special guest

"...In your programs, you notice it indicates the role of Terry Connor will be played by Dennis Shelton. However, Dennis was recently hospitalized and is preparing to undergo chemotherapy treatments. We ask that you please keep Dennis in your prayers and thoughts. The role of Terry has been taken over by our assistant musical director, Kevin Jones."

This is Joe's speech that he gives every night before the performance. But then last night...

"And, we have a special guest in the house tonight that I ask you to all help me welcome. By special permission of the staff at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, we have in the audience Mr. Dennis Shelton..."

* (cue audible gasp from all performers backstage) *

A few people had suspected that he was there: "That guy in the audience looks exactly like Dennis...", but none of us thought it possible: "There is no way that is Dennis...he's in the hospital..." We became determined to put on the best damn show that we possibly could, and send our energy level through the roof. And we did just that. We performed our hearts out for Dennis and "did him proud", to quote. He really enjoyed the show, we were incredibly happy to have him there, and everyone was in tears. Talk about a moving experience.