Annual Nativity Show

Live Nativity Pageant
Dec. 22-24
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Corner of Forestry Ave. & 43 St. S.
Performances Every 15 Minutes
Starting at 6pm
Last Performance At 7:45
Dec. 24 Starting At 5:30
Last Performance 7:15


The bleachers are up, grassed areas prepared for overflow, big-box speaker systems in place and spot and flood lights at the ready — the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is ready for the Tuesday kick-off of its 25th live Christmas nativity production at its Forestry Avenue church.

The Coaldale Ward is running the show this year for the church’s Lethbridge East Stake which launched the annual performance “as our gift to the community and surrounding area,” said program director Chris Ingram of Coaldale.

She started last year training with the 2008 director and team, and this year, she and her key team members Maureen Burke and Marilyn Richards are directing all the action.

Outside Saturday, Gerrit Vandewal was priming the sound system while Delon Crapo was making early arrangements for the spot and flood lights and Jack Stockton was helping rope off the stage area that stretches across the entire front of the church entry. Some actors will perform from the church roof. Most of the action will focus on the manger scene while the sheep and donkey will be stabled in a clearing near some bushes at one corner of the building.

The performances, about 20 minutes apart depending on the size of the crowd, will run 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. A different cast of about 30 actors will gather each afternoon about 4:30 for make-up and costume fitting under the direction of Liz Wilson. All faces will be darkened to help the actors show up better under the artificial lighting.

All narration is through a CD. The actors simply play out the words at the direction of Ingram.

A full complement of costumes, some of them original gowns and other clothing which have been added as needed, have been unpacked from the dry cleaners. Supporting canes and crooks are waiting to be used.

Ingram said the array of volunteers from the church is amazing. For instance, several will prepare a hot meal, mostly soup and buns, and others will serve it to the actors before the performances begin. And all the equipment outside has to be set up and taken down each day.

There is room for about 400 on the bleachers, and at least that many more on the grassed area.

Ingram said there has never been busloads of people, from say a seniors centre or for handicapped people, but that would be welcome. She said any bus service can be accommodated by calling Ingram at 403-345-5331 by Monday.

“We can accommodate everybody,” said Ingram. “If they come, they will feel the spirit.”

Each performance will have the cast working up to six performances a night.

Ingram said the seven wards in the Lethbridge East Stake take turns in rotation. But the director team will remain in place for four years. In its final year, it will train the next four-year director team.

-Written by Ric Swihart
Lethbridge Herald Dec 19/09