Rudy Panucci On Pop Culture

RFC 56.5: CYAC Presents “Mary”

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Just last night, as I write this, I attended a rehearsal for the 12th production by CYAC of the Dan Kehde/Mark Scarpelli musical “Mary.”  I had the RFC cameras with me, and less than twelve hours later, you get to see and hear two songs from “Mary”-the show opener, “Spin,” and the song that ends the first act, “Lord Of Mercy.” Chances are you’ll get to see at least one more song from last night’s session on our Christmas show in a few weeks.

This is another “half episode” of Radio Free Charleston, stripped down to just the music, so you can get a taste of this wonderful show before it starts its run.

“Mary” is a fun example of locally-created musical theater, and for the full info the show, which opens in two days, follow the jump.

The Contemporary Youth Arts Company opens its twelfth annual production of the Mark Scarpelli – Dan Kehde musical MARY at 8 p.m. on Nov. 28 at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summer Street in Charleston.

The story of the nine months prior to the birth of Jesus Christ through the eyes of a young girl destined to be the most important woman in the Christian tradition, MARY has become a family friendly holiday tradition throughout the greater Charleston area.

Drawing from a mix of talent, young and old, from all over the greater Kanawha Valley, the annual production began rehearsals in early October for the traditional opening night the day after Thanksgiving. A driving score and an ageless story continue to inspire audiences with new insights to the days and months leading up to the first Christmas.

This year’s cast includes Molly Means as the title character, with Jonathan Tucker as Joseph, Tanya Dillon-Page as Gabriel, Melanie Larch as Elizabeth, Donnie Smith as Zechariah and Eli Chambers as Herod; with a large supporting cast including Tess Lucas, Amanda Trail, Samantha Oxley, Nik Tidquist, Nick Curnutte, Kirill Gura, Shane Belcher, Ryan McCoy, Ella McCoy, Shante Martin, Stephanie Stockman, Liz McCormick, Alicia Lewis, Marranda Major, Jackie Cobb, Maddy Gourevitch, Victoria Hayes, Emily White, Lauren Miller and Sarah Mandirola. A 15-piece orchestra, conducted by composer Mark Scarpelli, accompanies the production.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Nov. 28, 29, December 4, 5, 6 with a Sunday matinee on Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5.50 for students and seniors and $9.50 for adults and can be purchased at the door the evenings of the performances. Call the WVSU Capital Center Box Office, 304-342-6522, for advance reservations and group discounts.

3 Comments

  1. Amy Kirby

    Wish we were going to be there to see Melanie sing. Thanks for putting this together so her friends throughout the country can have a little taste of this labor of love. 🙂

  2. Elvis Capone

    Them things on the set, on both sides, that look like elevators… is they elevators?

  3. Longtime Listener

    Good to see you’re still bringing us the best of local music. Just got to visit the site again after being blocked at work.

    Good stuff. Might take the family to see it next week.

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