“Pilgrim (Her Story)” has three shows this weekend

Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.

Parker Music Academy brings the musical “Pilgrim (Her Story)” to the Monticello Opera House's historic upstairs stage for three performances this weekend featuring a large cast of local teens and children. The show is a Christian allegory based on the “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” written by John Bunyan in 1678 while he was in prison for his faith. At one time, Bunyan's story was second only to the Bible in popularity, and it remains the most famous Christian allegory still in print.
The modern version being presented locally was written by Janice Landry and Cathy Mays, with music and lyrics by Janice Landry, Bob Kauflin, Zach Jones and others. Under the local direction of Michelle Dollar, the story follows Christian (played by Anna Kate Dollar) as she escapes from the City of Destruction to follow the invisible King (played by Jeff Whitty). She must beware of Apollyon (Tali Grettenberger), the Prince of Darkness and his traps, such as falling into the Slough of Despond and being tempted in Vanity Fair. As she travels down the path to the Celestial City of Heaven, her friends – such as Help (Amrys Bishop), Goodwill (Liria Vargas) and Evangelist (Lili Jacobs) – help her learn how to read her Bible, pray, put on the Armor of God and trust the King every step of the way. She must be vigilant because Formality (Annie Grettenberger), Worldly Wiseman (Antonio Payne) and The Flatterer, (Addie Grettenberger) seek to deceive her and lead her from the path of righteousness.
Rounding out the cast of this musical adventure are Noah Parker, Marcos Vargas, Evelyn Vargas, Ansley Warren, Solomon Stiles, Cate Adams, Adalynne Parker, Adalyn Dollar, Allie Dollar, Annaliese Grettenberger, Liz Parker, Rex Stiles, Stephen Williams, Delano Stiles, Charlee Appel, Sylvia Peters, Talia Grettenberger, Madelynn Williams, Emma Wainwright, Ansleigh Camper, Agape Payne, Matthew Payne, Manda Payne, Adeleine Grettenberger, Mae Appel, Willow Appel and Emmy Fleck.
The show is produced by local Monticello residents Stephanie and Adam Parker, who operate Parker Music Academy. Their production team includes Anna Kate and Michelle Dollar for choreography/costumes; Assistant Director Margaret Bass; Stage Manager Tracy Peters; Waylon Peters for main lighting; Vera Peters and Hayes Bishop for spot lighting; Dusty Dollar for set design; Props Manager Mathew Payne; Adam Parker and Jason Freeland on sound; a stage crew of Asher Camper, Solomon Stiles and Steven Williams; and Sign Language Interpreter Melva Walker. Backstage moms are Manda Payne, Steppheny Stiles, Anne-Marie Williams.
Showtimes are this weekend only, at 7 p.m. on Friday (June 30), 7 p.m. on Saturday (July 1) and a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday (July 2). Admission is $15 for adults; $5 for children under age 12. Groups of 10 or more receive a discount. Tickets are available online at monticellooperahouse.org, by calling (850) 997-4242 or at the door (185 W. Washington).