Theatre is a sacred space.

Dear friends,It’s been a while.When I first launched Musical Midrash, I hoped it would become a gathering place — a space where theatre and theology, song and Spirit, could meet in conversation. But like any creative project, it takes time to find rhythm, voice, and purpose. So I stepped back.But I’ve never stopped listening.And on Sunday night, something stirred me.At the Tony Awards, Kara Young — accepting her award for Best Featured Actress in Purpose — took the microphone and spoke a word of truth that rang out like a call to worship. She said: “In this world, that we are so divided — theatre is a sacred space!It’s a sacred space that we have to honor and treasure, and it makes us united.”“In this world, that we are so divided — theatre is a sacred space!It's a sacred space that we have to honor and treasure, and it makes us united.”— Kara Young, 2025 Tony AwardsI wanted to stand up and shout amen.Because I believe that too — not as metaphor or sentiment, but as theology.Theatre is sacred. Not just because it brings us together, but because it holds the power to transform. To unveil truth. To witness pain. To kindle joy. It is embodied ritual, sung prayer, prophetic protest, and radical communion.This is the heart of the book I’ve been writing — a theology of musical theatre that treats the stage as sacred space. Just as churches gather around scripture and sacrament, I believe communities gather around musicals to rehearse hope, confront injustice, and imagine new worlds. These stories aren’t just entertainment. They’re sacred texts in motion — performed liturgies of liberation, lament, and love.It’s church. Or at least, it can be.That’s why I’m back.Over the next few months, I’ll be writing here regularly again. Twice a month — sometimes more — I’ll share:🎭 Reflections on musicals old and new📖 Theological insights sparked by song and script🕯️ Connections between stage and sanctuary🎤 Stories from a book I’m writing on all of thisSome posts will be short, others longer. Some personal, others more pastoral. All of them will circle back to this belief:Musical theatre is sacred storytelling.And in a divided world, it’s worth honoring and treasuring — just like Kara said.Thanks for being here. Whether you’ve been subscribed since the beginning or are just joining in, I’m glad we’ve found our way back into this sacred space together.See you at the next curtain.With grace and rhythm,DustinThanks for reading Musical Midrash! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dustinwilsor.substack.com/subscribe