Behind the Scenes of BBC’s Spring Play “Arsenic and Old Lace”

March 8th, 2010 by Jamie Knowles

Some of you may have had the chance to attend one of this weekend’s three perfomances of Arsenic and Old Lace, here at BBC. If so, you most likely laughed until you thought you could laugh no more! The play was full of every bit of entertainment possible! One moment of being frozen in suspense shifted instantly to a roar of laughter. There was a cute little love story woven into the play, along with a sinister character, or two, or maybe more…? At any rate, I would have to say that Arsenic and Old Lace was “bully, just bully!”

Because many of my close friends are part of the cast and crew of this year’s Spring Play, I have had the unique opportunity of seeing many sides of the performance. From watching all three nights the play ran, to running lines with characters, and even to being a guinea pig for make up training (which is a whole ‘nother story!), I have, from a closer distance than most, watched this play come into being. 

Sure I could talk about the acting, the make-up, the energy – and it all ought to be talked about, because the play truly was fantastic. Still, as I thought about what to say in reference to the entire experience, I am so blown away by the set.

The entire play takes place inside the home of the Brewster family which made for a massive set that covered the entire length of the stage area. It was constructed by Jon Strayer, a BBC staff member, and some other BBC’ers. Mr. Strayer was back stage for weeks building the set that used real doors, windows, and all sorts of things.

Just five days before opening night, the cast, crew, and some other BBC students and staff members pitched in from morning to evening painting, stenciling, sponging, decorating, and furnishing the Brewster home. I was even able to lend a hand hanging a picture and hunting down a prop or two!

Watching so many talented people from our drama department put together such an extravagent set was wonderful, and seeing the Cast bring it all to life three nights in a row was truly priceless!

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Getting through the Tunnel

March 4th, 2010 by Jamie Knowles

Spring break is nearly here and light can be seen at the end of the tunnel.  It’s very faint, but it is getting brighter every day. 

I am taking an online class that I love, but it is a lot of work.  My Creative Writing class is a three credit class with homework every night, but after this Friday I will be done with the class and I will only have to worry about 13 credits.  I have two major projects after this week and two small papers to write.  I’m so excited, but I feel like this week could kill me. 

I am sure that you have dealt with this feeling before.  Knowing there is light ahead, but not quite sure you’re going to make it.  Let me give you 4 tips on what I have been doing to keep my cool for this week.

  • Prayer- I pray when I get up in the morning, before each class, and before I go to bed.  I thank God for who he is and that he has gotten me through this far.  Then I pray for strength, guidance, and patience for the day ahead.
  • Reading the Bible- I am reading through the Psalms.  You will see that David goes from sadness to thanksgiving at the end of each Psalm.  I recommend Psalms 13,18, and 136
  • Relaxing- I love to do things with my hands so I’ve been making cards for people and doing some drawing.  Find something that you love to do as a form of relaxing.  I make sure that I spend 5 to 10 minutes between each hour of work to let my mind slow down.
  • Sleep- I am trying to get 8 hours of sleep a night.  Sleep is very important.  It gives my body and mind a rest from the stress and it gives me strength to face the next day. 

I hope you find these tips helpful during your times of stress.  God Bless.

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Acknowledging Deity with Bono

March 4th, 2010 by Dan Nichols

In The Reason for God, Timothy Keller quotes a portion of a conversation that U2 frontman Bono had with a journalist. See what Bono had to say about Jesus Christ:

Christ has his rank among the world’s great thinkers. But Son of God, isn’t that farfetched?

No, it’s not farfetched to me. Look, the secular response to the Christ story always goes like this: he was a great prophet, obviously a very interesting guy, had a lot to say along the lines of other great prophets, be they Elijah, Muhammad, Buddha, or Confucius. But actually Christ doesn’t allow you that.

He doesn’t let you off that hook. Christ says: No. I’m not saying I’m a teacher, don’t call me teacher. I’m not saying I’m a prophet. I’m saying: “I’m the Messiah.” I’m saying: “I am God incarnate.” And people say: No, no, please, just be a prophet. A prophet, we can take. You’re a bit eccentric. We’ve had John the Baptist eating locusts and wild honey, we can handle that. But don’t mention the “M” word! Because, you know, we’re gonna have to crucify you. And he goes: No, no. I know you’re expecting me to come back with an army, and set you free from these creeps, but actually I am the Messiah… So what you’re left with is: either Christ was who He said He was—the Messiah—or a complete nutcase. I mean, we’re talking nutcase on the level of Charles Manson…

The idea that the entire course of civilization for over half of the globe could have its fate changed and turned upside-down by a nutcase, for me, that’s farfetched …

When was the last time I sat down and told Christ that I believe He is all He says He is? When was the last time I acknowledged His leadership in my life as my Messiah and my King?

If Bono acknowledges the deity of Christ, shouldn’t we?

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Peace and Quiet

March 1st, 2010 by Jamie Knowles

Have you ever just needed to get away?  There are times when life just seems to be overwhelming and you need to take a break, have time for yourself, and get away from all the noise and distractions.  That is where I am at the moment.

I am feeling a little over my head, but I have felt this way before.  And there are two things that I always do to calm myself down.

First, I take a walk to my favorite spot.  It’s right off campus and it is the perfect place to have some quiet time.  As you walk through the woods you will reach a small clearing.  In this clearing are four or five buildings that are a little rundown.  The students that know about this place call them the abandoned buildings because they never see anyone using them.  I was fortunate to meet the caretaker my freshman year and find out what these buildings were used for. 

I go there because it is quiet and not a lot of students know about it.  I can sit on the picnic tables or the grass and just be still and hear myself think, or sometimes I go there to cry.  It calms me down to hear the sounds of the woods.  I live in the country and I am not used to a lot of people.

After I come back to campus, I like to put on the most comfortable clothes I have and have a cup of Chamomile tea.  I get my Bible and curl up on my bed and just read.  I usually read the Psalms because I find them very soothing.  My favorite Psalms are 13, 18, and 23.  They are a great comfort to me and when I am done reading and spending time in prayer I find that I am more focused and relaxed.

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