RESERVE — Everyone involved with SeLah Productions is excited for their upcoming performance of “If It Had Not Been for the Lord …,” which debuts this weekend.

The show is an original production from director and playwright JaVon Butler.

According to Butler, the production’s storyline stresses people can be restored and overcome life’s obstacles despite their trials in life.

Tickets are $15, and those interested can call 225-623-9449 for more information.

Show times are 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at St. John Theatre, 115 W. 4th St. in Reserve.

SeLah Productions will donate a portion of ticket sales to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. A representative from the foundation will be at Sunday’s performance to speak about the importance of early detection and bring along a breast cancer survivor to tell her story.

Butler said the tone of this weekend’s productions are restoration and how it doesn’t matter what you’ve done in life, God is always willing to accept you as you are.

“He loves us despite the things that we do to displease him,” she said.

Troy Cooper, one of the show’s main characters, said the music is fabulous.

“It’s Christian-based gospel music,” he said. “Every song is perfect for every scene. People should come see this production, because I really think it will bless their socks off. There are good positive messages, and some people may be dealing with some issues that we are expressing in this play. I think that everyone can benefit from seeing it and know that no matter what they have dealt with in life, God is always there to reconcile and bring them back.”

Whether you are God-fearing, teeter tottering or don’t even know God, Cooper said everyone should see the performance because of its positive messages, adding hopefully attendees reassess their lives and grow.

A cast of 75 volunteers has been putting in time and effort to make the production a success.

Jaz Thompson, 6, is one of the children in the production. Jaz was excited to participate at dress rehearsal this week.

“People should come out to see the play, because we want to entertain them,” she said. “We practiced really hard and we really want people to like it.”

Brandie Scott, a main dancer in the production, has been a part of SeLah Productions since 2013. She said this production will be her seventh.

Being a veteran with SeLah Productions, Scott is proud of the fact they donate a portion of the ticket sales to charitable organizations.

“I guess that’s why I keep doing performances,” she said. “It’s not money going into anyone’s pockets here. We are doing this for a good cause and a good reason. I feel like that’s a blessing. All of us are volunteers. We are giving up our time, but it’s all worth it.”

Scott feels after seeing the production, audience members wont feel the same.

“If you really sit and listen and go scene by scene, you can put yourself in the situation,” Scott said.

“This situations are real. They aren’t just something someone made up. These are things that people may really be going through, and I think that whomever comes is going to walk out blessed.”

By Raquel Derganz Baker