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‘Many Things’ brings the message of the Christmas story
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BROOKLYN — The Brooklyn Opera House was the place to be Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-8, for the Brooklyn Community Theater Christmas production of “Many Things.”
The play was written and directed by Brooklyn’s own Josh Gerard, a local playwright, pastor of New Beginnings Church and librarian at the Brooklyn Public Library.
The production is a one-act comedy inspired by the events of the Bible and one of nearly 10 plays written by Gerard.
“In Luke 10, Jesus tells Martha that she is worried about many things,” said Gerard. “My idea was to take this scene (from the Bible), modernize it, and put it in a Christmas setting.”
The play centered on a mother who has done everything she can to give the perfect Christmas to her family, but she finds that all her hard work literally blows up, along with the Christmas tree and the family cat, and she'll have to act fast to try and make everything come back together again.
The production was held in connection with Brooklyn’s annual Christmas Traditions festival.
Gerard said “Many Things” is a funny, family-centered Christmas play about having good intentions but not always making time for the things that truly matter.
“These Christmas shows we do are so important because it's a great chance to get people into the Christmas spirit while also reminding them of what it's all about,” said Gerard.
“And I get to do it right here on the stage in the town I grew up in. That's pretty special."
“It was a great message presented in a fun way,” said Stacie Fiebelkorn.
“I think the play does a great job of reminding us of what the true meaning of Christmas is,” said Bill Wilkerson.
“It has been an absolute blessings to work with Josh and the cast,” said Randi Shaw, who played Martha in the production.
“When you come to this play, you leave blessed,” said Shadlee Hazelwood.
“It was fabulous and hilarious,” said Emily Chatfield. “It’s fun to see people I know very well in roles that suits their personalities.”
“It’s an honor to do these plays every year, especially when they have a Christmas message,” said Gerard.
The production is slated for one more show, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Brooklyn Opera House.
Cast: Randi Shaw, Martha; Travis Williams, John; Rose Britts, Mary; Ryder Scott, Ben; Gracie Gerard, Jess; Silas Gerard, Will; Rory Fuller, Kevin; Traci Williams, shopper; Alaina Holmes, cashier; Katie Fuller, Sally; Jeff Britts, pastor.
Crew: Alli McCammant, assistant director; Brett Fuller, sound; Lorelai Gerard, lights; Shadlee Hazelwood, lights; Laura Emerson, props and costumes; Josh Gerard, writer and director.
