Review: RAISING TWELVE ON A NICKEL AND A PRAYER IS DESTINED TO BECOME HOLIDAY CLASSIC AT Powerstories Theatre

Whether you find Betty Taylor socially irresponsible or admirable for wanting to share her love with a family of 12, "Raising Twelve on a Nickel and a Prayer" is a special holiday treat.

The true-story musical written by Fran Powers about her parents and siblings, with music by Terez Hartmann, has everything needed to become a holiday classic: romance, family, drama, comedy and tons and tons of heart.

The performance was especially poignant as the connection between the two leads, Betty and Harold is authentic. Lisa and Omar Negron play the Fran's parents in the play and the love they have radiates effortlessly through their characters of Betty and Harold Taylor. You believe them to be the married couple going through the struggles of raising a large family.

In 1950, young Betty and sailor Harold meet in the coffee shop where she works. He's completely enamored and flustered by his inability to get the words out to ask her on a date. When he finally gets up the courage, he inquires about her dreams. Betty has been repeatedly warned by her sister Royale (Bethany Moore) that you keep that dream to yourself. When she reveals her plans to marry and have a family of 12, Harold is dumbfounded. The song "Twelve" tells Betty's side about being able to raise and love 12 beautiful children and it is countered by the negative side of affording 12 children and chores like changing dirty diapers. Diner guests (Elena Tarpley and Da'More Shorter in one of several roles) think she's crazy. Harold's sailor friend (Devin Kelty also in one of several roles) unceremoniously pushes him out the door.

The connection is already made.

When Harold unexpectedly sees Betty at a dance, and she joins him on the dance floor, it doesn't matter that one is from the city and the other country-raised, that one is the oldest sibling and the other is the baby of the family, that everything they discuss, they are at opposite ends, all that matters is he's ready to share her dream of 12.

Their love story unfolds in three Christmases - when they fall in love, when Betty is raising her children with Harold stationed out to sea, and finally, when she is pregnant with her 12th child and Harold and Betty are asked to choose: Betty or the unborn baby.

Though there are several stand-out numbers, my favorites were also the cast, director and music/lyricist's favorites: "Bread and Butter" where the family sat gloomily around the dinner table, and Betty made them smile and laugh and "Have Faith" where Betty believed when no one else did.

"Raising Twelve on a Nickel and a Prayer" features the most adorable and talented child actors: Alyssa Salgado as Donna, Faith House as Mary, Kate Shamblin as Liz, Ellie Papataros as Fran, Benjamin Incaprera as David, Deny Lantigua as John, Alexandra Macinic as Rose and Noelle Roberts as Judy.

My favorite part of the evening was the audience's reactions. Whether sniffles and nose-blowing or thunderous applause at a very important phone from Chrysler, their reactions added another layer to the story.

The musical is a story of love, of kindness even to mean-hearted people, of Betty believing when there is no reason why she should. It's a story is about keeping your chin up, even in potentially dangerous circumstances and Christmas dinner is what's remaining in the fridge.

Above all, the story is about Betty's determination, love, and faith. It's a family-friendly, feel-good message about believing in a dream despite naysayers and though religion-themed, it's never preachy about not losing sight of the strength and power of prayer.

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