We wondered if we could pull this off. The play was New Star by Sharon Kay Chatwell, directed by Maria Damato. The first rehearsal was a disaster. The dress rehearsal the day of the play (December 16, 2018) was also a mess. Missing actors were replaced by various attenders
The performance was perfect. Maybe it was a Christmas Miracle.
Our director was getting nervous. A third of the cast was missing, the clock was ticking.
The cast was waiting for the cue to start. Some know their lines. Others were volunteered on the spot for a role.
More of the cast were wondering when this will ever start and be over!
The stage was set.
The cast was assembled and the audience was beginning to arrive.
And then, the music began to play.
And it was showtime!
Mary was radiant and Joseph was busy.
And Gabriel appeared!
Gabriel’s message left Joseph a bit confused.
But Mary was indeed pregnant, and for that matter so was Elizabeth, who also had received the message from Gabriel.
Joseph, decided to do the right thing by Mary.
Meanwhile, Caesar had decided to take a census and ordered everyone back to their hometowns to be counted.
So it was off to Bethlehem for Joseph and Mary, but when they got there the only lodging they could find was a stable, where Mary gave birth to Jesus.
Angels appeared! And shepherds too!
The shepherds and their flock came to the manger to adore the new baby. (yes there was singing!)
And a new star appeared in the sky!
Word of the miracle spread quickly and most people were happy, but not all. King Herod sensed a challenge to his power and he was angry.
Herod met with 3 minor kings, known as the wise men, who told him they were following the new star to Bethlehem to give gifts to the newborn king. Outraged, Herod ordered them to come back and tell him where this child was so he could “adore” him too.
But the three men were wise to Herod’s game and told Mary and Joseph to leave where Herod could not find them.
And leave they did, on that silent night; they were safe from Herod.
And we all sang We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
And then we took a bow.
