We all face obstacles in different ways.  One of the biggest obstacles I am currently facing is the guilt I feel over the minuscule size of my own personal losses and pain this past year in comparison to the insurmountable burdens others in the world face.  I tell myself I have so much to be thankful for; get over it already.  But still the pain aches and the loss gnaws.

The one solace during all of this has been being able to throw myself into work – namely directing Peter and the Starcatcher.  It is a play about many things including the re-imagined origin of Peter Pan.  Throughout the rehearsals one word keeps bubbling up to the surface: Believe.  When we believe in others we can make things better for everyone.  When we believe in ourselves we become the best we can be.  And when we believe in ourselves and each other anything is possible.  Through collaboration and cooperation, we can move mountains, change the world, maybe even… fly!  And though I still feel the pain and loss of last year, I am encouraged with the beginning of a new year and with the help of others, that things will get better.

So my New Year’s wish for you is to come see Starcatcher and experience for yourself the power of believing.  Believe that laughter is the best medicine.  Believe that anything is possible.  Believe that a boy can fly!

This month the PAC Kid Spotlight shines on Parker Thompson from James T. Alton Middle School.  Parker is back at the back this month in Peter and the Starcatcher.  Learn more about Parker and our other PAC Kids.

Congratulations to our Nutcracker Audience Survey Winners: Claudia Richardson, Laura Hacker, Carla Breeding and Christina Keith. Each of them will receive a $20 PAC Gift Certificate and we hope to see them back at the PAC very soon!