Cordova church to present musical 'Flying Away Home'

Covenant United Methodist Church in Cordova will present a musical, "Flying Away Home!", at 6 p.m. Aug. 26. at the church.

The show is designed as a musical variety show — with messages of hope, love and inspiration, as well as a "measure of comedy." The selected songs and transitions tell a story of a walk through life, where happiness and sadness are experienced, choices are made and obstacles are overcome — all on a path through life to reach heaven.

The program is about 90 minutes, with no intermission, and filled with Broadway-type songs and comedic transitional skits. It will feature 32 choir members, 30 orchestra members and 14 children singers.

The musical will include secular music selections shared in a Christianthemed program. The show features songs by The Beatles, Jersey Boys, ABBA, The Beach Boys, Pink Zebra, The Shangri-Las and more, including the theme song from "Forrest Gump." There will also be an original piece by Morgan Bell, a 2018 magna cum laude graduate of the University of Memphis' School of Music. Savoyd Beard, a local professional musician, will entertain with a jazz piece, “The Preacher Man.”

The show is a fundraiser that supports the church's musical program for the year. Many of the orchestra members are high school and college students to whom the church offers scholarships funded by this annual musical.

After the show, a few key songs will be performed at elder care facilities.

Fred Wein is the music program director and lead conductor. The pianist and organist is Michelle Brown. Assistant conductor for the event is Rick Bailey. The producer is Roger Daniels, and Steve Mitchener will serve as emcee. Lights/sound will be coordinated by David Luechauer and Scouts from Pack and Troop 332.

David Weatherly is the minister of the church, which draws attendees from Cordova, Collierville, Germantown, Memphis, Bartlett and Arlington.

The annual shows usually attract about 275 attendees. Tickets cost $5$15. For tickets or more information, call (901) 754-8587 or email lyancey@covenantumc.org.

Covenant United Methodist Church is at 8350 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova.