Media Matters

This is a powerful stage production that invites the audience to consider the importance of jury trials and our justice system, the unconscious biases we may have, our willingness to listen with an open mind and consider changing our mind when presented with new information, and having the courage to stick to your sincere beliefs even if it means standing alone. It would be great to watch in conjunction with reading the memoir The Sun Does Shine. Highly recommended for high schoolers and adults. (No objectionable material, but younger audiences may not have enough understanding to really follow it.)

This is a musical theater show that is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and takes a lot of its text directly from the Bible. It is not worshipful in the reverent manner to which you may be accustomed, but it is joyful and sincere. The disciples of Jesus are portrayed as children, wildly imperfect in their understanding but wanting to follow Him. The song “Day by Day” captures this beautifully. In the end, Jesus charges the disciples to build Zion in the song “Beautiful City”.  I imagine this musical could be disrespectful if it was produced by a non-Christian. But if approached with faith, it can be a wonderful discussion starter and worthwhile entertainment option.

 Short novel by Natalie Babbitt. This quick fantasy asks important questions about life. There is a musical theater version that is delightful as well.

 Novel by Charlotte Bronte. There is also a musical theater production that I highly recommend.

 Novel by Charles Dickens. The classic tale of a life lived for self vs. a life lived for others. There are multiple movie versions, several different theatrical versions, and of course the book itself to consider.

 A play by Thornton Wilder. Of course, you could read the book version, but plays are meant to be performed, so I recommend seeing this on the stage. It has a beautiful message about appreciating life in all its beautiful imperfection. (Similar to the themes in the movies “Soul” and “It’s a Wonderful Life”.)

 This is a musical theater production that can be seen from the stage or from a filmed version of the stage production. It is important to note that the show and soundtrack are not appropriate for all ages. There are swear words and sexual innuendos and an extramarital affair depicted. I’d recommend it to high schoolers, but not younger. The characters are flawed and make some really bad decisions, but there is also honor, loyalty, courage, forgiveness, and reconciliation to be seen and discussed. You will laugh and you will cry. And you will discover that the “Hamilton” named in the title may not be Alexander but Eliza, who is left to tell their story.

 This is a novel by Emmuska Orczy. It was turned into a movie in the 1980s. Then it was turned into a musical theater production. The interesting thing to note is that although the book, movie, and musical all share the exact same name, the plot lines for each of them are wildly different. It’s like three different stories that all feature the same main character. Yet they are all very entertaining and I can happily recommend them all!