Not every sacred story begins in Bethlehem. Some begin in Blaine, Missouri.
In this episode of Musical Midrash, we crack open the red-white-and-blessed glory of Waiting for Guffman — Christopher Guest’s mockumentary masterpiece and a surprisingly holy love letter to community theatre. Through awkward choreography, civic delusion, and one very glittery pageant, we find something sacred underneath the satire.
This is a gospel for the weirdos, the stage managers, the chorus kids, and the dreamers who dare to believe the show still matters — even when the seats are empty.
We talk:
Red, White & Blaine as civic scripture
Stool Boom as psalm
Corky St. Clair as prophet
Community theatre as communion
Holy failure and almost-miracles
Plus: a personal reflection on the theatres that formed me, the saints who shaped me, and the sacredness of storytelling when no one is watching.
Let the lights dim. Let the overture swell. And may the Spirit move — even if Guffman never shows up.
follow my reflections at dustinwilsor.substack.com
