By Lori Ehde
Dolly Talbert and her shepherds will again perform their musical version of the traditional Christmas story.
The Luverne Community Choir, under Talbert's direction, will present Ralph Carmichae's cantata, "’Specially for Shepherds," tonight and Friday.
The 45-minute performances are at 8 p.m. in Grace Lutheran Church.
It's the same production as the 1997 version, but this year she said there's more drama.
"There are some wonderful scenes and some great choreography this year," she said. "It really looks sharp."
Through Talbert's connections with the Al Opland Singers, she enlisted the expertise of Annie Miller, a Pipestone teacher who choreographs dance scenes for the Opland Singers.
"She has done a wonderful job putting a new look to our show," Talbert said.
Nearly 70 people, including singers and technical support, are involved in this year's production. Of those, more than 60 percent are returnees from the 1997 performance.
"We have a good nucleus of returnees, which is why were able to do the choreography," Talbert said. "The music was still in their heads, so we were able to take it a step further this time."
The cantata is about the traditional biblical Christmas story played out by singers and soloists in full biblical costume.
"I have done a lot of cantatas in my day, but I haven't done one that tells the story better than this one," Talbert said.
Even baby Jesus will be played by a live actor. Singer Carrie Overgaard was pregnant when rehearsals started several weeks ago, and she agreed, if the baby was a boy, that he could play the role of Jesus.
She and Chad did have a boy, Nathan, on Nov. 1, and Talbert said he responded well to his role during Monday's rehearsal.
The performance, a benefit for Rock County’s Emergency Food Shelf, is also part of Grace Lutheran Church's 50th anniversary celebration.
"That's why it's at our church," Talbert said. "But we wanted to make sure it's an ecumenical venture."
Even though the performance this year is at Grace, the performers come from all area churches from many communities in the county.
Talbert said her singers come from Beaver Creek, Steen, Magnolia, Hardwick and Kenneth, in addition to Luverne.
During the first production in 1997 at the American Reformed Church, organizers underestimated community interest in the event and the audience spilled out beyond the sanctuary.
This year, those interested in attending could pick up free tickets at the Chamber office to be assured of seating. Those tickets were gone as of Tuesday morning, but people are encouraged to come anyway to take the seats of possible no-shows.
Since the event is a benefit for the Rock County Emergency Food Shelf, admission will be food items or cash donations, which will be taken at the door by Lions Club members.