MERCERSBURG – Star Theatre is packing the house for a deeply genuine original production written by Cathi Musser, “A Christmas Blessing: A Musical of Miracles.” Under the capable and caring direction of Tom Musser, the show is an encouraging and uplifting story of some everyday folks in need of divine intervention.
Joel Musser smartly plays Jimmy, an angel in disguise who has been assigned by Father God as a maintenance man at a church. Jimmy impactfully opens with the disclosure of his angel status and a song that sets the tone for God’s heart through Jimmy’s assignment: to bring out of the shadow of Christmas chaos His design for humans to hope, believe and trust. Terra Musser elegantly emphasizes God’s message through movement as she worshipfully dances behind Jimmy.
Like every church, the one to which Jimmy has been assigned is staffed and attended by humans who are quite gifted at the art of being human. Some of their choices and decisions are affecting, if not wreaking havoc in, the lives of one another. During a gathering of the committee tasked with decorating a gingerbread house for a competition, the messy circumstances and quirky personalities of key congregants shine through. Sarah-Lynn Styers is certain in leadership performance and focused on winning the competition as Sue, the head of the committee. Kasey Schaub is seeped in entitlement and opinions as the bold Dottie Gotrocks. Cathi Musser endearingly brings to life Nanny Biscuits who has a heart as big as an overloaded animal shelter and traits that require leaning heavily into the grace of Jesus. Brooke Helfrick is desperately hopeful as Emma who longs for what seems to be a much delayed engagement to Kevin. Hope Fleece is sympathetically distrusting and heartsick as Sophia, wife of the pastor. Brittany Parson and Faithe Shank round out the decorating committee as Meg and Pamela whose perfectly timed quips of heart and sarcasm add layers to the complex group of church ladies.
“Hard Candy Christmas” expresses the desire of the women to be okay even while they don’t feel okay. In this number they become a unified tribe wanting more than anything for things to be different.
As the men of the church take center stage, we learn that some of the women’s expressed concerns are grounded. Rick Burkett wholeheartedly plays Pastor Wyatt who is obviously hiding something. Cody Parson is committed to hiding from commitment as Kevin who also has something to hide. Pastor Wyatt and Kevin join voices with Jimmy in “Truth Be Told” as the men vulnerably divulge their brokenness to one another.
The thief of the stage is Toby Styers, authentically and delightfully playing Jack who wants nothing more for Christmas than a forever family. His sweet voice and heart-squishing delivery unquestionably communicate Jack’s most precious desire – to be loved.
This production has appeal for all ages. The sets and props, designed by Tom and Cathi Musser ,are nothing short of stunning. Cathi assembled a most festive and coherent display of costumes that elevate the stage. As the curtain opens to Act II, the audience is mesmerized by the beauty on the stage. The technical team – Joel Musser as technical director, Jeremy Styers as tech booth manager, Jacob Randolph on sound, and Kasey Souders on lights – brings expert skills to the show, making transitions seamless and quality exceptional. The musical numbers are thematically perfect and convey a common cord throughout the show,
“…God will order His angels to protect you wherever you go.”
The wonderfully vintage space of Star Theatre invites the audience to absorb all that their senses are gifted. One would be remiss not to mention the sweet-salty perfection of the Mt. Musser Kettle Corn available at the concession stand. The welcoming and warm posture of the ushers and concession attendants only add to the experience at Star Theatre.
What are the secrets the men are hiding? Will Jack find his forever home? You have two more weekends to see for yourself.
Catch one of the remaining performances of “A Christmas Blessing: A Musical of Miracles” at Star Theatre, 23 W. Seminary St, Mercersburg, Dec. 13, 14, 20 and 21.
Ticketing: Home | Star Theatre PA
Photo Credit: Laura Dugan
Editor’s note: This represents Shelia Cooper’s continuing journalistic journey. Daughter of God, student of Jesus Christ, momma to a human daughter, dog-mom, Pennsylvania girl and foodie to her core, Shelia basks in glorious sunsets that fill up the cup she later pours from. She experiences and instinctively interprets our world in paragraphs as stories unfold.
