Cast/Crew Letter for Annie

Hello Everyone,

I’d like to take a moment to share with you that Divine Inspiration has struck!

Naturally, I was taking a small nap after a pretty intense “communion” session; and I was awaked by what I can only call “The Lord”. I was given a clear vision of what to do and the folks that could make it happen. And that involves YOU!

Get ready for it: Pentecost… Annie… And then put them together. That’s right! Together!

I know, I know… I told the Lord that it was crazy, but there it was, like small bush set aflame. And it’s pretty exciting that we’ll be doing a full Pentecost version of “Annie”! I know I am WAY psyched for all of you. Now, time is scarce, and since the reunion is obviously the place to do it, I’ll be casting for the roles in Annie for those dates. We’ll do a surprise flash mob to a revamped and Godly inspirational medley of songs… Please be honored to be included. You should be.

Logistics being a necessary evil, and aware that God may not email you your own part, I’ll need to be organized. You’ll receive your labeled cassette(s) with your part played by me in an old carpeted piano room on a “slightly” tuned piano for you to learn and be ready by the deadline. These are hard deadlines and not the kind that “you thought it was due for next practice”. Obviously NMMC has taught us all who those people are. I won’t call anyone out, but I am looking directly at you, Tonisa and Wade. I will thank my company in advance that they “donated” teleconference lines and WebEx sessions for our “ministry”. We can practice via conference calls until the big day! Preferably prepared and in tune, People!!! Also, and last, but certainly not least… there WILL be a Prayer Phone Tree associated with the cast list that can be used for excused absences in an emergency. Otherwise, the PPT is just for prayer (abusers of current PPTs know who you are… DeAnna!) I have travailed and interceded for the right person to pass such a responsibility off to for this project and I feel that they have shown admirable qualities to take the reigns.

Now, BREAK A LEG!

CONGRATULATIONS! You have been selected for the 2012 Revival Production of:

“Pentecost” Annie
Or

pANNIEcost:
Hard Knocks Lives Can Be Changed and ReArranged
Through Jesus

Annie - An 11-year-old redheaded girl, optimistic and "spunky"; seeking the Holy Ghost and her lost parents. A pivotal and riveting role showcasing the vulnerability of those with the Devil’s Hair color and how sometimes, family is found through hardships, and not just because you were born.
Candi Merriman Davis; Understudy: Jeremy Smith (he can hit the notes…)

Miss Hannigan - The alcoholic orphanage matron. She is backslidden and disillusioned, she hates children, but is fond of alcoholic beverages. This is a heavy role to carry to make it believable. Miss Hannigan isn’t technically a woman of virtue, but she is a woman that doesn’t “spare the rod”. So, she does have some redeeming and Godly qualities. Just not the right ones…
Muzette Krebs; Understudy: Rhonda Fleming (she knows the part…)

Daddy Oliver Warbucks - Billionaire businessman who opens his home – and heart – to Annie. He isn’t afraid of an offering plate passing by the second or third time at a Missions Conference, nor adding a wing to a growing church. While he isn’t a demonstrative worshipper, he is definitely indicative of the old adage “Still Waters Run Deep”. He will be the first to ring out a rich and baritone, “Amen”!
David Scott

Grace Farrell - Warbucks' faithful secretary, who loves Annie from the start. She can collate sheet music with the best of them and she isn’t afraid to say no to someone stealing her pens! She won’t let her boss down, and she won’t let God down. Administration is a ministry, too!!!
Lisa Douglas Fitzwater; Understudy: Dana Mounce Bowman

Punjab – Warbuck’s faithful bodyguard. Sometimes, It just takes a miracle or two (or a turban) to get a move of God falling from the pulpit to the pew! And Punjab is a character than can call down a move of God! Glory! Whostola MyHundai Nowanna Daewoo!!!
Kevin Edwards

Rooster - Miss Hannigan's no-good brother, out for the quick buck. Every pack of disciples has a Judas, and every On Fire Revival church has a pack of deacons! In a crucial and telling role, this character is there to show us that without the rain, we might not enjoy the sun!
Brian Whipple

Lily St. Regis - Rooster's girlfriend, is smarter than she appears. Because even the devil needs a cheerleader! Rooster just needs that love and reassurance. It might even be the love of a good and Godly woman that brings him back to an altar of repentance and grace. Might…
Stacey Douglas Branham

The orphans at the orphanage, ages 6 to 13. Timid and helpless creatures. Obviously forgotten by the world and the church. These rascals are there to help Annie along in her journey, but would they lend her their Hot Sticks or Rave Number Four during Youth Camp on Cute Evangelist Night? Probably not…
Molly Tracee Clouse Bowles
Pepper DeAnna Sibley
Duffy Melody Krebs Connell
July Jennifer Ethridge
Tessie Teresa Spencer
Kate Jennifer Williams

Franklin D. Roosevelt - President of the United States, he aids Warbucks in the search for Annie's parents. Every group has a Bishop and this ensemble is no exception. Full of charisma and charm, this character is as endearing as he is mischievous. One day, with enough faith, he’ll be able to walk again as well.
Jeremiah Sibley

Louis Brandeis - Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, he is called upon to assist in Annie's adoption. This is a role that proves that God wants his people in Politics and Positions of Power! Or, if I misread the Spirit… then it proves that God can use people in politics in spite of themselves and through their corruption and ignorance.
Andrew Roemer

Bert Healy – Radio announcer who agrees to broadcast Annie's search for her parents. One might equate this crucial role to a Jeremiah or that guy from a book in the OT that broke a pot and made echoes. Even God needs a mouthpiece and someone that knows how to keep the feedback and interference out of the message. This is that guy. Break a pot and tell the story guy…
Jarrett Humprhies

The Boylan Sisters - Singers on the Bert Healy Show and hope to be famous someday. These are the girls that love to sing and love their family. The casting for this choice was obvious. There were enough Dominguii Sisters to have lead roles and understudies. God truly moves in mysterious ways. But sometimes, God moves in pretty obvious ways, too…
Sylvia Dominguez Montoya & Sarah Dominguez Murane; Understudy(s): The other two Dominguii…

Lt. Ward - A policeman sent after Annie, finds her at the Hoovervilles. So you think that Jesus came to erase the “Law” and give us complete freedom?? Not so, poor uninformed masses… He came to fulfill the Law and that is where this character comes in… The Law.
Cecelia Holley (if you could bring your bike as a police motorcycle…that’d be great.)

Sandy - An abandoned mixed–breed dog that Annie rescues, he becomes her faithful companion. Sometimes, a dog is just a dog. There is no reason.
Holly, the dog; Understudy: Andrew Roemer in a dual role if Holly is unavailable. She probably has a very busy schedule.

Musicians/Music Accompaniment
Drama Directors/Choreography – Kristin Clark Andrus, Katherine Stuckenberg
Musical Director – Michael Kennedy, David Scott
Piano - Nikki Copelin, Susan Ware Hill
Organ - David Geri, Doretha Bourn, Shaun Smith
Bass - Wade Haskins, Jarrett Humpries
Drums - Jarrett Humpries, Dale Cole
Keys/Synth - Cynthia Dominguez
Guitar/Sax - Nate Lawrence
Back up Singers or “Praise” Singers - Melanie Sullivan Rutland, Stacy Hyatt Lawrence, Tonisa Bourn, Josh Glick, Steven Andrus, Gina Yohe Hill
Prayer Warrior and PPT Activator/Administrator - Kelli Linkinhoker, Gina Yohe Hill

If you were left out…well, then think about that. Maybe you should be more open. God doesn’t always use a person based on ABILITY. He uses based on AVAIL-ABILITY…

…Or maybe you should be more talented. …Or give better tithes. …Or get the scissors untangled from your hair. Whatever the reason, in your heart and of course, Jesus, already know why, M’okay?? If you have questions or seek answers, well… Just pray about it.

Yours in Jesus,
MK

#DailyProverb Sep 7

Basically, Proverbs 7 is about staying away from slutty, enticing women. Basically... but what a huge lot to hang on girls.

Obeying this... and really delving into the literal nature of this chapter is 'No problemo' for me. I am not likely any time soon to be led astray or enticed by a girl, lady, or aduteress. I am strong. I am manly. And I am a big ole girl... But, seriously... that doesn't help me in my quest to read Proverbs every day and glean some type of wisdom from Solomon. This project is important to me. So, what does the text actually say and mean for me? My son... blah blah blah, stay away from sluts, married women, and fancy beds of whores. Mm'kay....

Now, granted, in today's society, that's kind of misogynistic to assume that the woman is who leads men astray and that the man plays no part in being "enticed". I could insert a joke here. One about how true this is. A joke that men are generally thinking with the wrong head. (they are...) Or a joke du jour about how they (we...) are all like boys or children that ARE easily led astray. And those jokes would be true. Sadly, sadly true. Even the most tried-and-true-blue-blooded-good-as-gold-guy will be, at a minimum, visually stimulated. At. A. Minimum. And the flip side of this coin... the other side of the joke is that he will be enticed and lured and stimulated by gorgeous, but skanky woman in a push up water bra asking for another round.

Don't believe me? Hit the 'Bulldog' on a Friday or Saturday nite... Everyone is out doing eeveryone else. The girls are dressed to impress and the guys are strutting around like peacocks vying for the attention. It is really something. Everyone is out for a reason... And it isn't for the cuisine of a chain restaurant... But, there is more, however; Much, much more to all of this. The game. The chase. The wanting... I think this is just an old fashioned way, or parabillic way of presenting information. I think the "she" here is proverbial. Like a boat, or a car...

And for the next section, I think that just might be apporpriate: The "She" is someting you want. Something that you want to have. Something you want to want you. Something you want to be yours. Sarcastic Newsflash: Men are competitive. Men are aggressive, competitive, and possessive. We like to conquer and then own. We are childish, and don't like to share. We don't care for CO-anything. There is one boss. One leader. One... To quote "The Highlander"... There can be only one!

I don't always understand the nature of man. I dont understand the need for One... but I have to admit: As the writer, I have it. I am that way. There is a core drive inside me to win. To be the best and to conquer. That leaves me vulnerable to be enticed...

By "her"... "She"... "She" can entice you beyond your comfort, and eventually hurt you. "She" can make you want things that you never wanted. Need things. Need them in a way that doesn't make sense or let you sleep. "She" can make you work a second job and leave spending time with your family just to have "her". "She" can make you steal. "She" can make you lie to your family. To your friends. To your lover. To your boss. To yourself.

Good lord, who the hell is this bitch? I am reading back what I wrote and she sounds either super powerful and awesome... Or she sounds manipulative and awful. And the fact is: "She's" both... That is just the truth. Like you and me, "she" has both good and bad. That is a truth we can all relate to. The "she" of the American Dream. The "she" of keeping up with the Joneses or Smiths or... Kennedys. It's that "she" that makes you spend an extra 20K on a house mortgage you shouldn't. "She" makes you trade your car in to impress your neighbors, and family. When you are loved as is, your old car ran fine, and you are worried that you cannot afford a new car. Maybe "she" makes you pull out a credit card for a frivolous purchase during a recession and damn near depression in our economy.

Clearly, the underlying message here is an overarching one in the chapter: Beware of things that seem too good to be true.

Beware a deal, a job, a car, a mate, a home, or anything that makes you compromise too much. Beware. Think some of these things through? Is a new experience with a lover worth losing the respect of a partner? Is the rush of owning a new object worth the stress of overtime and paying late credit card fees? Is the joy of enjoying lavish food worth the next day's shame and next year' waistline? Can you justify the money spent on "good times" and wine and frivolity, when your car needs a taillight and you need a new computer? Is drinking that third, fourth, and fifth drink worth the stress on your partner, and the disappointment felt by everyone later?

All of this is something I definitely need to be on a continuous look out for in my life. People offer fun, fame, and good times. But at what cost? People offer love, friendship, and adoration.... but at what cost? What is "she" costing me? What is the cost sometimes of being MichaelK? I think that might be, or should be, one of my next blog series. To do the analysis and analytics of what I spend to be me. And what could I spend to be just as happy and healthy and settled? Not just the money... although, believe me honey... it takes a village. But, seriously, what does it really cost me in myself, in my wallet, in my integrity, in my heart? In my relationships? What is it that I give up to have my job, money, lover, house, friends, and life???

What does "she" cost you? What does your life cost you?