February 13 & 14, 7 p.m. - Two Tables
For One
Featuring
Joy Powell and Angela Shultz, Brett Kristofferson, pianist/arranger/composer
The original idea was to do a Valentine’s Day weekend show for single people. But as it evolved, a clearer message and higher purpose emerged for the upcoming musical theatre cabaret at Missouri Baptist University, Two Tables for One. The show, starring Joy Powell and Angela Shultz, is the only two-night event in the Hot Winter Nites concert series.
Traditionally, a cabaret features a compilation of songs borrowed from other
shows. Two Tables follows this model but adds a connecting storyline and
a number of original pieces written by Brett Kristofferson, musical theater
composer/accompanist and close friend of Shultz. One of the show’s
most powerful songs, “Better than I,” is a favorite of the cast
because it communicates the heart of this project: that we all encounter
troubles but the Lord truly does know better and He takes care of His children.
Two Tables for One tells the story of two women, alone on Valentine’s Day, who meet in a restaurant and share the course of their relationship journeys. One is a mother with her suitcase packed, ready to walk away from the life she has built; the other is dealing with the aftermath of a rough breakup. Neither suspects that before the evening is over, they will have gained new insight and encouragement as they make decisions that will affect the course of their lives forever. Through this seemingly heavy theme, a sense of humor and hope emerges between these two characters whose close offstage friendship creates an undeniable onstage chemistry.
For Joy and Angela, a mutual love of performance brought them together on
this project and led to their ministry in drama. As the show took shape,
it was evident that God’s hand was at work, providing the talent, music,
script, and performance space. “Any time we live out our passions in
a way that is honorable, the Lord is blessed,” said Joy. “It
doesn’t have to be under a churchy, religious disguise because we are
doing what we love and feel that the Lord has given us these gifts.” In
addition to the show being an act of worship, they are able to share it with
a diverse audience who wouldn’t normally attend “Christian” events.
“We are really excited to branch out and speak to things in life that don’t always get spoken to, especially in the Christian realm,” said Joy. “Relationship troubles happen, and this show attempts to say, ‘You’re not by yourself, other people have felt this way, other people are dealing with this.’ I don’t think you have to be single to enjoy it because there are universal truths that come through in the songs.” Single, engaged, or married, don’t miss the premier performances of Two Tables for One, February 13-14.