The Sunday Sermonette – Well done!
In the early 1990s, the Kinetic Neo Skene Theater (KNS) was known for its lavish productions of some of Broadway’s most beloved musicals. Its production of Showboat at the Biloxi Saenger Theater was no exception!
The show was directed by KNS’s resident director, Kinard Fite. He was a genius at his craft. His staging of the show featured a massive, two-story boat that rolled and turned, becoming other locales in the show. His set, lush with moss-draped backdrops, was evocatively lit, plunging the audience backward in time to the 1890s.
Mr. Fite was no easy taskmaster, however. He could be difficult, hard to please, and was never quick with a compliment. He was lovable, though, with his quirky personality and acerbic wit. When he cast me as Captain Andy, the male lead in Showboat, I was over-the-moon with excitement.
The Saenger was packed for the show’s run, but the Sunday Matinee was sold out—1200 seats in all. The enthusiastic audience was delighted with the show, and the cast gave one of its best performances. Throughout the show’s run—much to my disappointment—Mr. Fite never said a word to me about my performance. He would just look at me and roll his eyes.
After each performance, the cast took their stage bows. Captain Andy was the last cast member to take his bow, and when he did, the audience erupted, their applause deafening. I was happy they enjoyed the show! But what about Mr. Fite, did he? Once the green room crowd thinned out, I returned to my dressing room.
I removed my sweaty costume, and as I was taking off my makeup, I heard a gentle knock at the door. I opened it, and there stood Mr. Fite. He entered the room, looked at me with piercing blue eyes, and said, “You were amazing this afternoon. Thank you for your talents. Well done.” Those simple words of praise meant more to me than the audience’s thunderous applause. I had made him happy.
If there is anything we love to hear, it’s approval for a job well done. It builds confidence in knowing we are performing to a high standard. It also encourages us to keep going and to continue performing to that high standard. The praise of men is indeed exhilarating, but it eventually fades. If you live for their praise alone, you will be disheartened when it does.
But there is another’s praise that does not fade, and his praise is eternal. If you know him and believe in him with all your heart, when you pass from this life into the next, you will hear loving, heart-warming praise from the most outstanding “director” of all time, Jesus Christ! He will meet you at Heaven’s gate and welcome you Home, saying, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Ponder this and go forth.
