Christian youth troupe puts teen issues on center stage

‘Dead Serious About Life’  examines teen issues like  sex, drugs and abuse and shows a way to change.

Area high school students (from left) Matt Lansdale of Hamilton High School, Kayla Blair of Dixie Heights High School, Jamie Heineman and Alex Resendes of Edgewood High School, and Tani Linville of Lakota West High School are in the touring cast of “Dead Serious About Life,” a production by the faith-based youth theater group Mishpachah.

Contributed photo Area high school students (from left) Matt Lansdale of Hamilton High School, Kayla Blair of Dixie Heights High School, Jamie Heineman and Alex Resendes of Edgewood High School, and Tani Linville of Lakota West High School are in the touring cast of “Dead Serious About Life,” a production by the faith-based youth theater group Mishpachah.

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By Richard O Jones, Staff Writer 1:00 AM Sunday, November 29, 2009

TRENTON — It isn’t the lure of the spotlight that draws Edgewood junior Jamie Heineman to the stage, but a chance to help other teenagers.

This is Heineman’s second year with the Mason-based Mishpachah — or “Mish” to those close to the program — a nondenominational Christian theater troupe that tours the area with the play “Dead Serious About Life.” The current cast members are mostly from Fairfield, Lakota and Edgewood schools, but also come from as far away as Lebanon and Northern Kentucky.

“Dead Serious About Life” will be performed at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at Edgewood High School.

“I saw the show when I was in middle school and wanted to get involved and meet more Christian friends,” Heineman said.

The play takes place at a party without adult chaperones, where the problems of the various characters come to the surface.

“It deals with teen issues like sex, drugs and abuse,” Heineman said. “It shows kids how to change their lives.”

Heineman plays Kylie, “a tough, dark character who has a bad attitude as the result of living with her abusive, alcoholic father,” she said. “She finally breaks down and realizes she has to deal with her issues and get some help from one of the other characters.”

Heineman’s classmate and friend Alex Resendes is now in his third year in Mishpachah, this time playing Alex, an alcoholic teen who tends to be a mean drunk, belittling those around him.

Being with the group helped him gain some confidence. The first year, he worked backstage before stepping out into the lights.

“I’d heard about the show and wanted to help out, but I didn’t have the courage to be on stage,” he said. “At first it was a little scary with all the people looking at me, but once you’re out there, it’s a no-brainer.”

The group not only helps teenagers find a better way to cope with their problems, but is also a support group for those involved.

“I’ve made a lot of great friends,” Resendes said, “people I can talk to about anything that’s going on in my life.”

Tickets are $9 at the door or $8 in advance, available by calling (800) 459-7268.

“Dead Serious About Life” will also be performed Feb. 20-21 and June 18 at Lakota East High School.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2188 or rjones@coxohio.com.

Mishpachah presents “Dead Serious About Life”

When: 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5-6

Where: Edgewood High School Auditorium, 5005 Ohio 73, Trenton

Tickets: $8 advance, $9 at the door

Info: (800) 459-7268

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Christianity is first about the grace of the gospel: that while we ignore, dishonor, and reject God with our thoughts, feelings, and actions, He lived the life we should live and died the death we should die (Romans 5:8). Even though God's grace can abound to cover the biggest of sins, the life of a true Christian will look more and more like Jesus' life with time.

"Are we to continue in sin so that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?" (Romans 6:1-2)

No Free License
1:23 AM, 12/1/2009

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pezzy, there is nothing wrong with the play or the children. The only thing that is wrong is when Christian groups teach the children that if you get involved with sex, drugs, or anything sinful then you will be going to h-ll UNLESS you are a member of their church and you tithe. In that case, you have a free pass to do whatever you want in life while closely monitoring and trying to control other people's lives, all in the name of the lord.

The churches are then like viruses.

Nona
7:50 PM, 11/29/2009

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I dont see any problem with this play at all, I have no problem with giving a little money to support their cause. They do have to pay the school for the use of the building seeing as this is a religion based play and school funds cant be used.

pezzy
1:26 PM, 11/29/2009

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Joshua, hmmm..with a name like yours meaning strength, I would pray that you are a much stronger person than to put down something positive these teenagers are doing! So glad that my Joshua does not put such words together with the drama that his sister does with our church! Maybe you need to go see this troupe perform, oh, you would be afraid they would ask you to give an offering since it does cost money to purchase things and to travel! I am impressed that this is what they choose to do!

Nona
8:04 AM, 11/29/2009

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I think what the Christian group is going to teach the children is that if you get involved with sex, drugs, or anything sinful then you will be going to h-ll UNLESS you are a member of their church and you tithe. In that case, you have a free pass to do whatever you want in life while closely monitoring and trying to control other people's lives, all in the name of the lord.

Joshua
4:19 AM, 11/29/2009

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