A NOTE FROM ESTHER PLOEGSTRA

songwriter, storyteller and people lover

There is so much that went into writing this musical. There is, as anyone who knows me knows, my overgrown imagination. There's my passion for music and songwriting and musical theater. My love for F.R. Stockton's short story. My knack for writing dialogue. My skill at piano. My quirky and sometimes bombastic sense of humor. The many emotional experiences of joy and pain that I've poured into every word of the script and lyrics. And of course my never ending love of storytelling.

But the main thing that has been poured into The Lady or The Tiger? is love. I have been so loved in so many ways, and gift is what allowed me to see the world the way I do, and to have the joy, creativity and understanding to write this musical. The people featured in the pictures below are just some of the many behind the scenes who have contributed to the success of this musical so far. You would not even be reading this post if it wasn't for everyone who encouraged me that this musical was worth something to the world.

Although there are so many people who have made this musical meaningful to me, there are a few I'd like to acknowledge specifically. The first, Poppy, who inspired me from the very beginning to use music and theater as gifts to the world, and who showed me what a truly faithful friend is. Second is my mom, who has given me more than I could ever list here, and loved me in a way that is... basically perfect? She has taught me countless life lessons, but above all has helped me to understand the world in the way I have come to love more than anything, as a beautiful, powerful story. Third is my sister Marybelle, who was the first person besides me who ever sang a song from this show, and who has always gone along with all my crazy ideas, and been my partner and sometimes servant in all my creative work. Fourth is my dear, dear friend Jacob, (aka my creative muse) who has shown me undying friendship, and who has made both the silliest and the deepest parts of myself feel valued, a task which is very hard to succeed at. Thank you for always believing in me. 

I also have to thank my beloved Daddy, Jack, and Susie, Rubby and Grandma, and Julieann: thanks for being my biggest fans for my whole entire life and for being my constant ones! To my church and my friends and teachers, thank you for being a support to me in all my creative adventures. To my writing class besties--you guys, thanks for letting me share all my ideas, even the insane ones with you. The days I've spent in class with you have been some of the best of my life, and I promise this musical would not exist without your lively discussion, ideas and friendship. Thank you to TCOE-- Brian, Charlotte, Nicole, Bethany and Andres, everyone else!--for showing me what making a beautiful musical is all about. And of course, I could never, EVER forget my amazing performing team!! You guys have brought this show to life and taken ownership in a way that warms my heart to its very core.

I have absolutely no idea where this musical is going to go, but it has already gone farther than I could have imagined, which is saying a lot! I believe that The Lady or The Tiger? is a powerful story, and that as people connect to this musical, they will be changed. 

God, thank you for letting this musical be something that has brought people joy, helped me heal from past pain, and created connection between the lives of everyone involved in it.  

I love you all, and neither this musical or me would be complete without you.

~Esther