The Inn Crowd
Performances Slated for Friday & Saturday
By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter
HOUSTON COUNTY – With Christmas just around the corner, the 2019 production of the Inn Crowd is gearing up for two performances this weekend at the Crockett Civic Center. This is a free event for the entire family during the holiday season.
One of the event’s emcees, Charlana Kelly, took time earlier this week to speak with The Messenger about the musical.
“This production dramatizes the events that are leading up to the birth of the Baby Jesus,” Kelly said.
“One of the most beautiful things about The Inn Crowd community is I think there are over 30 different churches that have come together to participate in the production. Whether they have a main roll, are part of the orchestra or the choir it’s the coming together of the community to present the story of Jesus’ birth in a way that allows for those in attendance to feel like they are part of the story, too,” she explained.
The play is a musical featuring both original songs written by Bob Woolsey and his wife, Susan, as well as traditional favorites.
The Woolsey’s – who are both music ministers – wrote the play around 20 years ago while residing in Alaska.
The story is a type of dinner theater which tells the tale of people going to Bethlehem to pay their taxes during the time Jesus Christ was born.
“It (the Crockett Civic Center) is set up in such a way that audience members feel like they are literally sitting in Bethlehem,” the emcee said.
It’s similar to a theater-in-the-round production, Kelly indicated, where it “… encompasses three corners, the front and both sides of the civic center, where you get to feel like you are a part of the story as it unfolds.”
Kelly said rehearsals for the event began in October and disclosed some new things have been added to this year’s production.
Now in its sixth year, this Christmas story literally unfolds around its audience. Members of the community play various rolls – Mary, Joseph, the Innkeeper and his wife, the Wise Men, Shepherds, among other, all telling the story of the birth of Jesus. The Inn Crowd is a special event. Some of the best theatrical and musical talent from the area have been gathered, and many will feel this is the best year ever!!
The Inn Crowd will be presented over two nights, on Friday, Dec. 6 and on Saturday Dec. 7, both performances at 6:00 p.m.
This year’s production will have free admission, however, donations will be graciously accepted to help cover productions costs.
Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].
