RAAPA Musical Christmas Card

RUMFORD -- Many have said that RAAPA's Christmas Show is the beginning of the Christmas season in the River Valley.

This Saturday and Sunday, the Muskie Auditorium will be transformed into a musical Christmas celebration that is sure to touch the hearts of old and young alike.

This 2010 edition will include many holiday favorites such as Angels We have Heard On High, Silver Bells, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty The Snowman.

A highlight of the program will be the performance by a dance troupe during the singing of The Jingle Bell Rock which has been choreographed and directed by Connie Porter. The dancers are Cindy Bohren, Sue Everett, Doreen Jones and Christine Murphy.

The chorus will be performing a traditional favorite, ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, with the LeDuc family acting out the famous Christmas Eve story. There will also be a “live” nativity

reenactment as the chorus sings a beautiful set of religious songs including A Christmas Alleluia, The

Jesus Gift, and The Little Drummer Boy.

This year, the roles of Mary and Joseph will be played by River Valley newcomers Gina and Greg Sullivan, who moved here in March from the cape area of Massachusetts. Alexis Baltrus will be featured as the little drummer boy along with Jeannine Murray as the Nativity Angel.

There are many traditional parts to the annual Christmas Show but one of the most popular is the

children's story, which will be presented by Gail Parent. As always, there will be an appearance by

the “man in red” himself – Santa Clause! Several of the songs have solos which will be sung by Donna

Gilbert, Elaine Michaud, Jim Robertson, Shirli Allen, Wayne Landry, Steve Borstelmann, Ken Couch and Connie Venskus.

The RAAPA Chorus, now celebrating its 42nd year, is made up of singers from Rumford, Mexico, Dixfield, Peru, Sumner and Norway. The gorgeous sets have been designed by RAAPA veteran, Wayne Landry, who heads up the construction with help from Arthur Boivin and may other chorus members who help with the painting and decorating.

Last year, Musical Director Judith Kuhn returned to conduct the chorus after a seven-year absence. She triumphantly returns again this year along with veteran accompanist Gail Dorr.

The Saturday performance will begin at 7 p.m. and the matinee on Sunday will begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. There will be plenty of tickets available at the door on the date of each performance.

Advance tickets can be purchased at Bartash, Port to Port, Log Cabin Craftworks, Hannaford and Larsen's Electric as well as from cast members.

RAAPA Musical Christmas Card Photo:

The Live Nativity will feature River Valley newcomers Gina and Greg Sullivan as Mary and Joseph, with seasoned RAAPA performer Jeannine Murray as the Nativity Angel.