Working Together for the Greater Good

I am overwhelmed by the way the cast and crew of the recent Avenue Theatre production of "Willy Wonka" worked together to create something wonderful. This isn't just a thank you for their hard work and dedication (even though it is that), this is a recognition of something special. Yes, it was just a play, and, as with any community theater production there are things which could have been better, but if the world functioned the way this group did, every situation which looms before us, causing worry and distress, would be solved. I have no doubts about that.

Over the course of a few weeks, fifty people amazed me at every turn. Consider this: When added together, thousands of hours of rehearsal, organizing, set building, prop gathering, decorating and more were required to produce seven, two-hour performances of "Willy Wonka." Not only did they receive no pay, as is typical with community theater, but they bought their own costumes, sold sponsorships and tickets and chipped in extra money for the cast party and lovely gifts for me, the director.

Whether on stage or behind the scenes, many were called upon to do things they had never tried before, and they did so without complaint even when I was quite demanding, wanting them to do their best. Our handful of truly experienced participants helped others along and never displayed a "prima donna" attitude. If there were disagreements backstage, I didn't know it; everyone dealt with problems which arose and worked through them. New friendships were forged.

When I thought of how to try to thank the cast and crew by recognizing each one, individually, I knew I would do a disservice to those who took on tasks behind the scenes which I knew nothing about. The generosity of those involved cannot be overstated; all gave freely, whether of their time or resources or both.Whatever their background, profession or station in life, it didn't matter -- all that mattered was the task at hand. And that certainly didn't include just the "glamorous" stuff, performing on stage or meeting and greeting adoring fans, but also: set changing, curtain opening/closing, doing make up, loaning personal items to use in the play, helping with publicity, working at the concession stand and box office, picking up trash/cleaning up after the show, etc.

Can you imagine how different our current "debt crisis" would be if decision-makers would lay aside their egos and work for the common good? If they didn't care about recognition or getting credit for their ideas? If lawmakers were willing to not only give up their salaries but also ask their friends and family to contribute to making progress? If creative thinking and a willingness to cooperate would prevail?

The cast and crew bring to mind several verses in the second chapter of the book Philippians. "make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." (verses 2-4)

My joy is complete with regard to everything they did. Don't you wish Congress would take a page from the same play book?