Season's reason

Musical aims to share Christmas message

December 13, 2005

DAWN DE BUSK/Frontiersman reporter

WASILLA - Husband and wife Rodney and Debbie Hopkins have been cast in the roles of married couple Jack and Maggie Andrews in &#8220The Christmas Shoes,” a musical being performed this weekend at Wasilla Christian Church. Likewise, T.J. and Kris Harris play the husband-and-wife part of the Layton family.

Director Bill Pagaron cast the two real-life husbands and wives in married roles so they could draw on marital experiences as well as using another strategy valued in good marriages - teamwork - to their advantage, according to Rodney and Debbie Hopkins.

In &#8220The Christmas Shoes,” the lives of the financially impoverished but spiritually rich members of the Hopkins family intertwine with the happenings of the well-to-do Andrews family, whose head of household is a workaholic who denies his family time and love, according to Pagaran.

Setting an example of absolute love can change the direction of other people's lives, the Hopkinses explained.

&#8220The family we're playing is rock solid in their faith. In that way, we can relate to them,” Rodney said.

&#8220Yeah, and we're poor,” Debbie laughed.

&#8220Actually, I read recently that statistically, we're rich,” Rodney said.

That debate aside, the Hopkins family is certainly busy this month with the time-consuming commitment

of being involved in the musical, participating in almost six hours of rehearsals Saturday.

Their daughter, Tessa, plays their little girl, joining them on the worn-out couch on the stage and stringing popcorn as the musical begins. An older daughter, Kasi Creech, 26, will bring to life the part of Gwen, Mr. Layton's secretary.

&#8220We're also on the music team, so we'll be here until midnight,” Rodney said.

Other members of the musical are adjusting to the revved-up rehearsal times.

&#8220We've added extra practices. We practice two hours on Sunday night, so I just gotta remember to have my homework done by 6 (p.m.),” said Caitlin Pendergrast, 16, who will be performing the role of Lily Layton for the second consecutive year.

Pendergrast said investing the time in this musical is well worth it because so many Valley residents come to see the performance with its message of what Christmas is truly about.

Ten-year-old Kassidy Harris is Hannah Layton, playing the daughter of her real-life parents.

&#8220It's about how Jesus can help you live, can help you change. That's what happens in the play,” Kassidy Harris said.

Her brother, Trace Harris, 12, was cast as the son in the Andrews family, and becomes a catalyst for new thinking when he tries to buy a pair of Christmas shoes for his critically ill mother.

&#8220It's a cool part to play. It's kind of weird to not be in with my family in the play,” Trace Harris said. &#8220This play is about being glad it's Christmas and being really happy,” he said.

Debbie Hopkins, who performed in a &#8220Christmas Shoes” production three years ago, is employed at Carrs, where she's been handing out hundreds of tickets to the free musical to all her customers. However, a ticket isn't required for admittance to the show that runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7 p.m.

&#8220We've added a twist this time. Just a little twist, but it's better. The difference is more of a belief in miracles,” Hopkins said.

Pagaron's wife, Amanda, said the choice to do a musical instead of a play or a choral performance of Christmas songs should appeal to a larger audience, keeping their attention with upbeat music threading together the story.

&#8220Musicals are more fun,” she said.

Pendergrast who plays 12-year-old Lily Layton, looks forward to performing for crowds this weekend.

&#8220It's a great way to reach out to the community and show what Christmas is really about other than presents and Santa Claus,” Pendergrast said.

Contact Dawn De Busk at 352-2252 or dawn.debusk@

frontiersman.com.