Night in Bethlehem
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Thousand Oaks, CA
December 8-10, 2023
As Charles Shultz so succinctly pointed out in his Charlie Brown Christmas special almost 70 years ago, it’s easy to miss the simple and true meaning of Christmas when our daily lives are inundated by commercialism and a consumer culture that can feel, at times, overwhelming. The simple idea of spreading joy and goodwill can easily be lost among the lights, decor and intense pressures of the holiday season.
And if you’ve seen Shultz’s special, you’ll likely remember when Charlie Brown’s friend Linus steps into the spotlight and reminds everyone about the origins of Christmas.
This year, for the third year running, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will stage their short musical production ‘Night in Bethlehem’ at the Erbes Road church, nestled in the rolling hillsides of Thousand Oaks. The short and lovingly crafted experience, Production Chair Jana Ewing said, is simply intended to “put the Christ in Christmas.”
And there will even be a live donkey.
Visitors park in the lower lots and walk through a gray stone arch that announces their entry into the town of Bethlehem. The straw-strewn town square features a pen with live goats as an interactive petting zoo, and visitors can grind flour and receive a half slice of bread. There is the carpenter’s shop, a basket weaver and bead-maker where guests can make their own bracelets, as well as a shop to make small clay pots shaped like oil lamps designed to hold a candle-shaped LED light. There is also a town scribe who can help you write your name in Hebrew, guided by Grant Brimhall, a name you might recognize from the entrance of the Thousand Oaks Library.
After the village shops a series of arches lead to the main outdoor stage overlooking the north side of Thousand Oaks, with seating to accommodate up to 300 visitors. Set designer Randy Ewing built a theatre-in-the-round to draw the audience into the experience of Mary and Joseph’s entry into Bethlehem as they seek lodging. Director Kerry Anderson has used the space well, staging groups of her angels (alternately played by Karin Szakos and Jon Matthews) who sing ‘Do You Have Room?’ and other familiar tunes.
The entire cast of townspeople, from shopkeepers to shepherds and fishermen have been dressed in eye-popping and vibrant period costumes, the handiwork of costumer Cindi Mullaly.
Reservations are requested for the purpose of crowd management and to accommodate guests as best as possible. Ewing also suggests that visitors dress warm for the outdoor performance. There is a collection point at the entrance of the town for canned goods to be distributed to local food banks Manna and Moorpark’s Pantry Plus. Admission is free, and performances are every thirty minutes.
Night in Bethlehem
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
1600 Erbes Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Friday, December 8th – Shows every 30 minutes begin at 6:30pm
Sat/Sun Dec 9-10 – Shows every 30 minutes begin at 6pm
Reservations: http://www.nightinbethlehem.org
