Charleston , Kanawha County , West Virginia

For the 16th consecutive year, the Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents "Mary."

An original rock opera with lyrics by Dan Kehde and music by Mark Scarpelli, it tells the story of the nine months before the birth of Christ, through the eyes of a young woman destined to become the mother of the Christian faith.

In its nearly two decade run, "Mary" has become a family-friendly holiday tradition for many people throughout the Kanawha Valley.

"Just getting to know the character and relating to her, and kind of getting to understand what she's been through. It's definitely been an experience that's helped me grow as a person, I think," said Rowan Maher, who plays "Mary".

This year the directors have tweaked the production, by presenting it with two entirely different casts which will alternate between the matinee and evening performances.

Maher and Katie Shaver share the title role.

When we had auditions this year for "Mary," the talent that showed up was incredible," Scarpelli said. "We had alumni, people who had been in the shows and a lot of new talent as well. And the talent was so strong the idea hit us to go ahead and double cast.

"You need to come and see both shows," Maher said. "I would definitely recommend it. Everyone does it differently and seeing those differences kind of help you appreciate the show more. Just seeing a different person's take on each role."

There are many familiar faces gracing the production, with actors returning from past versions of the musical to appear once again. Susan Tucker, Maddy Gourevitch and Jonathan Tucker lead a cast which includes a 25-member ensemble and 15-piece orchestra. It's creators say although you may have already enjoyed the show, "Mary's" driving score and ageless story continue to offer new insight into the months and days leading up to the first Christmas.

The Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents the rock opera "Mary."
Music by Mark Scarpelli Lyrics by Dan Kehde

November 23, 24, 29, 30 and December 1 at 8:00 p.m.
November 24, 25 and December 1 at 2:00 p.m.
WVSU Capitol Center Theater, 123 Summers Street, Charleston.
Tickets are $10.00 for adults, $6.00 for students and seniors and are available at the door prior to each performance.
Call the WVSU Capitol Center Theater office at 342-6522 for advance ticket sales and group rates.

Mary: Rowan Maher/Katie Shaver
Joseph: Jonathan Tucker/Daniel Calwell
Archangel Gabriel: Maddy Gourevitch/Susanna Morris
Elizabeth: Susanna Tucker/Lauren Mallory
Zechariah: Austin Lowe/Michael Tighe
Herod: Nik Tidquist/Austin Susman

The actors listed first will be performing at all the evening performances and the Sunday matinee. The actors listed second will be performing at the two Saturday matinees.

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