Jessica Foster
Staff WriterYouth Performing Arts, under the direction of Susan Swanson Novak, is presenting ìRock Nativity,î a high energy, musical telling of the birth of Jesus.
ìItís very much in the flavor of storytelling and Godspell,î Novak said.
The show features narrators and storytellers in ìbright and crazy dress, a variety of musical genres and a youthful drive. The script and lyrics for ìRock Nativityî were written by David Wood with music written by Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent.
YPA will be performing the first act of the show and the entire production should be less than an hour long.
This is an all ages show, Novak stressed. It is short and colorful enough to hold the attention of the youngest audience members and thoughtful and high caliber enough for the most discerning adult.
ìI think itís going to be a nice show,î Novak said. ìItís so colorful and animated that I think even the youngest kid would love it.î
The angel Gabriel will be wearing high top shoes and suspenders. There will be angels wearing feather boas.
Despite the rock and roll, bright colors and big choral numbers ìRock Nativityî remains a respectful telling of the Christmas story.
ìEven though itís light hearted and fun, itís not making fun,î she said. ìItís a serious piece.î
About 50 youth in junior high through college comprise the cast.
ìThis piece is broken up into a lot of little parts so it showcases a multitude of talents,î Novak said.
Adult involvement
In addition to Novak, several other adults and cast parents work to make the show a reality.
Roxanne Johnson is assistant director. Maurya Laqua is musical director. Jo Lee, Steve and Lynn Ruter, Lori Brink, Bruce Bollinger and Kathy Bystrom also are heavily involved. Other adults and parents also step in when needed to assist with set construction, costumes and various other details.
YPA cast members making the transition to adult team members are Vanessa Novak and Kristi Johnson. College students, Novak works with her mom and the younger cast members on character development and choreography. Johnson also works along side her mom (Roxanne Johnson) and works on music and voice development.
Showtimes
YPA will present ìRock Nativityî in a preview performance 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, and at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 and 3:30, 7 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20.
All performances will be at Forest Hills United Methodist Church in Forest Lake. A free will donation will be collected at the door. Reservations are strongly recommended. To reserve tickets, call 651-433-3085.
Top of Page
