After reading Chris Grillot’s article about “The 99,” I am not surprised why he got so many of his facts wrong, given that his interpretation afterward was based upon speaking with a worker in the production “just for laughs.”
I actually have experience working with “The 99” and would like to clear the air with some facts rather than opinion formed partly by a desire for humor.
Judging by Grillot’s review, you would be inclined to think “The 99” is run by the likes of the Bible thumpers in Free Speech Alley that everyone loves to hate.
However, the truth is that it’s nothing like that.
How about this: Instead of forming an opinion based on someone who plays upon the negative feelings people have toward those who shove religion in your face, go see “The 99” and judge for yourself.  
The goal of “The 99” is for you to leave with the reality of your decisions in mind on two levels.
First, it’s about what happens when you make harmful decisions like doing drugs or drinking and texting while driving.
You see a dramatization of the effects these things have on the lives of people.
Secondly, it is about a decision whether or not to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and the eternal consequences of that decision.
The production may be based on the beliefs of Christianity, but regardless of what you believe, “The 99” is an eye opener to the reality that 99 young people die every day from preventable causes (whatisthe99.com).
I spoke with people afterward who were not Christians, and did I pressure them to believe what I do or give them a guilt trip? Certainly not!
In no way is that an accurate description of what we do.
I don’t know why Grillot got the impression that he has to be perfect 24/7 or go on a church retreat to avoid going to hell.
That is not the message of “The 99.”
I personally sat through training to work at this production, and I can tell you that is not the way they do things.
 
Ashley Downing
family, child and consumer science senior
 
 
 
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