Nativity draws good attendance

By Donnie A. Lucas

After a four-year absence, the Albany Nativity was presented to the community last weekend during two performances at the Aztec Theater.

There were reportedly about 140 tickets used for the Saturday evening show, while Sunday’s matinee drew a larger crowd that nearly filled the theater’s 275 seats.

“Both shows were so good, and the audience raved about it as they left the theater,” director Lorna Ayers. “I think people loved that the tradition was continued after a break. I was impressed with all the actors and crew.”

The production was presented as a gift to the community, a phrase coined by its creater Robert Nail in 1939. Nail was also the playwright and director for the Fort Griffin Fandangle.

“I am so proud of the cast, choirs, and crew who volunteered their time and talent to this production,” Ayers said. “We owe a special thanks to Don Taggart and Buford Salters and their helpers for erecting the sets and packing it all away.”

The director said that the show is back on a biennial schedule after taking off in 2020 due to the pandemic, as well as the death of chief benefactor and supporter, A.V. Jones, Jr.

“We had so many new people in the cast and crew who now have a taste of how special the Nativity is,” Ayers said. “I think they are all now invested in its future.”

Sandy Abel was the music director and organ accompanist for the show, which included dozens of actors, three choirs, and many behind-the-scenes volunteers.