An Atlanta Christmas Tradition

The Play of Herod is one of Atlanta's longest-running Christmas traditions. The play was first performed in Atlanta in 1974, in the drafty warehouse space of Kelly’s Seed & Feed Theatre. For a quarter-century, the performances were continuously sold out and became a keenly anticipated part of the Atlanta Christmas season until the production was suspended in 1999. In December of 2004, the production was restaged by the original team of Director Kelly Morris and Music Director Kevin Culver. The cast and audience alike felt it was a joyous reunion.

The 2008 production of The Play of Herod will be presented at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church located at 1790 LaVista Road in Atlanta, GA, on December 12 & 13. Performances begin at 8:30 p.m. Due to the nature of the play, there will be no late seating. The play is not suited for babies or youngsters unable to sit quietly for an hour. Your cooperation will be rewarded with a magical evening.

The audience is invited to join the cast backstage after the show to enjoy hot cider, homemade cookies and Christmas carols.

Medieval Sense of Mystery

Two parts of the Christmas story unfold in a medieval ceremony of simple gestures and ancient, haunting melodies. In a drama of mysterious beauty, a tale is told of awestruck shepherds, kings from afar come to worship a baby, a King Herod clinging to power for himself and his son, the bloody slaughter of children. The Play of Herod is sung in Latin, with English translations projected above the action.  A consort of period-appropriate instruments accompanies the singers.

Reservations

Admission is $15, and reservations are required.
The Reservation Line will open in November. If you would like to be notified when the reservation line opens, please send your e-mail address to the webmaster: ccleaver(@)mindspring.com.

For those unfamiliar with the reservation procedure: follow the instructions on the reservation line. Your name will be placed on the Confirmed Reservation list and held at the door (you will not receive a call back). Advance tickets are not needed; you will pay at the door by cash or personal check payable to Atlanta Camerata. Plan to arrive by 8:10 pm to claim your reservation. If you are bringing a large group, or have special seating needs, please let us know at the time you reserve your seats.

Map courtesy of the Church [www.stbartsatlanta.org]