THEATER: The Richest Man In The Valley

Faith United Methodist Church in Bellefonte was the location of the area’s annual Christmas Dinner Theatre.  I attended last Friday and was very impressed by the amount of people involved, for the meal, in the audience, and in the production.

This year’s production was THE RICHEST MAN IN THE VALLEY and it was obviously a work of love by a large group of local residents. The work that went in to the creation of the set was impressive. The sanctuary had been transformed to the living quarters of a wealthy family, including a working staircase to the upper level. A second set consisting of a room in another house was cleverly “hidden” behind a screen above the main set.

Drew Baker, Co-Director and Actor

The large cast was a talented mix of area residents. It was fun to spot familiar faces in speaking roles as well as the party guests -which acted as the chorus.
[Image] Drew Baker, co-director and actor
It seems unfair to single any one person out, but Ralph Stone’s voice was impressive and I was very touched by the scene between him and young Emma Holderman. I wish I could have captured that visual for you.

Drew Baker, one of the directors, was called upon at the last moment to fill an important role. He handled it like a pro and during his closing number, I saw several people with tears on their cheeks.

Before the show, the church provided an excellent meal. Members acted as hosts and hostesses and everyone was made to feel welcome. It created a warm, party atmosphere. It was interesting how many people came up to us to explain that it was a “poor man’s meal” and that in the past the food had been more elegant. Lucky any poor man who was fed as well as we were Friday night. The desserts alone filled a room. Personal note: Whoever made the rhubarb pie, thank you.

This is what Christmas should be about: a gathering of a community to celebrate the birth of a baby who changed the world.