Scripture-based musical centers around the holidays
With a cast numbering 150, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will present the musical drama "Savior of the World: His Birth and Resurrection" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Nov. 10, and 2 p.m. Nov. 10, at the church, 1320 Ridgeland Ave., Naperville.
"This musical production is not tied to the holidays, but this play is often presented at Christmas or Easter," said Jolyne Hatch, media director of The Church of Latter-day Saints in Naperville.
The large cast and crew is from the local stake, which is comparable to a diocese in other religions. They represent towns all around DuPage and Kane counties, including Aurora, Downers Grove, Geneva, Lisle, Naperville, Warrenville, Wheaton and Woodridge.
The original production includes musical numbers that were written specifically for this play and will be performed as solos, duets and by a 46-member choir that is part of the cast.
The play is presented in two acts and is about two hours long, with a 10-minute intermission.
The musical was written to celebrate the second millennial anniversary of Jesus' birth in 2000, and just in time for the inauguration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Conference Center Theater in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Since this story covers events surrounding the Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter, Latter-day Saints churches have put on the production around either of these two holidays.
Hatch, who is also directing, said that while the story is a Scriptural-based depiction of events surrounding the birth and resurrection of Jesus, there is a lot of the story that deals with the families of Mary and Joseph.
"Act I centers around Elizabeth and Zacharias, Mary and Joseph and the shepherds. Act II focuses on the Savior's resurrection, as seen through the eyes of various apostles and disciples," she said.
The musical is appropriate for family members of all ages, and the cast includes members ages 6 to 60. Not only is the production produced and directed locally, but 100 costumes were also made by local church members.
While tickets are free, they must be reserved in advance. To reserve tickets, call (630) 445-1966. For details about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visit www.ldschurch.org.
If you go
What: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presents "Savior of the World: His Birth and Resurrection"
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Nov. 10; 2 p.m. Nov. 10
Where: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1320 Ridgeland Ave., Naperville
Cost: Free, but tickets must be reserved in advance
Call: (630) 445-1066