Up & Coming Weekly

16 UCW DECEMBER 2-8, 2009 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM KAREN POPPELE, Contributing Writer COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222 or editor@upandcomingweekly.com JANICE BURTON Associate Publisher COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222 or Editor@upandcomingweekly.com Rotary Christmas Parade Marches In Season by KAREN POPPELE Don your mittens, coat and hat and head to Downtown Fayetteville early on Saturday morning, Dec. 12, to stake out your perfect spot for the annual Rotary Christmas Parade, a hometown holiday tradition beginning at 11 a.m., complete with marching bands, accomplished performers and festive floats. Between 100 and 120 entries will assemble from 9-9:30 a.m. in the parking lots of the Cumberland County Courthouse and First Presbyterian Church before traveling the parade route up Person Street to the Market House, then on up Hay Street to the Railroad Station. News 14 Carolina will provide live television coverage of the parade, expected to last two to two and a half hours. "This is the 10th anniversary of the parade," said Matthew Smith, co-chair of the parade with A. Johnson Chestnutt since 2001. "The parade is a year-round project for us. It is sponsored by the area's three Rotary Clubs: Fayetteville Rotary Club, West Fayetteville Ro- tary Club and LaFayette Rotary Club. We join together to do this as a service project, not a fundraiser. It is geared toward children of the community, whether they are 9 or 99." Response from the community, as well as the state and even out of the state as far away as Las Vegas, has been very good since the clubs' first year. " We had 40 or 50 entries the first year," Smith said. " We reached our maximum of 100-110 in the last couple of years. Most folks don't realize how many people are in the parade — 3,000-3,500 individuals. We've done an excellent job of working together to put this on, and we also have additional non-Rotarian volunteers work- ing on the parade. The city, parks and recreation and police department ensure things go smoothly." In addition to growing quickly over the past 10 years, the Clubs made another positive change in the parade –– the route. "When the Rotary assumed responsibility for the parade, we changed the route so that it moved up the street toward the railroad tracks so the parade is not both- ered by trains during live TV," said Smith. "We don't have to stop the parade for fi ve minutes while a train passes by, and when it's live TV, you can't cut out the trains!" Smith noted that they expect 7,500 to 12,500 people to be on the street watching the parade this year. "People begin showing up as early as 9:30; most come between 10 to 10:30. There's not a curb seat left at 10:15," said Smith. "There are reviewing stands in front of the Arts Council with some public seating and some for dignitaries and guests." Among the special guests this year are Rotary District Governor Nancy Barbee, who will be riding on the Rotary float, and the Parade Grand Marshals, Cartoon Network's Tom and Jerry. " We choose Grand Marshals who pres- ent a wholesome character that kids want to emulate, someone they recognize and associate with," Smith said. "Of course, we will have Santa Claus, with elves following in pickup trucks with candy. We do want to remind folks that nothing is to be passed out by parade participants. It is a city ordinance." And while the overall theme of the parade is Christmas, the Rotary Clubs are working towards specific themes, which may bring out even more creativity in participants. " We encourage homemade floats," said Smith. "The number has grown con- siderably. We're hoping at some point that the parade will have more floats than walking groups." For more information or to apply to participate in the parade, visit www.rota- rychristmasparade.com or call (910) 309-1759. CFRT Stirs Up The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by JANICE BURTON Nineteen years ago Laura Beaver stormed across the Cape Fear Regional Theatre stage as Gladys in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Today, she's a lawyer, but the com- munity's love for the show is still intact. This year's BCPE is shaping up a little differently than most people will remember. Director Gina Stewart's rendition of the show won't exactly be what you remember, but she hopes the community will embrace it anway. "Bo (Thorp) came to me and said she thought it might be a good to stir it up this year," said Stewart, a Charlotte actor who has spent a lot of time on the CFRT stage. "Bo wanted to have someone come in with a new eye and make some changes. The play has been such a tradition in Fayetteville for so many years that she thought it was time to stir it up." Stewart said she was "delighted" to tackle the play. "I did it years ago in Charlotte at the children's musical, and I absolutely loved it. I love the show. It is a funny and touch- ing show. We are changing a lot of the music, but we want to make sure that the heart of the story is still there. It's a great Christmas gift of hope and joy. It's all about a bunch of kids who nobody thought could do anything, but they they really did something great." Stewart said the story is the story, and that while she doesn't think she is changing a lot, others seem to disagree. "I'm not as aware that I'm making as many changes," she said, "but I guess I am. There are a lot of great memories surrounding the play that it is a little unnerving for peo- ple who really don't want it to change. People are going to be surprised by a few things." Stewart said that she really relates to the Herdmans, the rough family that takes over the church's annual Christmas play. "Growing up, I think I really was a Herdman," she said. "I don't really think they are that bad, I just think they are a little naughty and a whole lot of fun. "I know people will be curious about the changes. There is defi nitely a different take on the music and the Herdmans," she said. "But they are still the same bad kids, and you still get 'shazam!' We've pulled some thing from the book that helps color the play a little. That infl uence and the details make the play even funnier." She hopes that spirit of fun will shine through for the audience as well. "I like to get out and talk to the audience," she explained. "So the play is going to have a very interac- tive feel. It's going to be a real conversation with the audience." Key in that conversation is CFRT veteran Nicki Hart who plays the mother in the show. Hart has tackled the BCPE a couple of different times, and enjoys the time spent with the children. "You get so much energy from them," said Hart. "They are so open and they all really want to be on stage. They all have so many talents and they want to share them. So it's a rush for them to be on the stage." Hart said that changes to this year's performance will keep the audience wondering what's next. "It's defi nitely not your grandfather's Best Christmas Pageant Ever," she said. "It's more like your cool brother's." Working with the children in the play is interesting. "At times it is overwhelming," said Stewart. "Especially when you look at the whole picture. We have three casts with 50 kids in each cast. That's a lot of kids. But I just love children — they are so open. They will make up great things to add to the play. I love being around kids, especial- ly at Christmas time. They are so much fun, and they make practice such a good time." Stewart hopes that feeling extends to the stage. "I would love for everybody who comes to see this play to want to be in it next year. That would be the ultimate compliment for the cast. I want the audience to know we are having a great time, and then that carries over to them." The CFRT's production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever runs from Dec.10-20. The box offi ce opens Monday, Dec.7, at 1 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children. Special Military Appreciation Night Performances will be held Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. for a discounted ticket price of $8.Box offi ce hours are Monday, Dec. 7, at 1-6 p.m., Dec. 8-21 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 2-6 p.m., Sunday 2-5 p.m.

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