A group of 50 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and about two dozen volunteers will stage a Christmas play Wednesday night as a part of an annual holiday tradition that dates back to at least 1978.
“I think (the play) is wonderful,” said Dale Miner, a cast member for 13 years.
Miner he said the cast makes the show special.
He added that he likes the story of the birth of Jesus, and that he has played nearly every role in the show, and he likes them all.
Katie Keenan, who has been in the show the past four years, said the cast has been practicing every Sunday since October to get ready for their performance. The show is planned for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church, at 114 S.W. Eighth St, Corvallis. There is no cost for attending the show.
Keenan said she likes being in the show.
“It’s been really good, because I like being with my friends,” she said.
The show tells the traditional nativity story, and includes Christmas songs such as “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “We Three Kings,” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” Most of the people on stage have intellectual or developmental disabilities, but there are another 17 people on stage helping out who do not.
Judy Winkler, the show’s coordinator, said the members of the cast look forward to the show for months before rehearsals start.
“It’s special for them, like for all of us, to share their talents,” she said.
June Taylor, a volunteer with the show for the past four years, said the cast members are incredibly supportive of each other and are generally happy for each other’s performances
“I feel like the actors here have the purest form of love and enthusiasm,” she said.
She said the cast’s attitude is what sets the show apart.
“It’s one of those things these guys, and all of us, look forward to all year.”
Fonte: Gazette-Times
