Consider the Stars
Faith-Based Drama Resource Hits Home
Livonia, MI June 1, 2012
Writer John Lindsay and Author House Publishing recently released Consider the Stars. The 300 page book is a collection of 16 Christian skits for faith-based dramatists.
A great story, like a catchy tune, sticks with you. It can quickly get under your skin and be impossible to forget. Stories have the power to mold character. Christian sketches can be instructive, critical yet unobtrusive, and, at the same time, entertain.
Consider the Stars’ stories include no superheroes or sorcerers yet succeed in capturing real conflict laced with a surprising amount of humor and surprise in the classic style of O. Henry. In the more dramatic works, “The Prisoner’s Task” and “Rachel’s Song”, the protagonists attempt to transform their respective opposition into heroes in true Dickens’ fashion.
Four of the stories of the Consider the Stars collection were part of a production entitled Act of God which was first produced in Branson, MO in 2005. The first sketch, “What’s in a Name”, depicts a morbid game show made up of recently deceased contestants. The game (which nobody wins) serves to further annoy the players who are oblivious to their own shortcomings. The comedy is enhanced by the invasive timing of sound effects which magnifies the chaos. Act of God’s final sketch, “The Battleground”, leads the reader on an adventure through a series of vignettes and cameo appearances by notable personalities. The underlying focus of the sketch exposes life’s distractions and reveals the most important issue human beings needs to address.
Many of Consider the Stars’ Christian skits have seasonal themes. Five sketches fall into the Christmas category. Two sketches could easily be incorporated into a Good Friday or Easter celebration. “Resurrection Day Special Report” depicts the events leading up to and including Jesus’ crucifixion in a way suitable for younger audiences. The other stories in the collection deal with faith, hope, love, family, financial stewardship and the value of a good name. Read the rest of this entry »