Our Middle School Drama students did a phenomenal job at both performances of It’s a Madhouse! by Todd Wallinger

Bestselling mystery author Byron Pembroke is dead, and one stormy evening, his highly dysfunctional family gathers for the reading of the will. Each member of the family assumes that they deserve the bulk of the estate, so imagine their shock when they discover that Byron converted his entire fortune into a single mysterious item which he's hidden somewhere in the mansion--with a four-line verse their own clue! Before they can find the treasure, however, the mansion is overrun by a horde of strangers seeking refuge from the storm, and these strangers soon join in the hunt.

Who will find the treasure first? Byron's spoiled, self-serving family members? The bickering trio of ghost hunters? The nosy news team? The busload of obnoxious tourists? Or one of the dozens of other crazy intruders literally tearing the house apart in their excitement and greed?

A Jesus moment… How often are we guilty of self-serving? When the Father has given us all that we need and more, we worry about tomorrow. We horde. We let our pride and greed get the better of us in this “me first” culture. The family squabbling in this play reminds me of Jesus’s disciples, arguing over the best seat in the kingdom or the jealousy of Joseph’s brothers. Does this feel uncomfortably familiar? I know I’m guilty. Let’s face it—we’re just one big ‘ol dysfunctional family who desperately need Jesus.
Thank you all for attending NCS’s performance of It’s a Madhouse, written by Todd Wallinger and brought to you by our very own enthusiastic middle school drama students. This mystery/comedy gives you all the “madness” of messy family dynamics, greed, life’s uncontrollable moments, and unwanted guests.

Last year, I made my directorial debut with NCS’s production of The Princess Capers, by Taryn Temple, and now I’ve gained another year under my belt! Throughout high school, a bit in college, and my adult life, I’ve been on stage with various roles. But navigating the director role with the kids has been both an enjoyable experience and a life- learning challenge. With each new avenue in life, it brings an opportunity to lean into the Father and grow in our relationship with Him. Getting to know each and every one of the kids and discovering their gifts and passions has been amazing. It’s a privilege to witness someone coming out of their shell or finding their voice and confidence to do something that’s hard and requires bravery.

I want to thank everyone who has helped and supported us along the way. This isn’t a one-man show—clearly! Many hands were at work both in view and behind the scenes. Thank you, Mrs. Leslie, for your encouragement and sharing your experiences of working with kids and performance! Thank you to the office gals—Jenn, Emily, and Priscilla—who offered support and assistance when I needed it. Thank you to all of the NCS parents who stepped up, put in the time, and filled the many roles like creating posters (Lauren), handling ticket sales (Jenn) and concessions (Anne), hair and makeup, making meals, loaning props and supplying costume pieces, building sets (Kevin & Joel) and providing sound and tech (Dean) while listening to my big and beyond expectations! Thank you, Jenn Long, for handling everything I had forgotten to take care of or needed assistance with. You are my fairy godmother! Yes, Jenn, I will say it again and again every year! Deal with it! LOL! I want to thank my husband and kids for your enduring patience and support throughout this whole director’s journey!

And thank you, God, for your patience, strength, and for giving us all this opportunity to produce and perform for your glory!

Praise the Lord! We did it, guys!
Andrea Knepper, Drama Director