The Unusual Tale of Mary & Joseph's Baby (FringeNYC)
About the show
Part of FringeNYC: The Unusual Tale of Mary & Joseph’s Baby: There really is a pregnant virgin, shepherds, angels, foreign dignitaries, a ratty inn and a bloodthirsty dictator whose menacing shadow hangs over everything. And obviously, it’s a comedy. More…
Categories: Musical/Opera, Drama, Local. From Firebone Theatre Company. Written by Music and Lyrics by Don Chaffer, Book by Chris Cragin-Day. Directed by Amelia Peterson.
FROM THE ARTIST:
This piece dares to take the classic story at its word. There really is a pregnant virgin. There really is just a dream interposed between her and death by stoning. There are shepherds, angels, foreign dignitaries (a.k.a. wise men), a ratty extra room/stable at an inn, and a maniacal, bloodthirsty dictator whose menacing shadow hangs over everything. And obviously, it's a comedy.
Seriously, it is.
With four racially diverse actors, a minimal set, and an emphasis on movement as an expressive device, The Unusual Tale of Mary & Joseph's Baby surprises both virgin-believing and non-virgin-believing audiences alike.
CAST: Joseph - Michael Castillejos*
Elizabeth - Katherine George
Mary - Ava McCoy
Benjamin and various roles - Andrew Nielson
(*) These actors are appearing courtesy of Actors' Equity.
TEAM: Book - Chris Cragin-Day
Music/Lyrics - Don Chaffer
Director - Amelia Peterson
Producer - Hope Chavez
Stage Manager - Chloe Anne Madison
Scenic Designer - Gabriel Firestone
Costume and Props Designer - Alana Roecker
Lighting Designer - Devin Cameron
Music Director - Cameron Mizell
Assistant Director - Laura Dupper
Assistant to the Producer - Gabrielle Hughes
Assistant Stage Manager - Isabelle McCauley
Assistant Costume and Props Designer - Kayla Redd
Member Reviews (11)
MEMBERS SAY:
See it if You like simple storytelling, are a Christian, like original musicals.
Don't see it if You're want a twist or new insight on the original tale. Nothing new gets said here. Interracial casting was the most interesting part.
See it if you want to think about the Christmas story in a thoughtful, human and humorous way.
Don't see it if you want to stay with the sanitized, religious nativity story.
See it if you like puppets and guitar driven music with lovely vocals.
Don't see it if you hate musicals.
See it if You are interested in this author's take on Mary and Joseph's emotions when confronted with "God's" choice of Mary to bear his son.
Don't see it if You are not interested in biblical stories
See it if You love great singing
Don't see it if Not a fan of religion
See it if You love good music, good writing, amazing singing and soul stirring beauty.
Don't see it if You are close minded!
See it if an Immigrant couple struggles in an oppressive society. Sound familiar?
Don't see it if You don't like to be challenged ;-)
See it if You love a great show
Don't see it if You don't want
See it if you like pretty music, humor, and beautiful stories.
Don't see it if you can't deal with humor in religion.
See it if You enjoy Biblical adaptations that feel thoroughly human and rooted in the here and now while retaining their historical background.
Don't see it if You're looking for something silly, irreverent, or crass.
See it if It's a sweet heartwarming and hilarious tale that doesn't get told very often! The music is beautiful and whoever played Benjamin is a HOOT!
Don't see it if You're not into puppets or folksy music
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