The Forgotten Man, A Story of Joseph of Nazareth to be performed at Wilmot High School

When Lance Haas, former Wilmot Union High School band and choir director was given a cancer diagnosis in April 2010, he was told he had just 10 months to live. During those months, he began growing closer to God through prayer, reading his Bible more and trying to discern the reason he was still alive after the ten month mark had passed.

Following his retirement in June 2011, Lance began working on a musical that emerged from his countless hours of prayer on the study of Jesus life.

According to his wife, Carol, Lance could find very little written about Joseph, Jesus’ foster father, and he wanted to find some way to give tribute to the man who took on the awesome responsibility of raising the Son of God. His prayer led to the birth of “The Forgotten Man, A Story of Joseph of Nazareth,” which will be performed December 21-23 at Wilmot High School.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

 â€œHe felt that by writing this musical, he could not only give honor to Joseph, but more importantly, draw more people to the Word of God,” she said. “He felt he was fulfilling the purpose God had for him when God kept him here beyond the 10-month prognosis.”

This final work encompassed every day of his life, from the first day of retirement until he died this past October. From his hospital room, he orchestrated choreography, marketing and ordering costumes.

“He worked 17 months on this,” said Carol, adding, “And he wrote all the music, lyrics and script for the show.”

All but the pit band and two of the 15-member cast, which also includes a camel, are former music students who are committed to completing Lance’s final work to honor him and to further his vision of drawing more people to the word of God.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

 â€œThere is a cooperation with current school staff members to do what is necessary to bring this musical to the stage,” said Carol. “It is a truly humbling and heartwarming experience for me to know how much Lance meant and did for his students.”

Bringing the musical to the stage is a bittersweet ending for Carol, who is amazed at her late husband’s ability to live his life despite his battle with cancer, as well as continuing to make a difference in the lives of others.

“His perseverance and positive attitude during a very painful and challenging part of his life, and his strong faith in Our Lord, are parts of him I carry with me every day,” she said. “While it will be hard to sit in that audience without him, I know he is looking down from the throne room of God, receiving his final standing ovation. I am extremely grateful to all involved in bringing Lance’s dream to completion, especially the three directors Lance chose to do the work for him: Dave Dvorak, Stan Bochat, and Travis Wetzel.”

Because Lance wanted to spread the message around the United States, he offered the rites to non-profit groups to perform this musical free of charge.

“Lance wanted to provide this opportunity so they might be able to raise money for their programs and spread the world of God,” said Carol. “We are just asking for a freewill offering and all proceeds will go to Global Ministries, through Lance’s church, in his memory.”

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

If you want to go:

 The Forgotten Man, a Story of Joseph of Nazareth

December 21 at 8 p.m.

December 22 at 2 and 8 p.m.

December 23 at 2 p.m.

Wilmot High School in the Lance G. Haas Auditorium

Cost is a free will offering at the door.

124 Shares

Comments are closed.

  • Follow us on

  • Archives