Forks, spoons, napkins, and a chipped teacup. You might think I'm referring to a kitchen silverware set, or maybe even the inside of a china cabinet. But I'm actually referring to a family. A family of many different people, with many different talents. A family of musicians, actors, actresses, dancers, singers, magic-makers, hard workers, costume-makers, makeup-artists, technology-experts, dreamers, schemers, and A-teamers.

These past few months, a group of Asbury University's sophomore class members have been rehearsing countless hours for this past weekend's production of Beauty and the Beast. I've had the honor and privilege of being a part of the amazing cast, and I can say without a doubt that the late nights and long hours of practicing for the four shows have definitely been worth it. I'm sure we will all be singing along to "Beauty and the Beast" for very long time (maybe even as old as time).

I have learned throughout this process that we could not do this without each other. If one person were to slack off and forget his or her lines, dance routine, stage placement, etc., the show would not have turned out as beautifully as it did. I'm thankful for and proud of the willingness each of the members of our cast and crew to push themselves, to continue learning every rehearsal, and to remain positive and loving towards each other until the very end. I will never underestimate the time, energy, or emotion that goes into any production from this time on. Being a part of Beauty and the Beast opened my eyes to the world of theatre and film and all that it takes to make it all happen.

Sophomore musical has been life-changing, filled with new friendships and a new perspective. The message of Beauty and the Beast seems to be that beauty comes from within, and that love changes us when we know it is undeserved. The undertones radiate the light of Christ and His abundant love for us, despite our appearance and our flaws. Our prayer is that someone who needed to see a representation of such a love was able to do so in watching our production.

And finally, we all know that we couldn't have done it without our wonderful director, Kari Brown; our co-director, Taryn Cipkowski; our vocal director, Kylie Nabers; our pit director, Abbie Irwin; and of course the many musicians, lighting directors, and crew and sound production members that truly made it all happen. Our gratitude is overflowing.