Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
If you love a good story about the triumph of good versus evil, consider taking in Esther: The Musical next weekend at the Monticello Opera House. For just two showings, Parker Music Academy is presenting this original musical, with 7 p.m. shows on Friday, Aug. 5, and Saturday, Aug. 6.
Local Monticello residents Stephanie and Adam Parker, who operate Parker Music Academy, have created their own version of Esther: The Musical. Their script, written by Stephanie, tells an inspirational story based on the Biblical account of Queen Esther. The plot line follows a young Jewish girl who faces a hard life of captivity, but her trust in God helps her overcome seemingly impossible obstacles. The Parker's musical includes more than seven original songs created collaboratively by Stephanie and Adam, including “Not Alone,” “He Is by Your Side,” “For Such a Time as This,” “Deliver Us” and more.
“You’ll laugh and you’ll cry as you see this beloved story come to life,” say the Parkers, “with music that will move your soul.”
For an inkling of what's in store, visit ParkerMusicAcademy.us to hear recordings of several of the songs.
The cast, directed by Stephanie Parker and Michelle Dollar, includes Cate Adams (Esther), Noah Parker (Mordecai), Rachel Copeland (Haman), Penny Copeland (Gatha), Lilly Copeland (Zeresh), Adalyn Dollar (Young Hadassah), Charlee Appel (Young Sarah), Anna Kate Dollar (Sarah/Narrator), Risa Carroll (Mother), Gabriel Parker (Father), J.D. Fendley (King), Vera Peters (Admatha), Allie Dollar (Memucan), Natalie Fendley (Queen Vashti), Madelyn Williams (Hegai), Della Anderson (Darella), Sophia Chihuahua (Bithania), Mollie Bass (Arya) and Teegan Bass (Talia).
Stephanie is a trained musician, author, founder of ParkerMusicAcademy.us and a homeschool mom of eight children.
Tickets for adults are $15. Children under age 12 get free admission when an adult ticket is purchased before July 31. After that, a child's ticket is $5. Note that group discounts are offered for eight or more tickets purchased together before July 31. Tickets are available online at monticellooperahouse.org, by calling (850) 997-4242 or at the door (185 W. Washington).