The miraculous story of the birth of Christ comes to the stage of the Empress Theatre on Friday, Dec. 19.
The musical A Night in the Stable, featuring performers from several Fort Macleod churches, will be performed in two shows, at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
“Interfaith collaboration strengthens the heart of a community,” director Sydney Tobler said. “Much like ecumenical socials, this nativity gives us the chance to come together in a spirit of unity, focusing on what we share rather than what separates us.”
“The purpose of this project is to bring the story of the Saviour’s birth to life, spread His love and light, strengthen faith across our area, and provide a welcoming, spiritual experience for all. Youth and adults from different denominations are able to use their talents to testify of Christ together and that unity blesses everyone.”
The nativity musical had its genesis in a conversation Tobler had with a close friend about their faith and shared desire to put God first in their lives.
They talked about sharing the Word of God more openly wit the community.
“A few days later, I felt inspired with the thought of creating a community nativity,” Tobler said. “Because I’ve always loved music — especially Christmas music — I started imagining a musical nativity that could bring scripture to life. I also felt it was important to involve different churches and youth from across our community.”
When Tobler didn’t find what she was looking for, she wrote the nativity story from her King James Bible and chose the songs.
“From the beginning, this has been God’s work,” Tobler said. “Any inspiration or unity in this production belongs to Him alone. All praise goes to God.”
A Night in the Stable features 40 children from the community filling the roles associated with the story of Christ’s birth.
Pyper Nelson will play Mary, and Ethan Gouchie will take the stage as Joseph.
Sam Orr is the Angel Gabriel, and lead angels are Abbi Mcclung, Anastasia Olson, Claire Hewlett, and Kathryn Orr.
Other angels are Preslie Tobler, Kamryn Nelson, Penny Mcclung, Mariah Burdett, Kayla Smith, Adelaide Oaks, Kenadie Tobler, Danica Nelson, Grace Oakes and Claira Barfuss.
Brody Nelson is the lead shepherd, whose numbers include Maelle Feyter, Emma-Jo Baker, Emily Foote, Edith Orr, Abigail Orr, Jola Eichhorst, Brynn Baker, Willow Burdett, Sam Orr, and Anna Hewette.
Brian Nelson, Bradshaw Mcclung, and Brandon Jones are the three wise men.
Brigham Burdett plays the role of the innkeeper, and Adalyn Nelson has the role of innkeeper’s wife.
King Herod’s Court is made up of Logan Nelson as Antipater II and guards Alyvia Baker, Ana Huckmann, Corbyn Tobler and Tucker Nelson.
The show begins with musical selections by a community choir whose members come from the Trinity United, Granum United, Christ Church Anglican, and Holy Cross Roman Catholic churches.
The songs will be Angels We Have Heard on High, Joy to the World, and Hark the Herald Angels Sing.
Gerdine Oosterwijk will lead the audience in singing three songs prior to the start of A Night in the Stable.
A Night in the Stable begins with the angel ensemble singing O Come, O Come Emmanuel, followed by opening narration.
In Act 1, The Promised Messiah, the Angel Gabriel appears to Mary. Pyper Nelson will sing Mother to a Savior and King.
Act 2 is Joseph’s Dream, with Preslie Tobler, Mariah Burdett, Kayla Smith, Kenadie Tobler and Claira Barfuss singing Just Pray, with musical accompaniment by Christina Foote.
Act 3, Travel To Bethlehem, features an instrumental version of the song Mary Did You Know.
Act 4, The Birth of the Saviour, features the song Silent Night by and choir of angels. Ethn Gouchie will to a solo of Joseph’s Lullaby.
Act 5, Good Tidings, features Brody Nelson’s solo performance of Shepherd Boy.
Act 6, King Herod’s Court, features Logan Nelson’s solo performance of In My Blood.
Act 7 brings the arrival of the three wise men and the song God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings, with musical accompaniment by Dusty Litchfield.
The final includes closing narration and a blessing, as well as the singing of Jesus is the Lord by the full cast and the audience.
The production team includes assistant director Elizabeth Smith; music directors Rachael Nelson and Sydney Tobler; choreography director Charlie Smith and assistants Elizabeth Smith and Magan Smith; costume designers and seamstresses Sarah Foote and Sharlene Orr; set designers and construction crew Dave O’Connor, Darren Slomp, Norman Smith, Charlie Smith and Elizabeth Smith; technicians and sound people Mic Guyette and Dallin Foote; and stage crew Dave O’Connor and the cast.
The production committee for A Night in the Stable was made up of Joy and Thane Hurlburt, Janey Feyter, Des Vandervalk, Anja Oosterwijk, MaryAnne Vandervulk, Chris Pinder, Valerie Kostelansky, JoAnn Dunkin, Sharon Felicen, Corrie Smith, and Sydney Tobler.
The 4:30 p.m. show is already sold out and limited tickets remain for the 7 p.m. show.
Organizers are hopeful A Night in the Stable becomes and annual event.
“This production was created with one purpose in mind: to honour the birth of Jesus Christ,” Tobler said. “Every person involved every youth, parent, volunteer, and leader has contributed out of love, faith, and a desire to share the Saviour’s light.”
“This is a community effort, built on unity, prayer, and a shared belief in Jesus Christ. We hope that everyone who attends feels peace, joy, and the true spirit of Christmas.”
