This yearıs cast of 150 for the "Trail of Life" interfaith drama telling the story of the lineage of Christ includes veteran actors, as well as novices. Now in its fourth year, the drama, which involves more than 30 churches, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7, at Cullowhee Baptist Church. The 6 p.m. pre-show will include live musical entertainment. To compliment the drama, the producers are premiering ³The Trail of Light² coloring book.
"The Trail of Light," an annual interfaith Christian drama performed at Cullowhee Baptist Church, will be introduced this year by an array of musical and vocal talents. The drama is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 and 7, with each nightıs 6 p.m. pre-show featuring live regional entertainment. Kimberly Shuler, a longtime lead singer with the Pirates of the Tuckasegee, will be featured Friday night with her repertory of traditional Christmas music. Coming from Asheville on Saturday night will be the six-female member a cappella group, The Muses, who will harmonize Christmas music from around the world. The Cullowhee United Methodist Ringers will perform a medley of Christmas favorites. Directed by former high school band teacher George Yates and assisted by Sarah Eller, the nine bell ringers are Sue Wakeley, Gloria Wallace, Julie Barns, David Dameron, Thomas Yates, Linda Morris, Jane Yates, Jim Wallace and Norman West. Josh Bulla, 15, will demonstrate his musical talents on the piano, harp and bagpipes. Bulla will play the harp as young David during the play and end the performance on the bagpipes. Thomas Yates, a student at Smoky Mountain High School, is scheduled to begin each nightıs performance with brass selections. The story of the lineage of Christ told by more than 150 people from the region will dominate the sanctuary of Cullowhee Baptist Church beginning at 7 p.m. ³The Trail of Light,² now in itıs fourth year, has gone from involving 12 local churches the first year to more than 30 churches this year. Based on the drama written by Amy Ammons Garza (with the millennium section written by Gene McAbee), the drama shares the story one generation after another from Adam and Eve down to and beyond the birth of Christ. Many dreams necessary for the growth of the drama are coming true this year, said Garza. A benefactor has purchased new lighting for the church; WestCare Health Systems has donated funds to purchase two spotlight systems; play participants from Whittier have donated expert time and funds for the newly designed torches; local ladies have sewn many new costumes; and the church has installed a new sound system. Ray Menze, Trish Mackey, Maria Thomas and Garza serve as assistant directors under the leadership of executive director Barbara Eberly. Executive producer is Etheree Chancellor; choreographer, Suzanne Kehrberg; narrator, the Rev. Jack Hinson; sound manager, the Rev. Roy Burnette; costume coordinator, Ginny Welsh; and stage manager, Dianne Yount. The cast includes individuals who have an acting background and those who do not. Many whole families are involved, and all are community members, friends and neighbors, volunteering their time to be a part of the experience, Garza said. To compliment the drama and to provide income, this year the producers are premiering "The Trail of Light" coloring book, a 32-page record of the lineage of Christ. The cover illustrator is local artist Doreyl Ammons Cain; book illustrations are by an Atlanta-based family of artists Elizabeth, Jesse, and Rachel Evans. The coloring book can be purchased for $5 by calling Cullowhee Baptist Church at 293-9024. It will also be on sale the nights of the play. There is no charge for the play, but donations will be accepted.
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