"Singing In The Rain"

I was watching "Singing In The Rain" the other night with my boys, and it never fails to amaze me what a good movie it is. The premise is a movie studio must make the transition from silent pictures to talking pictures when their leading lady has a squeaky voice and their leading man is more of song and dance man than a dramatic orator. There are bright colors, catchy tunes, and fun dance scenes my boys love to emulate.

There are also great messages about friendship. Cosmo, the leading man's best friend, sees his boyhood pal make it big, get all the attention, and he's okay with it. He knows their friendship is solid, and he has nothing to worry about. They were street kids together, and that made them brothers. Don was the older, more daring one of the pair, and Cosmo always came along for the ride. If Don made it big, Cosmo had to be there, too. They were a package deal. Don became the studio's big name leading man, Cosmo became the studio's director of music.

One day Don meets the girl of his dreams. She's all he can think about, but she has proven ellusive. Cosmo helps Don find her in the hollywood jumble, and he's happy that his best friend found a nice girl who makes him happy. Cosmo figures someday he'll meet a nice girl and settle down, too. There's no love triangle or jealousy.

It also says a lot about what it means to be a man. There is chivalry, light-hearted humor, selfless acts of kindness (because that's what friends are for!), and faith that the other will have your back if you're in the same tight spot. There is honor and honesty among men, and if a woman's feelings can be spared a heartache, regardless of the behavior of said woman, that is the road to take.

This is the example I want my boys to grow up emulating. They have a great example in their father, and now they can watch television and say, "Don Lockwood is just like Daddy!"

Benefit Concert

St. Peter Church has been a long time partner with Cor Sanctum. Cor Sanctum assisted with and offered stability to the volunteer choir until the new choir director arrived. Cor Sanctum offers its services to Fisheaters, the pastor's Catholic Praise band. It is no surprise that Cor Sanctum is willing and eager to begin a series of benefit concerts with St. Peter's Parish.

On June 13th, Cor Sanctum will perform at St. Peter's Church McMahon Hall. The cost is $5.00 per person, and children 12 and under are free. Please come to support the wonderful things St. Peter's has done for the community, and help Holy Heart Media continue in their charitable programs as well.

If your parish may be interested in a benefit concert, please e-mail Nancy A. Tefft at holyheartmedia@yahoo.com.

Holy Heart Media

Holy Heart Media is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing uplifting, family-friendly entertainment back to the mainstream.

• We believe is it the responsibility of artists and entertainers to serve the public by offering hope and happiness--however fleeting--through art, music, theater, and film.
• Our influences are Jim Henson, the Marx Brothers, George and Gracie, and Jackie Chan: How can we offer the biggest laugh using the smallest joke? (We are on a budget!)
• We promote original works as well as offer our seal of approval to those who are working toward the same goal. Positive entertainment needs to be celebrated and encouraged!
• As a non-profit organization, we live to serve. We have partnered with organizations such as Catholic Charities, Children's Hospital, and the Pro Sanctity Movement to bring artist opportunites and expressions to children.

Let us build a more beautiful world one smile at a time.

St. Genesius

A while back I came across a little known saint named St. Genesius. He was an actor in the 3rd century and a pagan-turned-Christian at the most peculiar time.

In the Old Testament, God gave his prophets the gifts to perform great deeds in His Name at the moment of the greatest effect. All of Egypt bore witness to the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. It seems that the conversion of the pagans was no different. St. Genesius researched Christianity and wrote play to mock it, so that he could earn the attention of Emperor Diocletian and possibly a position as performer of the Emperial Court. The aspect he was mocking in his play was Baptism, and at the moment when water was poured on his head, his mind was opened to the fullness of truth. He began evangelizing on the spot!

Emperor Diocletian was less than pleased. His hatred for Christianity was well known. Genesius was ordered to be "punished" for his actions. Genesius held fast to his new-found faith and continued to evangelize throughout his suffering.

After his execution, his body was claimed by a group of Christians, and he was buried in a special place with the other martyrs of that location.

That was not the end of his story. News of his conversion spread, and another Genesius rose up the ranks. He was named for the actor and followed his example. He became the Emperor's secretary and refused to record the "glorious deeds" the involved the execution of Christians. He, too, was martyred. He, too, was honored as a saint.

St. Genesius of Rome has been an inspiration for 1707 years, and today we still seek his intercession in matters of music, theater, and cinema. This is why he is the patron of Holy Heart Media!

St. Genesius, PRAY FOR US!

Opening Night & No Cast To Be Found

Scene 1

Scene opens with Director and Writer setting up the stage and taking care of last minute details.

DIRECTOR: Where is the podium?

WRITER: Behind you, to the left.

Director turns, sees it, and places it at center stage. Pair finish the stage dressing and brush themselves off. They take a moment to admire their handiwork.

DIRECTOR: So, when does the cast arrive?

WRITER: (looks at watch) 25 minutes ago.

Director nods. Both pause. Then they look at each other, shocked.

DIRECTOR: 25 minutes ago?! But, the show?!

WRITER: Maybe they're in the library with Colonel Mustard and the wrench.

DIRECTOR: Well?! (waves her off) Go look!

Writer runs off. Director crosses his arms, shakes his head, and sighs. Writer runs back.

WRITER: No cast there. Should I check the conservatory? I never did trust that Miss Scarlet.

DIRECTOR: No, that won't be necessary. How much time until curtain?

WRITER: (looks at watch) Five minutes ago.

Director and Writer share a look of horror and slowly turn to face the audience.

DIRECTOR: (smiles grandly) Welcome to the show. Before we begin, I'd like to share a few words about the program.

Director walks calmly to the podium and grips the edges tightly. Writer inches stage right a few paces before running the rest of the way.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Opening Night & No Cast To Be Found

Welcome to Holy Heart Media's first interactive play. As you read each post, please tweet what you want to happen next. Your ideas may fuel the next installment. Enjoy!