This years Nativity

Last weekend marked our 3rd year doing a Live Nativity. We had some new cast members, my brother Kevin, Lydia T. and some of the Smalley family. Each year there is always something new added to the presentation. A new character, different ways to do a scene, new scenes, more added to the soundtrack , new props, etc. This year a young Jesus (played by Cody) was added along with the verses that talk about how "the child grew in knowledge..." This was after the wisemen visit and before the verses start about why He came. Mary and Joseph walk away from the stable/house with Jesus. Also instead of the cross already being set up 2 guys set it up and hammer it in place. VERY powerful with the verses being spoken at the time and the sound of the hammer.
We had an awesome turn out too!!! Totaling up both nights we had over 200 people!!! Sunday, the last night was so crowded we had to change a couple small things because the crowd was in the way! Instead of us walking up to the cross coming from behind and through the crowd we had to walk in front of them because there was no way to get through them! :-)
Here are some pictures from the weekend.

All the O'Connell cast.

Hanging around waiting to rehearse

Dad with Sassy the donkey
Gotta love the look on his face and that wig!! What a riot!!!

The Heavenly Host waiting their turn during rehearsal

kneeling at the cross at the end of the program

Kevin (Roman Solider)

Kevin and Kurt

Brothers

The guys

Kevin and Ben, the Director/lights/sound guy

Mary and Joseph

Shepherds

Angels

Wisemen

the whole cast

the whole cast in costume for the ending cross scene


some of the gang about to head home on the last night