12th Annual "Mary" Production Opens Nov. 28

Hey, I promised you more information about the holiday show Mary, so here's the press release from CYAC:

The Contemporary Youth Arts Company opens its twelfth annual production of the Mark Scarpelli - Dan Kehde musical MARY at 8 p.m. on Nov. 28 at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summer Street in Charleston.

The story of the nine months prior to the birth of Jesus Christ through the eyes of a young girl destined to be the most important woman in the Christian tradition, MARY has become a family friendly holiday tradition throughout the greater Charleston area.

Drawing from a mix of talent, young and old, from all over the greater Kanawha Valley, the annual production began rehearsals in early October for the traditional opening night the day after Thanksgiving. A driving score and an ageless story continue to inspire audiences with new insights to the days and months leading up to the first Christmas.

This year's cast includes Molly Means as the title character, with Jonathan Tucker as Joseph, Tanya Dillon-Page as Gabriel, Melanie Larch as Elizabeth, Donnie Smith as Zechariah and Eli Chambers as Herod; with a large supporting cast including Tess Lucas, Amanda Trail, Samantha Oxley, Nik Tidquist, Nick Curnutte, Kirill Gura, Shane Belcher, Ryan McCoy, Ella McCoy, Shante Martin, Stephanie Stockman, Liz McCormick, Alicia Lewis, Marranda Major, Jackie Cobb, Maddy Gourevitch, Victoria Hayes, Emily White, Lauren Miller and Sarah Mandirola. A 15-piece orchestra, conducted by composer Mark Scarpelli, accompanies the production.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Nov. 28, 29, December 4, 5, 6 with a Sunday matinee on Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5.50 for students and seniors and $9.50 for adults and can be purchased at the door the evenings of the performances. Call the WVSU Capital Center Box Office, 304-342-6522, for advance reservations and group discounts.