Actors, crew wanted for evangelical musical

Actors and crew members are wanted for the musical drama "Moment of Truth," an original two-act "evangelical play," with open auditions from

1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Shelton High School Performing Arts Center.

Shelton native Laura Lee Roznowski, a 1974 graduate of Shelton High School who co-wrote the play with Patrice Johnson, will direct. The Lacey resident is also seeking a musical director, who will be paid.

The drama features spiritual warfare with angels and demons, and revolves around a live band, which plays all the music in the show. Roles are available for 30 people.

Four benefit shows for the 12-step Christ-centered group Celebrate Recovery will be staged March 30 and April 1 at the PAC. For more information, contact Roznowski at 360-789-7917 or [email protected].

Auditioners will be asked to read scenes from "Moment of Truth" and sing a capella. Roznowski stresses that the show is nondenominational and multigenerational, and extends a special invitation to fellow theater alumni.

The play is a homecoming for Roznowski - formerly Johnston - whose family has lived in Mason County for five generations. Her great grandparents, Gottfried and Sofia Pesete, owned and farmed most of what is now Sanderson Field before World War II, she said.

With "Moment of Truth," "I want people to walk away questioning why they are here on this earth, at this time, and what the future holds," she said in an interview with the Journal. She added, "I want people to come off the street to hear a message that will stir their hearts."

Roznowski started acting as a student at Shelton Junior High School, and landed lead roles in shows at Shelton High School. Drama teacher Dean Tarrach was an experienced actor and inspired his students, she said.

Roznowski said she enrolled at the University of Washington with an eye on a career as an actress or TV talk show host. Instead, she married, had two daughters and moved to New Jersey. She owned a decorating store and turned to writing plays with Christian themes.

"I started using my gifts and talents for Christ," she said.

In 2000, "Moment of Truth" was staged for six performances at a theater in New Jersey, she said. Roznowski and her writing partner edited the script, keeping half of Johnson's tunes and adding a dozen Christian hits by Cain, Toby Mac, Matthew West, Zach Wilson, Ann Wilson and others.

In the show, a Christian band is practicing for a concert to benefit Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-based 12-step program that encourages "the healing of hurts, habits and hang-ups," Roznowski said. The shows at Shelton High School will also benefit the program.

WANT TO AUDITION?

WHAT: Evangelical musical drama “Moment of Truth”

WHO: Co-writer and director Laura Lee Roznowski

WHEN: 1 to 5 p.m., Dec. 18

WHERE: Shelton High School Performing Arts Center, 3737 N. Shelton Spring Road

INFORMATION: [email protected] or 360-789-7917