Crystal Lake church to tell the story of Esther at spring cantata

First Congregational Church in Crystal Lake presents its annual spring cantata, “Malice In the Palace,” during the 10 a.m. service on Sunday, March 16, in the church sanctuary, 461 Pierson St.

The production will feature two of the church’s youth and children’s choirs, third to eighth grade. Ann Tucker, director of music, directs the cast and choirs with accompanist Danielle Cairoli.

Written by Allen Pote and Tom Long, the story of Esther has all the ingredients of a Hollywood thriller: a spirited heroine, a twisting plot full of intrigue and a cliff-hanger. Set in Persia in 483 B.C., the tale begins with King Ahasuerus looking for a new queen to replace the one he just banished. Amid terrible wrong doing, one small person, Esther, acts bravely, providing a powerful message that one person can make an enormous difference and reminding us that perhaps God has placed us where we are for a reason.

Autumn Braxton plays Esther. In the role of King Ahasuerus is Cici Bryan; Mary Jeffries plays Haman. Mordecai is performed by Lucy Moritz and the Harem Keeper is Matthew Kyrouac. Pearl Jeffries plays the Narrator. Zaresh is played by Maya Cooper and the Record Keeper is Maddy Kamp. Sam Fistler and Lucas Moritz are the guards.

There will be no Sunday school classes so all children may attend church with their parents to enjoy the presentation in drama and song. Child care will be available for infants and toddlers.

Visitors are welcome to any church activity. The church is handicapped accessible. For information, call the church office at (815) 459-6010 or visit fcc-cl.org.