Sandra Lacey wrote a musical called “God Still Dreams of Eden.” I saw it performed several years ago in the black box theater inside the Orlando Shakes. The musical was light hearted fun. “For 20 years Minerva Morgan had let her long-held secret come between her and the only man she ever loved. The appearance of a run-away bride added a dangerous complication…” Sandra told me that bringing the story to the stage lead to further development of the characters. The actors breathed new life into the characters she had imagined. To further expand the story, she developed it into a novel.
On January 3rd, Sandra signed copies of her book at Longs Christian Book and Outlet, 1140 East Altamonte Drive, Altamonte Springs FL. I checked with Roger Long, the bookstore owner before I started to sketch. Sandra hadn’t arrived yet, but a table was set up where she could sign books. She set up a little stand next to the table where she placed chocolate chip cookies. Anyone who stopped by would get a quick synopsis about the book. Sandra gathered e-mail addresses and signed books which were 30% off on that day only.
Most patrons in the store were looking for Christian music. There was a station with head phones which allowed people to search for particular tunes. Staff often had to help out people who didn’t know the name of the artist or the song title. One lady was in the store the entire time I sketched. She wasn’t staff, and she never seemed to find what she was looking for. She spoke to a couple for a while and then insisted on praying with them. I’m convinced that if I returned today, she would still be wandering the isles.
Sandra told me that “God Still Dreams of Eden” will be returning to the stage in about a year. Don Hopkinson is the musical director and the plan is to bring the musical back to the Shakes or the Abbey. I’m curious to see how the story has been further fleshed out.