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Step into the wonder of Bethlehem and experience the Christmas story like never before—through the eyes of a shepherd! Join Levi on a journey of doubt, discovery, and divine encounter as he witnesses the birth of the King. With a live orchestra, powerful drama, and breathtaking music, this grand production will fill your heart with joy, laughter, and the true meaning of Christmas.

December 13, 2025 | Two Showings: 3 PM & 6 PM

Open to all—church members & the Quinte West community!

Don't Miss This Unforgettable Night!

Synopsis

"Starry Night: A Shepherd’s Journey" is a comedic but deeply moving Christmas opera that retells the Nativity story through the eyes of Levi, a modest shepherd. Under the shimmering expanse of a starlit night, Levi and his companions, Eli and Simeon, exchange lighthearted banter, their laughter echoing across the hills. The tranquility is abruptly interrupted when Angel Gabriel descends, proclaiming the momentous news of a King’s birth in Bethlehem. Eli and Simeon are overjoyed, but Levi wrestles with deep skepticism, struggling to comprehend how a king could begin life in a humble stable. This conflict spurs him to undertake a transformative journey to Bethlehem.

The opera masterfully interlaces Levi’s introspective quest with the divine unfolding of the Nativity. Gabriel’s annunciation to Mary of her sacred responsibility evokes her humility and grace, while Joseph battles inner doubts and the scornful judgment of society. Reassured by Gabriel’s promise, Joseph finds strength to accept his role as guardian. Together, through trials of rejection and uncertainty, Mary and Joseph finally encounter a moment of human kindness when an innkeeper, Judith, offers them refuge within her stable.

In tandem with the storytelling, the choir and orchestra accentuate the emotional journey. Between acts, lilting instrumental arrangements and choral harmonies performed by both adult and children’s choirs infuse scenes with a distinctly festive and reflective Christmas ambiance. Each interlude heightens the sense of hopefulness, creating transitions rich in atmosphere that deepen the audience’s immersion in the world of Bethlehem.

Arriving in the bustling town, Levi faces rejection and mockery from skeptical townsfolk when he tries to share Gabriel’s glowing message. Struggling with his dwindling faith, he witnesses the arrival of the Wise Men, unwavering in their belief, following a luminous star. Inspired by their determination, Levi resolves to guide them to the stable where Mary and Joseph cradled their newborn. Within this sacred moment, awe fills the air as the Wise Men present gifts symbolic of Jesus’ destiny—gold for His kingship, frankincense for His divinity, and myrrh hinting at a sacrificial future. While the deeper meaning of the myrrh troubles Levi, it also leads him toward a more profound understanding of the King’s purpose.

Throughout the opera, intermittent musical interludes by the exceptional choir and orchestra breathe new life into pivotal moments, serving as both emotional backdrops and celebratory embellishments of the Christmas spirit. These symphonic narratives realign the opulence of music with Levi’s solemn reflections and His faith’s unsettled journeys.

"Starry Night: A Shepherd’s Journey" culminates in a breathtaking finale that will leave you spellbound. As the choir’s voices swell in a jubilant crescendo and the orchestra’s melodies soar to celestial heights, Levi’s transformation reaches its poignant peak. In the stable’s radiant glow, he kneels before the infant King, his heart brimming with newfound faith and purpose. The audience is invited to share in this moment of wonder and redemption, as the timeless message of hope, love, and unity reverberates through every note and word. Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of the Christmas spirit—join us for a night that will inspire, uplift, and stay with you long after the final curtain falls.

MESSAGE

We are so excited to be hosting our Christmas Production this year! I believe that there is so much power in presenting the Christmas story through a show and I am excited to see how our church will grow into it this year.

The purpose of our Christmas Production is to engage our community through a captivating production to connect and inspire our local community. This will also provide others with opportunities for individuals to develop and serve our church with their musical and acting abilities that is different from a Sunday morning service.

Either way, I'm excited for what God is going to do through this production at Trenton Wesleyan Church this year!

Pastor Seth Short
Asst. Pastor

MESSAGE

Christmas is truly a magical time of year, and it brings with it a unique opportunity to share the joyous message of God's unending love and grace. During the Christmas season, we are surrounded by the beautiful songs of our Saviour’s birth playing in stores and businesses. It's a time when hearts are more open to the good news of our Saviour.

Christmas is the one time of year when it is easy to invite our friends and neighbours to come with us to church to enjoy an afternoon or evening of Christmas entertainment. And our upcoming production, “Starry Night: A Shepherd’s Journey” will definitely not disappoint.

This sometimes comedic but deeply moving Christmas opera presents the timeless nativity story through the eyes of a shepherd who grapples with belief and wonder. Through this unique perspective, we hope to plant seeds of faith that God will nurture in His own way.

What a privilege it is to be a part of this life-changing ministry, and we welcome you to join us—whether on stage, behind the scenes, or by spreading the word to friends and neighbours. This production brings the Christmas story to life with humour, skepticism, and the search for truth, all depicted through captivating performances and soul-stirring music.

Music has always had the power to elevate a story, embedding its truths deep within our hearts. It serves as a divine language through which God speaks to His children, and we believe it will touch the hearts of all who attend.

We invite you to be part of this incredible journey as we dedicate our efforts to God, trusting Him to work in ways beyond our imagination. Bring your talents and witness how God reaches out to those who are eager to hear the wonderful story of our Saviour's birth and who may have never experienced the joy of being part of a loving church family.

I am thrilled to collaborate with Nick, our Executive Producer, and all of you who wish to contribute to this vibrant expression of faith. Please share this invitation with everyone you meet and encourage them to join us for one of the performances on December 13. It just might be the highlight of their Christmas season!

We look forward to celebrating this special time with you and witnessing the impact of God's love through our shared efforts.

Joy in service,

Donna King
Musical Director

MESSAGE

The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration—and what better way to embrace the spirit of Christmas than by being part of a spectacular musical production that brings our community together? We are thrilled to invite YOU and your entire family to join us for our upcoming Christmas Musical Production, taking place on December 13, 2025.

This is not just any event—it’s a chance to create lasting memories, showcase your talents, and spread the magic of Christmas through music, theatre, and creativity. More importantly, it’s an opportunity to serve the Lord in our church, using your gifts to bring joy and inspiration to others. Whether you’re an experienced performer or just seeking a heartfelt way to embrace the season, there’s a place for everyone in this production!

** Love to Sing? Join our Choir or Children’s Choir and lend your voice to the beautiful melodies that will fill the air.

** Play an Instrument? Be part of our Orchestra and help create the enchanting sounds of the season.

** Passionate About Theatre? Step into the spotlight and bring the story to life on stage.

** Enjoy Working Behind the Scenes? Join our Stage and Production Team to help make the magic happen.

This is a chance for families to come together, work side-by-side, and contribute to something truly special. Imagine the joy of seeing your loved ones shine, whether they’re singing their hearts out, playing an instrument, acting on stage, or helping behind the scenes. It’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the true spirit of Christmas!

Sign up today and be part of this unforgettable experience. Let’s make this Christmas season one to remember—for you, your family, and everyone who will come to enjoy our production. Together, we’ll create something extraordinary!

We can’t wait to welcome you into this exciting journey. Let’s spread love, joy, and holiday cheer—one note, one scene, one moment at a time.

Warm wishes,

Nick Co
Executive Producer

"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."

John Wesley

Why Should I JOIN ?

Enhance your musical or acting gifts by serving in a meaningful way. Whether you enjoy singing, playing an instrument, acting, or have technical skills, this production offers a platform to use and improve these abilities in a faith-centered context!

Contribute to a production with a powerful message and potential for community outreach. As a volunteer, you will be directly involved in sharing the Christmas story to our church and our community in a creative and impactful way.

Participate in an act of worship and personal spiritual growth. By volunteering, you contribute to a faith-centered production and have the opportunity for personal reflection on the deeper meaning of Christmas.

A Deep Dive Discussion into "Starry Night: A Shepherd's Journey"

March 17, 2025

The video outlines a Christmas opera skit entitled "Starry Night: A Shepherd's Journey" and proposes an alternative titled "O Night of Wonder," both centered on the traditional Nativity story viewed through a shepherd's experience. The text details potential modern settings for the birth of Jesus, ranging from a hospital to a refugee camp, suggesting a contemporary reimagining of the "no room at the inn" theme. Furthermore, it provides a comprehensive breakdown of the production, including a list of committee roles and detailed character descriptions for the opera skit, emphasizing the protagonist shepherd's journey from doubt to belief. The script excerpts showcase the comedic introduction of the shepherds, the angelic announcement, Mary and Joseph's acceptance of their divine roles, the innkeeper's eventual compassion, Levi's initial struggle to convince others, and the arrival of the Wise Men, culminating in the shepherds' faith and the grand finale celebrating the birth of Christ.

Count Me In

- What are the central themes being explored in this Christmas opera production? >

The production explores themes of doubt and faith through the journey of a simple shepherd named Levi, who struggles to believe the angelic announcement of Christ's birth but ultimately becomes a witness. It also delves into the grand and wondrous nature of the first Christmas, the perspective of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary events, and the divine plan unfolding through Mary and Joseph's faith and obedience. Additionally, the production aims to highlight the timeless message of hope and salvation brought by Jesus's birth.

- Can you briefly outline the six (6) Acts of "Starry Night: A Shepherd's Journey"? >

· Act 1: The Angel’s Message: Introduces the shepherds with comedy, followed by Angel Gabriel's announcement of the King's birth, leading to Levi's initial disbelief and decision to investigate.

· Act 2: A Divine Plan: Shifts focus to Mary's encounter with Angel Gabriel and her acceptance, followed by Joseph's internal struggle and his reassurance from the angel, leading to his obedience.

· Act 3: No Room in Bethlehem: Depicts Mary and Joseph's arrival in Bethlehem and their desperate search for lodging, culminating in the innkeeper offering them the stable.

· Act 4: Levi’s Doubt & the Three Wise Men: Shows Levi's failed attempts to convince the townspeople, leading to his doubt, which is then dispelled by the arrival and belief of the Three Wise Men.

· Act 5: The Manger: Presents the quiet scene in the stable with Mary, Joseph, and the newborn Jesus, followed by Levi's awestruck arrival and then the reverent entrance of the Wise Men with their gifts and the foreshadowing of Jesus's destiny.

· Act 6: The Shepherd’s Faith: Concludes with Levi's final reflection on the significance of Christ's birth for all people and a grand finale song, "The Star of Bethlehem," uniting the characters in wonder and faith

- What are the purposes of the Christmas Production Ministry, and how do these excerpts reflect those goals? >

The Christmas Production Ministry has three purposes: (1) Enhancing musical and acting gifts, fostering small group teamwork and discipleship, and engaging in community outreach. The excerpts reflect these goals by outlining specific roles and responsibilities for team members and leaders in music, drama, and technical aspects, providing opportunities for individuals to use and develop their talents. (2) The detailed character descriptions and the collaborative nature of an opera production, requiring singers, actors, musicians, and crew to work together towards a shared artistic vision, inherently foster teamwork. (3) The aim of telling the Christmas story through music and drama, especially with the potential for modernized settings and relatable characters, directly aligns with using the production as a platform to connect with and inspire the local community.

- When is the last day to sign up? >

The deadline for volunteer registration is August 3, 2025 which also coincides with the welcome/ orientation day.

- When does the rehearsals begin? >

Adult Choir kicks off mid to late August, with practices running 2 hours weekly. Orchestra and Theatre will start mid to late September, and Theatre rehearsals won’t be as frequent since a lot of the work can be done offline once scripts are handed out.

- What dates will the rehearsals be? >

We’re considering either Saturday or Sunday for the regular rehearsals. The general rehearsal is tentatively planned for the afternoon of Saturday, December 6, while the technical rehearsal is expected to take place on either Friday, December 12, or Saturday, December 13.

- What are the musical qualifications to join? Is sightreading a requirement to be able to join? >

Sight reading is not necessary to join, though music scores will be available. Download links for each song will also be shared. As long as you can keep time with a beat, like a click track, and carry a tune, you're good to go! For the choir, vocal rehearsal tracks will be provided, so you can simply learn the song by heart and sing along with a backing track.

- Will instruments be provided for orchestra participants? >

You should bring your own instrument, but if you don't have one, you can always rent one.

- Will there be an audition? >

Yes. Audition can either be in person or virtual. An audition is typically conducted as a structured process to evaluate a candidate's suitability for a role, whether it’s for acting, music, or instrument playing. A monologue or a music piece may be provided beforehand, and during audition. The participant will be asked to "cold read" through the monologue. While singers or musicians will be asked to sing or play with an accompanist or minus one music.

- How will the rehearsals be conducted for the adult choir ? >

The 2-hour rehearsal will be structured as follows: We'll start with the first 10 minutes dedicated to prayer, announcements, and vocal warm-ups. After that, the group will split into sections, with each section practicing under the guidance of their section leader. Once the sectional rehearsals are complete, there will be a 10-minute break. Finally, we'll come back together for a combined rehearsal to bring all the sections together. The Orchestra and Drama team will follow a structure somewhat similar to that of a choir section. However, as the event approaches, we’ll merge the choir and drama groups into the adult choir for a seamless integration.

- What are my Duties and Responsibilities ? >

The duties and responsibilities as outlined in our documents are:

TEAM MEMBERS

Purpose:
1. Enhancing Musical and Acting Gifts – Providing opportunities for individuals to develop and serve with their musical or acting abilities.
2. Fostering Small Group – Encouraging teamwork building, collaboration towards a shared goal, and discipleship within the group.
3. Engaging in Community Outreach – Using the production as a platform to connect with and inspire the local community.

General Responsibilities:
The Christmas Production Team Member is responsible for fulfilling their assigned role in music, drama, technical support, or logistics with dedication, teamwork, and a Christ-centered attitude to contribute to the success of the production.

Specific Qualifications:
1. Passion for the Vision. A genuine enthusiasm for sharing the Christmas story through music and drama. A willingness to contribute to a meaningful, faith-centered production.
2. Musical, Theatrical, or Technical Skills • Singers & Musicians: Ability to sing, play an instrument, or harmonize in an ensemble setting. • Actors & Dancers: Expressiveness, stage presence, and ability to memorize lines and movements. • Production Crew: Experience or willingness to learn about stage management, lighting, sound, set design, costume and makeup.
3. Team Player Attitude. Upholding a professional and Christ-centered attitude. Openness to constructive feedback and direction from leaders. Respect for fellow team members and leaders. A positive, cooperative spirit when working with others.
4. Commitment and Reliability. Must be available for rehearsals, and performance dates. Punctuality and dependability are essential to ensure smooth teamwork and coordination.

Specific Duties:
1. Attend regular, general and technical rehearsals or other meetings relating to the Christmas Production.
2. Sing, play or act in accordance with the music piece or script provided.
3. Inform team leaders of future absences or conflicts. In the event of absence, shall be responsible to learn the part assigned in a timely manner.

TEAM LEADERS

Purpose:
1. Enhancing Musical and Acting Gifts – Providing opportunities for individuals to develop and serve with their musical or acting abilities.
2. Fostering Small Group – Encouraging teamwork building, collaboration towards a shared goal, and discipleship within the group.
3. Engaging in Community Outreach – Using the production as a platform to connect with and inspire the local community.

General Responsibilities:
Christmas Production Team Leader is responsible for training and guiding team members in music or drama, ensuring artistic excellence, spiritual growth, and a smooth execution of their specific area within the production.

Specific Qualifications:
1. Leadership and Organizational Skills - Ability to manage a team effectively, and maintain a structured workflow. Capable of keeping rehearsals and production planning on schedule. Able to problem-solve under various situations.
2. Effective Communicator and Motivator - Can clearly convey instructions, expectations, and feedback to team members. Listens actively and addresses concerns with patience and understanding. Encourages team members to give their best efforts while fostering a positive and supportive environment. Helps individuals grow in confidence, faith, and skill development.
3. Experience and Expertise in Their Specific Role - Music Leaders: Competent in singing, conducting, or playing instrument. Drama Leaders: Experience in stage directing, acting, or coaching. Technical Leaders: Knowledgeable in sound systems, lighting, stage design, or multimedia.
4. Commitment and Reliability - Dedicated to attending all rehearsals, meetings, and performances. Leads by example in punctuality, preparedness, and work ethic.
5. Spiritual Maturity - Leads with integrity, humility, and a Christ-centered approach. Encourages a spirit of worship and reflection on the essence of Christmas.

Specific Duties:
1. Lead section rehearsals, attend planning meetings, and performance dates.
2. Conduct warm ups and vocal exercises as needed.
3. Train section members in singing or acting their role, emphasizing punctuality and consistent attendance during rehearsals.
4. Guide singers on emotional delivery of the music piece.
5. Provide constructive feedback, encouragement and fine tune dynamics, and phrasing.
6. Emphasize that the production is not just a performance but an act of worship.
7. Encourage a heart posture of humility and service rather than performance-based validation.

- I won't be able to attend all the scheduled rehearsals. Is that alright? >

All the pieces and scripts will be available for listening or download on our rehearsal portal. As long as you take responsibility for learning the songs within the specified timeframe, you should be fine! However, that being said, the general rehearsals and technical rehearsals are a must for all to attend. That is the only time when we put together all the different components of the production. So make sure you prioritize those reserved dates - December 6 (General Rehearsal), and December 12 (Technical Rehearsal)

- After I have registered, what happens next ? >

Once you have registered, the next step is to signup with Discord from the Discord's official website.

To sign up, all you need to do is to click the invite link: https://discord.gg/BrmpTs78nb. This will give you temporary access but it is advisable download the app (Windows, Mac, Android or Apple) for quick access. The Discord server name is #twc-starrynight. This will serve as our primary collaboration hub for all volunteers, singers, and orchestra members involved in "Starry Night: A Shepherd's Journey!"

"Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’"

Martin Luther King Jr.

Production Team

Assistant Pastor

Seth Short

Exec. Producer

Nick Co

Music Director

Donna King

Asst. Music Director

Ruth Ainsworth

Theatre Director

Christine Macintosh

Orchestra Director

Nick Co

Sounds & Lights

Allan Reilly

Promotions

Clive Nickerson

Children's Coordinator

Lorrie Hart

Set Design

Steve Fox

Costume & Props

Sonjia McGlashing

Makeup

Cheryl Gifkins

Production Meeting Slides

May 4, 2025

The production team convened for the first time to explore the concepts and outline the plan of action for 'Starry Night.' Below are the slides presented by Nick, designed to enhance the team's understanding and clarify the core purpose of the event.

Rehearsal / Performance Schedules

The schedules posted here are subject to change, so please check regularly for updates

Registration closes in

DAYS

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Online Tickets will go LIVE on
November 16, 2025!

Showings:
Christmas Matinee 3:00 to 4:30 pm
Yuletide Evening 6:00 to 7:30 pm

Prefer a printed booklet/flyer ?

No problem! DOWNLOAD this 4-page booklet (8.5" x 13") with a signup sheet

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