By Angela Rocco DeCarlo
Visitors from around the world plan holiday travel with Orange County, Southern California in mind. While wonderful attractions, parades and merriment at Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm are major draws to the area, there is a large and loyal audience for the inspirational Broadway-quality production “Glory of Christmas,” at the Crystal Cathedral, Garden Grove, CA.
There is still time to enjoy “Glory,” as performances continue through January 3, 2010. Audiences return year after year, and this season, on the show's 29th anniversary, children are still mesmerized by the spectacle of Roman centurions on horseback, splendidly robed Wise Men on camels, and townspeople with their wealth of livestock. Mary rides on a little gray donkey to Bethlehem, with Joseph at her side, where a sympathetic innkeeper finds a place for them. The theme parks make merry, but it is the unique “Glory” nativity full-scale musical production which tells the story of Christmas.
It is a simple story. Yet, this well-produced little “opera,” with over 150 performers, and 350 volunteers working in various capacities, brings the nativity alive through dance, singing and recorded music by the London Symphony Orchestra, complimented by the Crystal Cathedral’s world-renowned pipe organ. There are six horses, three adult camels, one baby camel, goats, sheep, donkey and a miniature donkey. Many talented singers and dancers enliven the story in showcase musical scenes. After the performance ends the Wise Men and other cast members are available outside the auditorium to greet visitors or pose for photographs. This year, Miss California (Miss America) Kristy Cavinder, returns to the production for her seventh year, finally as prima ballerina. “I’ve been dreaming of this dancing role since I was five years old,” says Cavinder.
The show includes lovely ballet numbers, solo singing roles by children and adults, as well as choral music. Many familiar Christmas carols blend into the story seamlessly. There’s not an opera scene to compare to hearing “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” as seven “real” angels soar through the air above the heads of believing children and adults. This is the entertainment that captures the true spirit of Christmas.
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Crystal Cathedral
12141 Lewis St.
Garden Grove, CA 92840
Ticket information: 1-877-544-5679, 714-54-GLORY
www.crystalcathedral.org
Discount performances: $20; Dec.18, Jan. 2 & 3
Other performances $35 -$45. Seniors and children 12 &
younger receive a $2 discount, except on discount nights.
December 18th, 2009-January 3rd, 2010
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Angela Rocco DeCarlo, copyright, 2009
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