AUBURN â With just a few weeks until actors were set to take to the stage in performances of âThe Best Christmas Pageant Everâ last December, Excelsior Arts Academy and Youth Theater Executive Director Kent Johnson was forced to cancel the show.
Cases of COVID-19 were on the rise, and while the First Christian Church in Auburn was the perfect setting to tell the Christmas story, there was not the room needed for the cast to socially distance backstage, Johnson explained.
âThis was one of the most difficult decisions I ever had to make. As you might guess, many people were disappointed due to the amount of work that had already occurred,â Johnson said.
Editorâs Note: This story is being run again to correct a headline error in Wednesdayâs publication.
AUBURN â The Bulldogs will take to the stage when they play at the DeKalb Outdoor Theater Friday beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The Bulldogs is made up of Wayne Neukom on bass and lead vocals, Bernie Stone on drums, Bob Zmyslony on keyboards and vocals, Kenny Taylor on guitar and lead vocals and Maggie Hawkins on woodwinds and lead vocals. The gate opens at 6 p.m. Admission is free but donations to the theater are gladly accepted.
Those attending should bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. The grounds are professionally sprayed for mosquitoes. The event occurs rain or shine.