NEW YORK — Saint Stephen of Hungary Parish on East 82nd Street will sponsor Frank, a production of a new musical based on the life of St. Francis of Assisi.
This will be performed at the church 3 p.m. on Sept. 28. The play is conceived and written by Mary Anne Christopher, a guitarist at Saint Stephen, who has also served in music ministry at Holy Name of Jesus Church on the West Side of Manhattan. Her home parish of St. Gregory the Great debuted the play in New York in February 2007.
The show includes original songs that tell of a young man who goes through a life-changing experience after returning from war. The message of peace and following God’s call is evident throughout the production, said pastoral associate Jayne Porcelli. The cast includes both professional and amateur local actors. Kathleen Kilbane, a cantor at Saint Stephen, is one of the performers.
The show is a great way to introduce friends and neighbors to the universal appeal of St. Francis, according to a recent issue of the St. Stephen bulletin.
A busload of people from St. Bonaventure Parish in Paterson, N.J., is coming to see the show, Porcelli said.
Tickets may be purchased at the parish office; they are $10 adults ($15 at the door); $5 children ($10 at door). To order tickets, call 212-861-8500, ext. 150. CDs of the musical can be purchased through the production’s Web site.