The Butterfingers Angel, Mary and Joseph, Herod the Nut, and the Slaughter of Twelve Hit Carols in a Pear Tree is being presented by CBC Productions. The musical is a touching, funny and highly imaginative retelling of the Christmas story from a fresh and richly creative point of view. The flow of the action follows the traditional Christmas story with the addition of a Mary who decides that men and marriage are not for her (played by Carin Esty), a flustered boy-angel (Quin Selmeski), an enigmatic Man in Grey (Chris Deveau) who schemes to prevent the birth, and hilarious louts played by well-known locals Terry McCarthy, Tom Beebe, and Bob Castronova.

The significance of Christmas is never lost, and the story is enhanced and made new by the distinctive approach of this joyful and unique retelling. The Boston Herald called it “Angelic … beguiling wit and humor ... as likeable as it is lively...." Joseph is played by Ned Ruete, an alluring Tree is played by jazz singer Nichelle Rollins, and local teacher and drama director Nan Rigdon brings new character to the donkey who accompanied the family to Bethlehem.

Written by Tony-award winning William Gibson, the show is directed by the Rev. Dr. John A. Nelson who, before he became a pastor, was a director or lighting/set designer for 70 productions. The music director is Jeff Barnhart.

“Music and laughter is a great way to begin the Christmas season in a non-commercial way,” says Pastor Nelson.

November 30 at 7:30 PM, December 1 at 7:30 PM, and Sunday December 2 at 4:00 PM. Niantic Community Church, 170 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic.

Tickets $15 general Admission, $10 seniors and students, $40 for a family of four. For reservations call (860) 739-6208 or e-mail butterfingers.angel@gmail.com.