Galloway resident writes and directs Christmas musical
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| Galloway resident Scotty McGraner (right) published her first children’s book, “The Night Before Christmas… in Bethlehem” this past November. The book was illustrated by Stacy Fabre (left). |
An angel will help two children understand the true meaning of Christmas in the new musical, “Tell Me the Stories of Christmas,” written and directed by Galloway resident Scotty McGraner.
The musical will be performed Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. at Columbus Heights United Methodist Church, 775 Galloway Road. The public is invited to attend.
McGraner spent her growing years in Galloway where she discovered her love for playwriting. The first play she ever wrote was performed at Prairie Norton Middle School when she was in seventh-grade.
She moved away for 20 years and received a Bachelor’s degree in English speech and theatre from the University of Maine, where she would then earn her Master’s degree.
McGraner spent 12 years as an elementary teacher at a small school in east Maine and later for eight years in Marysville, after moving back to Ohio.
McGraner said theatre can reach the audience and illustrate underlining lessons or themes. That is one reason she helped produce theatrical productions with the students before she retired as an educator.
“That’s what I miss about teaching the most, that’s why I’m doing this here,” McGraner said.
For her newest musical production, McGraner took the four themes of Advent – hope, peace, joy, and love – and wove them together with four stories from her family. This creates a metaphorical quilt that paints comparisons between the stories of the Bible and the lives of the two main characters.
The production also features a mix of popular Christmas songs and religious favorites.
McGraner additionally self-published her first children’s book, “The Night Before Christmas… in Bethlehem.”
After writing the book last year and receiving positive feedback from many individuals, she collaborated with friend Stacy Fabre who illustrated the story. The book was released in November.
Similar to her musical, the children’s book concentrates on the story of Bethlehem and builds on popular children’s songs to help teach the Christian story behind Christmas.
“The message of Christmas is love,” McGraner said. “That’s definitely one of the keys throughout the stories.”
To purchase a copy of “The Night Before Christmas… in Bethlehem” contact scottyandstacy@yahoo.com or call the church office at 878-4530.