Artwork on the gym wall for the Christmas Chronicles

On Thursday, December 17, 2009, the grade 4-8 students of IHMS entertained an appreciative audience with their performance of a musical play entitled The Christmas Chronicles. This concert, like the K-3 concert from the previous day, was performed twice that day:

1. A matinee performance at 1:30 p.m. 2. An evening performance at 7:00 p.m.

For many years now, the 1:30 p.m. matinee performance has always been the first dress rehearsal for the students. Students spend a lot time rehearsing, of course, but always out of costume. The afternoon performance is also the first time the students perform in front of a live audience.

Click HERE for program

Parents and relatives unable to attend the evening show were glad to have the opportunity to attend the matinee performance, which was identical to the evening show but much less crowded. The matinee performance was also the first “dress rehearsal” for the students. Both concerts took place in the school gymnasium, which had been set up with a large stage, bleachers, and professional lighting and sound equipment. In addition, the evening concert was professionally recorded and will be available for purchase on DVD through the school office at a later date.

After a welcome and brief introduction by Dayna K. and Marko K., the story begins with three newsboys yelling out headlines on the streets of Bethlehem.

Newspaper boys for the “Bethlehem Chronicle”

The story then cuts to the staff meeting at a newspaper where Mr. Weathers, the owner of the “Bethlehem Chronicle”, informs his staff that business is bad. If the reporters don’t dig up something new and exciting for the next issue, the newspaper will be forced to close its doors forever. The reporters include Sally, the social columnist; Rock, the sports columnist; and Scoop, a part time shepherd and the newest reporter for the “Bethlehem Chronicle”.

Top photos (l-r): Mr. Weathers and Sally; bottom photos (l-r): Rock and Scoop

As everyone leaves, determined to find a great story, Scoop joins his shepherd friends tending sheep in the pasture. He needs a great headline for the paper, and ponders what it would be like to have the greatest headline imaginable: “God Sends Light of the World to Set People Free”.

At the next staff meeting, Mr. Weathers asks for story ideas. Scoop volunteers to leave his other job in the fields for a few hours in order to hunt around for news.

Unable to find a great story, Scoop arrives for work in the fields just as the other shepherds are leaving. The other shepherds had just witnessed angels announcing the birth of a new King, and they don’t want to miss it. Scoop is disappointed to be left alone with the sheep.

Top photo: shepherds in the fields; bottom photo: some of their sheep

The Three Kings, on their way to Bethlehem, enter while singing in a rap rhythm. They tell Scoop that a star in the sky is leading them to a baby King. Scoop realizes that he has to travel back to Bethlehem immediately to get the story before someone else does.

The rapping Three Kings

Returning to town, Scoop enters the inn and inquires about the baby King. The Innkeeper leads him to a manger in the back with the Three Kings, shepherds, Mary, Joseph, and the cradle. The Innkeeper says: “This is the real story, Scoop. This is our promised Messiah. His name is Jesus and this is the greatest story you, or anyone else, will ever tell.”

Scoop at the manger

Scoop realizes that he has to get the story to the press immediately. He hurries back to the newsroom only to discover that the “Bethlehem Chronicle” has gone out of business. Upon hearing Scoop’s story, the other reporters leave the newsroom to share the good news of Jesus’ birth.

In the final scene, Scoop’s story is published, and the paper is saved. The reporters have their jobs back, and everyone realizes that something important has happened - Jesus, our Savior is born!

Part of the cast singing "Share the News"

The Christmas Chronicles was a tremendous success and seemed to be enjoyed by everyone in attendance. The story of Jesus’ birth and some of the events surrounding it was very entertaining, and it had a great message about the true meaning of Christmas. The beautiful props and costumes added to the appeal of the play, and the lively songs put everyone in the Christmas spirit!

The concert would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the teachers and staff of IHMS. Every staff member contributed to the success of either this concert, or the K-3 concert from the previous evening. Many thanks to Mrs. O. Stanowych who co-ordinated and directed both productions! That's a lot of preparation and planning for two large productions on consecutive nights. Once again, well done, Mrs. Stanowych!