The Contemporary Youth Arts Company will present the 29th annual production of the Mark Scarpelli-Dan Kehde rock opera MARY at 7 pm November 28 & 29 and December 4, 5, and 6 with additional 2 pm matinees on November 30th and December 7th at the Elk City Playhouse, 218 Washington St. W, Charleston.  This year, tickets are pay what you can afford, with suggested ticket prices of $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for students and seniors. Tickets are also available online at cyaccharleston.ticketleap.com. Early online ticket purchases are highly recommended. 
          
The story of the nine months prior to the birth of Jesus Christ through the eyes of a young girl destined to be the most important woman in the Christian tradition,  MARY has become a family friendly holiday tradition throughout the greater Charleston area.  Drawing talent from all over the greater Kanawha Valley, this year’s cast includes Maddie Wright in the title role, with Blaize Hassan as Joseph, Julia Carriger as the Archangel Gabriel, Amanda Skidmore as Elizabeth, Alvin Robinson as Zechariah, and Maddie Connelly as Herod, along with a chorus of angels, and live accompaniment led by Lisa Peery. The annual production began rehearsals in early October for the traditional opening night the day after Thanksgiving.  A driving score and an ageless story continue to give audiences new insight to the days and months leading up to the first Christmas.