He also teaches them the first lesson of grace in a most surprising way. You will be challenged and uplifted by this play about how God creates families through His perfect plan.
by Barbara Robinson
December 04-December 20
Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. of New York, NY
In this hilarious Christmas tale, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids-- probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You wont believe the mayhem-- and the fun-- when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on!
by Angie Waller
October 23-November 08
This touching story of a daughter reconciling with God and her earthly father comes about during a comedic, reality TV show, Behind the Pulpit, which is held in a church that is about to close its doors due to financial strain and the lack of a leader. Will this pastoral competition, which reveals both Kats and the churchs struggle with keeping the world out, be the churchs answer to prayer or bring it to ruin?
by Paul McCusker
September 11-September 27
Produced by special arrangement with Lillenas Publishing Co.
We have all heard the saying, we are as old as we feel. Some individuals feel 18 all the way into the later years of life. Others take on a much older appearance early in life. Paps Place takes a look at the aging process as a son and his family must decide what to do with 80 year old, Pap, whose strength may be failing, but whose mind is as sharp as a tack. Humor and sentiment are nicely combined in this two-act play that brings to life a situation with which many of us are all too familiar.
by Jane Perry
August 07-August 23
Grandma arrives, along with the Fourth of July holiday, and the scene is anything but calm. The family is large, the tricks are many and the love is apparent in this touching story of a young girl and her relationship with her Grandma. By her actions, Grandma reveals her love of God and is a role model to all. Grandma will leave you with something special, especially in your heart.
adapted by Joseph Robinette
July 10-July 19
Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois
The Children's Literature Association named this "the best American childrens book of the past two hundred years," and Joseph Robinette, working with the advice of E.B. White, has created a play that captures this work in a thrilling and utterly practical theatrical presentation. All the enchanting characters are here: Wilbur, the irresistible young pig who desperately wants to avoid the butcher; Fern, a girl who understands what animals say to each other; Templeton, the gluttonous rat who can occasionally be talked into a good deed; the Zuckerman family; the Arables; and, most of all, the extraordinary spider, Charlotte, who proves to be "a true friend and a good writer."
by Ginger Casebeer
May 22-June 07
Life is like a merry-go-round. Happiness and sadness spin you round and around. Success and failures take you up and down. Sometimes you want to get off before it stops spinning, because lifes going too fast, but something tells you to hold on until its time to stop. In this comedic tale about life, you will meet five very unique individuals. You will cry with them and laugh with them as you follow them from kindergarten to the retirement center. And you will see how God is sovereign through each and every moment in life.
by Helen Grigsby Doss
April 10-April 26
Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois
Meet the Doss family, the most typical American family you could ever meet. They eat dinner together, plant popcorn together and make it through many a tough time together. Reverend Doss and his wife have adopted seven great kids, and at the end of the show, you will find that people are more alike than different.
adapted for the stage by Ron Boutwell
February 28-March 15
The inspiring true story of Corrie ten Boom and her family has been told and retold for over fifty years. Casper ten Boom and his daughters, Corrie and Betsie, live above their century-old clock shop in Holland. After Nazi forces invade and occupy their country, they risk all they have, including their lives, to shelter Jews from capture and almost-certain death. Eventually, they are arrested and sent to concentration camps. Their story of the power of love to overcome hatred has touched millions the world over.
by Ron Laws
January 17-February 02
What would Jesus do if he was faced with the pressures of editing a daily newspaper? What would He do with a promising singing career? What would He do if His family ridiculed Him for His beliefs? What would Jesus do? Charles Sheldon asked that question nearly one hundred years ago in his classic novel, In His Steps. This timeless and challenging story of true discipleship is the most widely read religious novel of all time. This new adaptation of Sheldons book follows some members of the First Church of Raymond as they take a pledge to do everything in their lives after asking the question, What would Jesus do?
by Mike Upshaw
November 29-December 15
"For better or for worse. In sickness and in health." Sometimes marriage vows are stretched to the limit, and for Murry Armstrong, the vows are being exercised beyond his imagination. His wife, Grace, has been diagnosed with dementia, and before she forgets everything and everyone, Murry is determined to give her a few sweet memories and A Christmas to Remember.
by Joseph Ransom
October 18-November 03
"It is not enough to have a song on your lips. You must also have a song in your heart." Most people held no hope for Fanny Crosby, the little blind girl. Blindness, cholera and family tragedy could not prevent her from becoming a woman of faith who wrote almost 9,000 hymns the world has sung for a hundred years.
by Andy and Jennifer Hansen
Directed by Dale Wilkes
September 06-September 22
A full-length comedy with a message
It is only Rev. Thompson's third day as pastor of New Hope Church. His secretary lays down the laws of the office, the janitor is "fixing" everything in sight, the most prestigious member of the congregation is on the war path and an eccentric lay-person presents some far out ideas for Sunday morning's special. The calamity and humor only escalate when a daycare moves into the church building after the pipes in their own building burst. Can God work in such a situation? Alongside the laughs are striking similarities to almost every church. You will be rolling with laughter, and touched at the message behind the apparent chaos.
August 02-August 11
The Reluctant Dragon is a peaceful fellow who likes tea, poetry and an afternoon snooze. Mischievous children stir the villagers to call in the famous dragon slayer, Saint George. A young lad befriends both of the "adversaries" and arranges a meeting between them. The comic battle that ensues provides an entertaining climax and a happy ending.
by Angie Waller
June 28-July 14
This touching story of a daughter reconciling with God and her earthly father comes about during a comedic, reality TV show, Behind the Pulpit, which is held in a church that is about to close its doors due to financial strain and the lack of a leader. Will this pastoral competition, which reveals both Kat's and the church's struggle with keeping the world out, be the church's answer to prayer or bring it to ruin?
by Ron Boutwell
May 17-June 02
Don Segovia grew up in the church, was saved as a youth, then married and raised a family. He seemed to have it all together until he came face to face with the reality of the Holy Spirit. Overnight, years of indifference and spiritual decay are swept away. Now Don faces a new life on the cutting edge of controversy and persecution as he strives to obey the requests of the Lord.
by Jane Perry
April 05-April 21
Mary and Martha, two matronly sisters who live together in a quaint, little town, seem to get caught up in the busyness of life, and "everything" becomes the focus, rather than the finer delicacies of life. All ends well, of course, but not without much direction and fortitude from the town's beloved and well-respected minister. Thankfully, he has a sense of humor.
by Ginger Casebeer
February 22-March 10
Love is in and on the air at the Family Bible Broadcast. Jerry secretly loves Opal. Opal loves the broadcast. And Stan Silver simply loves to be admired. Add Widow Gentry's matchmaking wiles and the ambitious dreams of the broadcast crew, and you've got a mix-up made in heaven. Will misunderstandings destroy the broadcast, or will newfound stardom and faith put "Love On the Air"?
by John McGreevey
January 11-January 27
Based on book by Alyene Porter Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois
For the minister's family, growing up has tribulations that most children escape. They can't roller skate in public, they cannot protect their cotton patch because their father opposes fighting, and the daughters of the richest parishioners try to make the preacher's sons date them (or else!) Weaving through all this is a delightful story full of humor and love.
by Ron Boutwell
November 30-December 16
Return to the early 1940's, where the small Midwest town of Hamilton is busy, like all America, helping with the war effort and trying to celebrate Christmas. Join the citizens of Hamilton as they open, for a special Christmas tour, the old Hamilton Mansion. For years, someone has been leaving a basket of flowers and a note: "I will always love you my darling." Who leaves the basket and why?
(A musical) by Harry Chapin
October 19-November 04
Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois
This "Greatest Story Ever Retold" is based on the book "The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and John" by Clarence Jordan in which the Gospel is presented in a setting of rural Georgia with country music songs, the final and perhaps best work of Harry Chapin. It's an exuberant country western hoedown.
by Hartley Wright
September 07-September 23
What do you get when you match a model and a med student in the same apartment? Trouble abounds in this hilarious look at the relationships of four women who bring their distinct personalities together. God created each of us unique and special; we just have to learn to work together.
adapted by Joseph Robinette
August 17-August 19
Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois
The Children's Literature Association named this "the best American children's book of the past two hundred years," and Joseph Robinette, working with the advice of E.B. White, has created a play that captures this work in a thrilling and utterly practical theatrical presentation.
by Angie Waller
July 13-July 29
Written by a local playwright, this comedy/drama follows Elly, who encounters a crisis within her marriage that may crumble the perfect world she has tried to create. With a best friend's help down memory lane, Elly can't help but see how God has directed every step of her life and will faithfully bring her through her current mess.
by Ron Boutwell
Directed by Teena Paris
June 01-June 17
It has been ten years since Tanner VanHorn, the praying man, first came to Belle Plains. He prayed out the evil, prayed in the love and prayed down the glory. But the clouds of evil once again are gathering over the little Texas town. The Praying Man saved Belle Plains once, but can he do it this time?
(A dramatic musical) by Robert and Cindy Sterling
Directed by Hartley Wright
April 20-May 06
Produced by special arrangement with Word Music
The single most significant decision in any person's life is the eternal choice each of us must make when we encounter the risen Christ. The choice may not be easy, but the choice is inevitably clear.
In this touching musical of the life of Christ, one centurion finds out how to make the choice that will change his life forever.
by Pat Cook
March 09-March 25
Produced with special arrangement of Lillenas Publishing Company
This two-act comedy features an eccentric elder named Doc and an eclectic collection of other characters who are seeking Doc's advice. Doc has decided to enjoy life, and his daughter wonders exactly where his mind has gone. She may want guardianship, but God has another plan.
by Helen Grigsby Doss
January 26-February 11
Produced by special with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois
Meet the Doss family, the most typical American family you could ever meet. They eat dinner together, plant popcorn together and make it through many a tough time together. Reverend Doss and his wife have adopted seven great kids, and at the end of the show, you will find that people are more alike than different.