Westminster College Presents One-Act Opera "The Shepherds'Christmas"

Westminster College will present "The Shepherds' Christmas," a one-act opera, Friday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m. in Wallace Memorial Chapel.

"'The Shepherds' Christmas' is based on one of the most famous cycle plays of the Middle Ages, The Second Shepherd's Play,'" said Scott Mackenzie, instructor of theatre at Westminster College. "Cycle or mystery plays were used to teach the stories of the Bible and Christianity to the largely illiterate populace of England and Western Europe."

"Composer William Russo and librettist Jon Swan have captured the essence of the original and added lyrics and music that run from stirring arias to delightful comic word play," continued Mackenzie.

Dr. Anne Hagan Bentz, assistant professor of music, and Mackenzie have combined their talents to guide Westminster student performers in creating a unique production of a delightful modern opera that will be sung in English.

Sophomore Benjamin Abel of North Huntingdon, junior Amber Cole of Madison, and senior Donna Macurdy of Cabot will play the three shepherds. Sophomore Sean Taylor of Brookville, and Lifelong Learning student Paula Ann Jones of Omaha, Neb, play the wily thief Mak and his scheming wife Gill. Sophomore Diana Rodenhausen of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, will sing the role of the Angel, and senior Heidi Langdon of Leechburg will play the Virgin Mary.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Westminster College Department of Music at (724) 946-7270.