"Mary" Is Back For 2009

Hey, here's an announcement about an upcoming Christmas show from The Contemporary Youth Arts Company in Charleston:

13th Annual Mary Production Opens Nov. 27!

The Contemporary Youth Arts Company opens its 13th annual production of the Mark Scarpelli-Dan Kehde musical Mary at 8 p.m., Nov. 27 at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater, 123 Summer Street, Charleston.

The story of the nine months prior to the birth of Jesus Christ, as seen 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 young talent 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 Austin Thomas as Joseph, Micah Atkinson as Gabriel, Maddy Gourevitch as Elizabeth, Niklaus Tidquist as Zechariah and Meredith Overcash as Herod; with a large supporting cast including soloists Haylee Veronda, Samantha Oxley, April Richardson-Morgan and Sarah Mandirola. A 15-piece orchestra, conducted by music director Eli Chambers, accompanies the production.

Performances continue at 8 p.m. Nov. 28 and Dec. 3, 4, 5 with a Sunday matinee Nov. 29 beginning 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 performance.