Mission Moment

Dear Covenant Families, 

The Covenant Fine Arts Division is thrilled to present this year’s theme of “Wonder and Imagination” through all 2024-2025 performances. Our first is The Music Man - it tells a story of transformation, imagination, and redemption through community and love. Set in 1912 in the small, Mayberry-like town of River City, Iowa, the musical introduces us to Harold Hill, a charming con artist posing as the town’s new music professor. He convinces the townspeople to purchase instruments and uniforms for a new marching band, all while promoting his dubious “think system”—a method where students imagine playing their instruments rather than actually learning to play. His plan? To take the money and leave town before anyone realizes they’ve been duped.

But something unexpected happens: Harold meets Marian Paroo, and he falls in love. Initially skeptical, Marian begins to see the potential for good in Harold, and through her influence, he starts to change. His love for Marian and his growing affection for River City lead him to abandon his scheme. In an unlikely twist, Harold’s presence, though deceptive at first, brings the town together, and he finds love through redemption and music.

In today’s world, we often doubt that people can truly change. “Once a liar, always a liar,” society tells us. Yet, as Christians, we know that transformation is not only possible—it’s central to our faith. Consider the radical change we see in Scripture, particularly in the story of the Apostle Paul. Luke tells us that Paul was “breathing threats and murder” against early believers (Acts 9:1). That this same man would become one of the greatest missionaries in history is nothing short of miraculous. Redemption, indeed, is real.

One of the great blessings of a vibrant fine arts program is that it gives our students the opportunity to explore these themes and embody them. Just as the Gospel of John speaks of the Word becoming flesh, theatre brings words from a script to life in a physical and emotional way.

As we prepare to gather for these performances, I encourage you to approach The Music Man with hearts open to the deeper truths it reflects. Just as Harold Hill’s life is transformed by love, may we be reminded of the transformational power of Christ’s love in our own lives. Let this production inspire us to see the potential for redemption in others, to foster imagination in how we view the world, and to wonder at the work of God in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life. May we never forget that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, and in every story—whether on stage or in our own lives—there is always hope for renewal.

Join us on October 3rd, 4th, and 5th at the Granville Arts Center. Our cast, made up of Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric students, has been rehearsing since early August, and we are confident that you will love the show and the truth that redemption is real!

Non Nobis,

Michael Attaway
Director of Fine Arts