“Thank God ahead of time”
– bl. Solanus Casey
A drama about the life and time of Blessed Solanus Casey: performed by the JPII Players and written and directed by Molly Delaney Druffner.
All profits from JPII Players performances provide funds for hospitals, tuition, micro-loans, and construction projects in Tanzania East Africa.
Come to a performance
about the
“Thank God ahead of time” stage Production
A funny and inspiring play, written by Molly Delaney Druffner, about a saintly Capuchin monk who grew up on a farm in late 1800’s Wisconsin, and later worked in Detroit during the Depression as porter and soup kitchen coordinator, giving counsel to thousands of people in need.
25 actors bring to life this great story through slides, music, dance, and humor. You will be truly inspired by this family-friendly production. “Thank God Ahead of Time” has been in production since 2000 and has been seen by over 10,000 audience members.
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll be filled with hope!
Director’s Note
There is so much that can be said about Pier Giorgio Frassati and the impact he had in his own lifetime as well as the relevance of his story for today. As the playwright, I’m inclined to let the play speak for itself, but I will say this: I’ve attempted to write more of a spiritual biographical drama than a strictly historical biographical drama. The play is deeply rooted in historical events and people, but more than trying to tell a compelling historical story, I’m ultimately trying to tell an even more compelling spiritual story.
I was struck in my research by the many parallels between Frassati’s time and ours, both politically and culturally. It just goes to show that human nature never changes, and yet Pier Giorgio provides a beautiful example of the greatness we’re all capable of. But his greatness was not found in worldly power or might, or in grasping for the allurements and comforts of this life, rather it was found hidden within this great paradox: “whoever wishes to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” (Matt 16:25)
– Jeremy Stanbary
Interested in this Production?
Bring this PERFORMANCE EVENT W/ LIVE Q&A to your city, school or Parish
by the Numbers
“Thank God Ahead of Time” premiered October 1, 2009, in our 140-seat black box theatre and ran for 5 weeks,
followed by a social media launch of our groundbreaking cinematic performance.
sold
Standing ovations
REached at virtual launch
gallery
production photos
FAQ
What to know about JPII Players
We’ve collected here some handy answers to our more frequently asked questions.
the players
JPII Players
Jeromy Darling
as Pier Giorgio Frassati
Jeremy STanbary
as Marco
Sarah Stanbary
as Laura/Mariscia
Cecilia Hanson
as Luciana Frassati
Who is Blessed Solanus Casey?
In life, Blessed Solanus Casey spoke in a soft and quiet voice to all who came to him for help. And he prayed. Some say his prayers cured illness. All say his serenity and counsel gave them peace. Since his death in 1957, his example continues to inspire others that the path to sainthood is open to all.
Read more at https://www.solanuscasey.org/
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