East Cape Baptist Church to perform Christmas musical

Christmas musicals are a favorite part of the holiday season for many. East Cape Baptist Church will be presenting the musical, "Mary Did You Know?" at 10 a.m. today on its campus at 60 Brookwood Drive in McClure, Ill.

The choral musical will be shown in sync with a video presentation. Russell Dillingham, choral director at East Cape Baptist, said the combination of music and video makes the story come to life.

According to Dillingham, a great deal of work has gone into the musical. East Cape Baptist's 15-member choir has been rehearsing for the past two months in preparation for their Christmas morning production.

"Expect to be blessed by the music," Dillingham said. Everyone who has attended the church's past musicals has responded positively, he said.

East Cape Baptist's production will feature solos by Mitzi Colyer, Patti Pennon and Becky Glodo. Brenda Dillingham and Jerri Worthington will handle sound and video projection.

Lisa Murphy will narrate and is looking forward to this year's production.

"The music is well written and beautiful," Murphy said. "These are more contemporary songs that most people have heard."

Aside from the performance of "Mary Did You Know," the choir will showcase solo pieces "Happy Birthday Jesus," sung by Colyer, and "Born to Die," sung by Pennon.

Dillingham received "Mary Did You Know" from a choral music publisher as this year's new release. Aside from the title song, it also includes several well-known Christmas carols and hymns as well original compositions.

"Mary Did You Know" the song was written by award-winning singer and comedian Mark Lowry. Lowry was approached in 1984 by his home church to compose a song for Advent. As he meditated on the wonder of the season, he envisioned Mary holding Jesus and asked contemplative questions. As the lyrics began to form from those questions, he collaborated with musician Buddy Greene to complete the arrangement.

The song was first recorded in 1993 by Michael English and has been covered by artists in contemporary Christian music, country and pop genres.

Murphy described it as a "beautiful, well-known song." Lowry and Greene's song has been included in several musicals of the same name.

East Cape Baptist performs musicals for the Easter, Fourth of July and Christmas holidays.

Dillingham has directed music at East Cape Baptist for the past 14 years. He has directed choirs for the past 35 years and done more than 55 musical productions. Past musicals include "Stars and Stripes Forever," a patriotic production, and "Gift Goes On," a Christmas musical.

Murphy described Dillingham as an energetic and dedicated director who encourages the choir to be more dedicated.

Murphy invited anyone to come and listen to the performance.

"It will be a nice way for people to hear some new music and hear the Christmas story told in another way," Murphy said.

For more information call East Cape Baptist church 618-661-1028.