THE FIRST CHRISTMAS Returns to SCERA, 11/21-12/13

For the third consecutive holiday season, SCERA is partnering with Liken to present "The First Christmas," the story of the nativity where a modern day family is wrapped around the Biblical tale of the birth of the Savior.

Based on the popular Liken The Scriptures movie of the same name, the story is given added dimension for the stage version with new music and dance that enriches the production and provides a fresh perspective on the sacred story.

For those who have seen the show before, writer Dennis Agle Jr. keeps things fresh by writing new "bookends" - meaning the characters and story of the modern day family changes but the core of the story remain the same as the family vividly reimagines the true story of Christmas.

Veteran director Jan Shelton Hunsaker says she is honored to work on the show and is happy with a script filled with a spiritual theme that is not overdone and calls attention to the reality that Jesus really is the reason for the season. At the same time, she likes the combination of heart and humor that is woven throughout the show.

Describing the characters asks one to look at the interweaving journeys of Mary and Joseph, Elisabeth and Zacharias, Gabriel and his Amazing Heavenly Host Choir, a group of shepherds led by Omar and Sharif, and a quartet of wise men: Melchior, Caspar, Balthazar and, inexplicably, Bob.

"The First Christmas" will open Nov. 21 and play through Dec. 13 on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. at the SCERA Center for the Arts, 745 South State, Orem. However, because there is no show on Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, a special Tuesday show has been added on Nov. 25.

Reserved-seat tickets are $12 for adults and $10 children (age 3-11) and seniors (age 65 and older) and are available online at www.scera.org, by calling (801) 225-ARTS, in person at the main office at SCERA Center or at the door 30 minutes prior to the show. Group rates for 20 or more include a $10 price for family and corporate groups and $6 for church and non-profit groups.

"Dennis has done a marvelous job in writing a story that is current and that all of us can relate to," Hunsaker says. "This year's script evolved to reflect our absolute addiction to technology. In 'The First Christmas,' the Miller family are making their annual visit to their Grandma and Grandpa. It's the "Over the River and Through the Woods" image. The kid's dad is over his minutes on their data plan, and they are mad at him. So they impatiently wait to get on their devices at their grandparent's house and then find out the internet is down. Everyone is beside themselves!"

The charm of the tale, however, comes from the realization that while they are disconnected from technology, they learn to reconnect to each other through conversation, companionship and a generous dose of the Christmas spirit.

Hunsaker says she is especially pleased with the cast led by Daniel Beck, who is returning to star as the Angel Gabriel for the third year. Hunsaker says, "You can feel the spirit emanating from him - his voice is so pure and powerful." Beck, whom world-renowned choral conductor Craig Jessop called "Utah's answer to Josh Groban," is known to Liken fans from his starring roles in many of their films, including the original movie version of "The First Christmas."

Other major characters include Jason Case as Joseph/Jared Miller; Caroline Chauncey as Mary/Melissa Miller; Olivia Keating as Tess Miller; Wesley Hadfield as Conner Miller; Luone Ingram as Grandma/Elizabeth; and Jerry Ferguson as Grandpa/Zacharias.

Since the story was fresh, Hunsaker and music director Kathryn Little decided to take the beautiful music from the score and make it a little more upbeat as well. Little has spent hours with the original composer Aaron Edson to emerge with a show with livelier tempos and a more buoyant feel.

"We have also extended the Herod storyline," she adds. "You don't often see what happens when the Wise Men approach Herod, so that part of 'First Christmas' now has a big production number, and it's an added element I just love."

The production team includes director/set designer Jan Hunsaker; music director Kathryn Laycock Little; stage manager Cali Holcombe; technical director Nat Reed; costume designer Kelsey Seaver; lighting designer Elizabeth Griffiths; and props designer Christy Norton.

SCERA President & CEO Adam J. Robertson is thrilled to partner with Liken. "It's nice to be part of bringing an original stage musical to life from a movie that originated right here in Utah Valley. 'The First Christmas' is uplifting and entertaining, and we encourage you to make it a new holiday tradition for your family."

What Hunsaker hopes the audience will see is a warm and committed cast that presents a spiritually uplifting evening with a touch of comedy. "It's an exceptionally worthwhile event for your holiday season," she says.

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