April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
PARISH MUSICAL
Summer is always 'Psalty' at St. Vincent's
Often, younger performers burst into tears over forgotten lines, leave abruptly to use the bathroom and push each other off risers during skits about peace and harmony.
But sometimes, things go smoothly and the children understand what they're performing and preaching.
When this happens, "it's the equivalent of watching a sunset or a rainbow or a sunrise," said Deborah Chard-Wierschem, co-director of "Psalty," a summer musical put on by St. Vincent de Paul parish in Albany for almost a quarter of a century.
"Anything and everything happens the night of the show," she added. Priests, parish life directors, nuns, deacons and even Bishop Howard J. Hubbard have made surprise cameos.
Ms. Chard-Wierschem has taught her young charges the mantra, "The show must go on."
"Psalty" musicals follow the character of Psalty, a singing book whose mission is to share the Gospel with children. The book often meets such characters as fame-seeking Charity Churchmouse and Risky Rat, who tries to derail Christians off their spiritual path.
Ms. Chard-Wierschem found the series in a Christian bookstore 30 years ago. When she suggested a production at St. Vincent's, parishioners worried that it didn't sound Catholic.
"I just felt so strongly that this would build community between the children," Ms. Chard-Wierschem told The Evangelist. Then-pastor Rev. Leo O'Brien agreed.
The first production featured 19 children; Ms. Chard-Wierschem played the main role. Today, the production includes about 50 children from St. Vincent's and other Christian churches.
Most children participate for about seven years. Crowds of family and friends fill the church on performance night.
There was once disagreement over using the worship space as performance space, but it dissipated. "There are so many different ways to worship and to praise God and to pray," Ms. Chard-Wierschem said. "When children go to Mass, that worship space is now their own."
The "Psalty" musicals are written for about a dozen children older than 10, so Ms. Chard-Wierschem modifies the scripts to ensure everyone gets at least one line or solo. She adds lines to explain concepts not normally associated with Catholicism - like being "born again" - and incorporates Catholic hymns.
The parish production has weathered many changes. Before email and computer databases, Ms. Chard-Wierschem distributed paper copies of scripts and phoned parents and volunteers. The sound system was sub-par for the first 15 years.
The Psalty role, intended for boys, is sometimes played by a girl. The number of teenaged participants has grown, making the musical a place for intergenerational interaction - something hard to find at school or in faith formation classes.
"It's the way church should be," declared Lorraine Guyon, a pianist in the parish's music ministry. She and her husband, Dennis, a guitarist and percussionist, are long-time volunteers for "Psalty." Their grown daughter first starred in "Psalty" when she was four; she went on to become a professional actor. Their son was a crew member.
"There's this let-down after it's all over, because the kids want to keep getting together," Mr. Guyon said.
The Guyons said the musical's staging has become more elaborate over the years, with special effects, props and "lots of glitter." Children can download show music to practice.
The music can be challenging for young children to learn: "When you start a song," said musician Joe Gorman, "they may take off ahead of you; they may lag behind you.
"This type of event goes above and beyond with helping to foster a community," added Mr. Gorman, whose three daughters are "Psalty" alumni.
Even with a co-director, Ms. Chard-Wierschem still spends about 20 volunteer hours per week on the production.
Each summer's musical "gives you energy and joy," Ms. Chard-Wierschem explained. "As long as there's breath in me, I can't imagine not doing it."
"Psalty: Salvation Celebration" will be held Aug. 4, 7 p.m., at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Albany. Call 489-5408.[[In-content Ad]]
250 X 250 AD
250 X 250 AD
Events
250 X 250 AD
Comments:
You must login to comment.