Group forms 2-part Christmas show

An eight-part orchestra, soloists and kids' performances will be on tap.
By L. CROW
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
BOARDMAN -- Move Over Broadway Productions has created a new Christmas program called an "Advent/Christmas Concert in a Theatrical Setting."
The program consists of choral and choreographed singing, liturgical dance, pageantry, with a staged nativity skit, and narration from scripture. Marlene Strollo is directing, with Jodine Pilmer as music director and Nick Opritza as choreographer.
An eight-piece orchestra, including organ, piano, winds, strings and percussion, will be part of the performances at St. Michael's Church in Canfield. Twenty adults and 8 children will participate.
"We will begin with 'O Come, O Come Emanuel,' which will include five liturgical dancers in costume," said Strollo. "Other advent pieces include 'Every Valley,' 'Emmanuel, God With Us' and 'Breath of Heaven,' which will feature Melanie Williams as soloist. 'Unexpected Grace' is a lyrical dance piece featuring Josh Lewis and Williams. The advent pieces will include choreography -- the singers will move around on stage, and will use accompanying hand gestures to express the music."
From there the group will sing a few more songs, including "For Unto Us a Child is Born," (but not the one from "The Messiah.")
Also in the first act are the Nativity skit and a Gospel-tinged song.
Christmas portion
The second act is the Christmas section, and is more concert style. It begins with "No Golden Carriage, and "Do You Hear What I Hear," which will be sung by children. Sue Vollmer will sing "I Wonder As I Wander," followed by "Wake From Your Sleep." Lewis will solo on "When a Child is Born," and Heidi Davis will sing "One God."
Strollo said she wants this event to be an inspirational piece for the season, and thinks that people will be moved by the music. The concert is free, and will have a free-will offering as well as a 50/50 raffle. People can buy an ad in the program. Profits will benefit the St. Michael Family Life Center Building Fund.
Performances will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 and 18. Refreshments will be served after the Sunday performance. For more information, or to buy an ad in the program, call (330) 533-8789, or visit marq637@zoominternet.net.