'Christmas Comes to Life' Performed This Weekend at The Bridge in Johnston

"Christmas Comes to Life" celebrates the season at The Bridge this weekend.

The original musical production is a new, modern take on the Christmas story, developed by Brenton Brown, director of worship at the church - a campus of the Meredith Drive Reformed Church.

"The concept is original, the music is familiar Christmas carols," Brown said on the production. "We wanted to do something family friendly and involve lots of different age groups."

The new tale is a departure after the past several years' productions of "Ebenezer."

"We had huge success with 'Ebenezer'," he said. "This year, we were looking for something that the entire family can come and appreciate."

"Christmas Comes to Life" begins with Justin, a young boy sick in bed. Justin's grandfather comes to watch him.

Instead of the customary "Night Before Christmas" reading, Grandpa asks Justin to use his imagination while listening to the Christmas story.

"It's a really neat way of retelling the Christmas story than maybe the same way that it's always been done," Brown said.

Gary Millar of Ankeny, who plays Grandpa Harry, said he was excited to return to The Bridge stage after several holidays away.

"I really enjoy the people who I'm working with," he said of this production and that of 'Ebenezer.' "It's fun, it's not work for me."

The community is bound to be entertained by "Christmas Comes to Life."

"It's a great message," he said. "There's a line Justin says 'I thought Christmas was just about getting presents.' There's a lot more to the story of the birth of Jesus."

Jon Nelson of Johnston plays Joseph in the production.

"I'd describe it as a fun, light-hearted story for all families," he said. "It's a story to get a lot of families involved."

Indeed, there are people of all ages working to put the production on.

"We have various different choirs that are featured throughout performances so everyone from preschoolers to older adults," Brown said. "We're excited for it."

"Christmas Comes to Life" debuts at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at The Bridge, 10025 N.W. 62nd Ave.

Tickets can be purchased online for $5.

Complementary hot chocolate, coffee and water will be available for guests.

Candies can also be purchased from Beaverdale Confectionary during the performance.