'Many Things’ play brings the Christmas story message

       Martha (Randi Shaw) nearly crashes the family car while Sally (Katie Fuller) hangs on for dear life during the Brooklyn Theatre Production of "Many Things," at the Brooklyn Opera House on Dec. 6 - 8 and Dec. 14. Martha is rushing to the mall on Christmas Eve to purchase gifts for the family after the Christmas Tree blew up the night before killing the family cat and ruining her perfect Christmas.

By J.O. Parker
 
     The Brooklyn Opera House was the place to be on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 – 8, for the Brooklyn Community Theater Christmas production of “Many Things.”
    The play was written and directed by Brooklyn’s own Josh Gerard, a local playwrite, pastor of New Beginnings Church and librarian at the Brooklyn Public Library.
The production is a one act comedy that was inspired by the events of the Bible and one of nearly 10 plays written by Gerard.
       “In Luke 10, Jesus tells Martha that she is worried about many things,” noted Gerard. “My idea was to take this scene (from the Bible), modernize it, and put it in a Christmas setting.”
        The play centered around a mother who has done everything she can to give the perfect Christmas to her family, but finds all her hard work literally blows up, along with the Christmas tree and family cat, and she'll have to act fast to try and make everything come back together again. 
          The production was held in connection with Brooklyn’s annual Christmas Traditions.
        Gerard said “Many Things” is a funny, family-centered Christmas play about having good intentions, but not always making time for the things that truly matter.
      “These Christmas shows we do are so important because it's a great chance to get people into the Christmas spirit while also reminding them of what it's all about,” said Gerard. “And I get to do it right here on the stage in the town I grew up in. That's pretty special."
         “It was a great message presented in a fun way,” said Stacie Fiebelkorn.
       “I think the play does a great job of reminding us of what the true meaning of Christmas is,” said Bill Wilkerson.
         “It has been an absolute blessings to work with Josh and the cast,” said Randi Shaw, who played Martha in the production.
          “When you come to this play, you leave blessed,” said Shadlee Hazelwood.
          “It was fabulous and hilarious,” said Emily Chatfield. “It’s fun to see people I know very well in roles that suits their personalities.”
        “It’s an honor to do these plays every year, especially when they have a Christmas message,” said Gerard.
Cast:
      Randi Shaw - Martha; Travis Williams - John; Rose Britts - Mary; Ryder Scott - Ben; Gracie Gerard - Jess; Silas Gerard - Will; Rory Fuller - Kevin; Traci Williams - Shopper; Alaina Holmes - Cashier; Katie Fuller - Sally; Jeff Britts - Pastor
Crew:
      Alli McCammant - Assistant Director; Brett Fuller – Sound; Lorelai Gerard – Lights; Shadlee Hazelwood – Lights; Laura Emerson – Props and Costumes; Josh Gerard – Writer and Director