Hometown Christmas Draws Crowd To Arts Center
Actors, actresses, and musicians from the surrounding community donated their time to perform during A Hometown Christmas.
The mission of the Southwest City Arts Center, located in the historic Presbyterian Church, is to introduce and promote cultural awareness and opportunities to area communities with the purpose of expanding appreciation and participation in a variety of activities.
These activities include but are not limited to art, education, history, literature, music, and theater.
During A Hometown Christmas on Friday, Dec. 9, and Saturday, Dec. 10, local artists provided an opportunity to learn more about each of these activities.
Actors, actresses, and musicians from the surrounding community donated their time to perform.
Under the direction of Amber Nelson, the McDonald County Children’s Choir filled the chambers with sounds of holiday cheer and love of country before the Mustang Players narrated “The Hunt for Christmas Gifts.”
The headliner of the night was “La Pastorela: The Grand Adventure to Bethlehem.”
Pastorelas are plays that recreate the biblical passage where the wise men follow the Star of Bethlehem to find the birthplace of their Saviour. In order to reach the birthplace, they have to experience a series of changes in fortune and confront the devil, who will do anything in his power to prevent them from completing their mission.
But, in the eleventh hour, the Archangels intervene to defend the shepherds on their journey.
In Mexico, these pastoral dramas of the Nativity are an integral part of the Christmas season. Whether in remote towns or in big, Mexican cities, pastorelas set the stage for the whole of December. Through their playful language and humorous predicaments, these performances leave the audience with one important message for the season: Good always overcomes Evil.
The show concluded with an awe-inspiring performance of Christmas classics by Julie Gore and Marva Chambers.
“I would like to thank all of the performers and instructors who gave generously of their time,” said Board Chairman Megan Hill. “We have received wonderful feedback regarding the program and how much everyone enjoyed it.”
Nearly 150 people attended the program over the two nights.
“All of our future programs and events will go towards maintaining the historical significance of the building as well as making it handicapped accessible,” she noted.
The Southwest City Cultural Arts Center is responsible for the renovation and preservation of the historic 1886 Presbyterian Church building where the performance was held. The structure was donated to the area communities for the purpose of establishing the cultural center.
Anyone interested in renting the building can contact Megan Hill at 479-822-3512 or Connie Adams at 417-762-3117.