Rehearsals underway for 2022 production of Albany Nativity

By Donnie A. Lucas

Rehearsals are underway for the 2022 production of “The Nativity,” with performances set for Dec. 10 and 11 at the Aztec Theater.

Practices are being conducted by scenes and started last week.

“After this week we will have been through all the major scenes at least once,” director Lorna Ayers said. “Not everyone has been able to make it to the first rehearsals, but hopefully we will get caught up quickly since we don’t have much time to put this all together.”

The show depicts the birth of Christ and was written by Albany playwright Robert Nail over 80 years ago. Nail also created and directed the Fort Griffin Fandangle that is still produced each summer in Albany.

“The Nativity” is normally presented on even numbered years, but it has been four years since the play was last produced due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when it traditionally would have been staged.

Rehearsals are ongoing on Tuesday and Wednesday through next week, expanding after the Thanksgiving break.

Ayers said that singers are also needed for the choir that accompanies the play. Anyone interested in singing should contact music director Sandy Abel at 325-660-2187.

“I have already contacted a few singers, but we will need some more people to help us,” Abel said. “Anyone interested should contact me as soon as they can so we can set up rehearsal times.”

Performances are set for Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are free to the public but are not yet being distributed.