Just Musing: A must-see musical, the Ark Encounter and a nation divided

Today (Sunday) is your last chance to see the first of two summer musicals, "The Little Mermaid." The final performance begins at 2 p.m. in the beautiful and historic Marion Palace Theatre.

I had the opportunity to see it opening weekend and to say it was totally awesome is an under statement. Trust me, it rivals any show you would see on Broadway.

The costumes were over the top with such intricate detail and bling, bling, bling. The back drops were over the top in beauty and detail. Rick Baird and the orchestra performed flawlessly and with just the right volume to not overshadow the performers.

And the singers were perfectly matched to their roles. Kudos also to the stage crew as props were quickly moved on and off stage in record time. Overall, I give the entire cast an A+++. To Clare and Kristi, my congratulations and a question − how are you going to top this one?

A trip to the ark and a word about politics

In addition to attending the musical Sunday, I enjoyed a bus trip with a local church to Williamstown, Kentucky, to tour the Ark Encounter on Saturday. It, too, was an awesome experience. The massive ark built to the specifications of God to Noah took years to build and many years prior in research to assure all was depicted in accordance with the biblical time.

We learned how the animals were loaded onto the Ark which in itself was a huge undertaking. Really made the story of Noah and his wife, Emzarra, come to life. I highly recommend this adventure if you have not yet seen it.

Those of you who know me well know I’ve never been one to say much about politics. But I will say this − the assassination attempt at former President Donald Trump should be a wake-up call to this nation to see just how divided and full of hatred we’ve become in recent years.

Remember how everyone came together when the United States was targeted with the destruction of the twin towers in New York, the downed plane in Pennsylvania and attack on the Pentagon in the nations capitol on Sept. 11, 2001?

The entire world is watching our behavior with a few ready to move in and attack us on our soil. I think we can agree to disagree without so much hatred and violence. Let your feelings be noted through the ballot box and not guns. Sermon over.

The Sunday concerts in McKinley Park continue at 7 p.m. tonight with the Marion Area Orchestra and Quintessence performing. Take a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy this free concert.

Let me leave you with this quotation by John Dickinson in 1768 in the Liberty Song: “Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all! By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall.“

Until next week, be safe and please be kind.

Brenda Donegan is a former Marion Star staffer. She may be reached at brendadonegan55@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: High praise for a Palace Theatre musical and the Ark Encounter