On September 4th, Delta Christian Drama Association began rehearsals for a 2006 Christmas show. “The Other Wise Man” will be presented Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 8-10, and may be seen at Delta Junction Assembly of God church across from IGA and beside Interior Building Supply. As always, admission is free, childcare will be provided, and everyone is welcome.
A growing number of Delta Junction residents are becoming fans of the stage plays produced by DCDA. During “Perhaps for a Good Man” you gasped in amazement as Josh Etters dove to take the bullet intended for his enemy, “Barstool” Rabus. You wept with joy when little Tammy found her angel in “From Realms of Glory”. At Easter of 2006, during “What Man is This?” you held your breath while Longinus and Demetrius, wearing authentic Roman armor, patrolled the garden tomb of Jeshua. You roared with laughter at the antics of the citizens of Jericho when DCDA brought “Good Neighbor Day” to Deltana Fair this summer.
Now DCDA playwrights, George and Gaylene Hosier have adapted the classic Christmas tale by Henry van Dyke for dramatic presentation on stage. The story follows the life of Artaban, a Parthian nobleman and seeker of truth. Unsatisfied with the answers found in his own Zoroastrian religion, Artaban, with his three companions, Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, has been studying the sacred texts of Persia. However, it is not until they read the ancient prophecies of Judea that the truth of the newborn king is revealed. Artaban sells his possessions to buy three priceless jewels that he intends to offer to the Christ-child. You will journey with Artaban as he overcomes seemingly insurmountable obstacles in his determination to find and worship the promised King.
The Hosiers have attempted to pay scrupulous tribute to Henry van Dyke’s brilliant literary imagery in this adaptation. Although some dramatic license has been necessary to transform the short story into a stage play, the author’s original wording, theme and plot line has been preserved as closely as possible. DCDA hopes that the audience will be able to appreciate van Dyke’s stirring message—a message which transcends time and place and speaks to our lives today.
Because “The Other Wise Man” includes a scene re-enacting Herod’s Slaughter of the Innocents, parents are advised to exercise discretion. The scene will include disturbing thematic elements, peril and non-gratuitous violence. DCDA suggests that parents allow the on-site child care people to watch your small children for this particular scene.
In keeping with DCDA’s vision, the Association is completely supported by donations from the community. Although the board has been approached several times by individuals suggesting that DCDA should charge admission, it has no plans to do so. However, all donations will be gratefully accepted and will go entirely toward expenses generated by this and future productions.
One of the most critical financial needs the Association faces right now, comes in response to feedback from attendees of previous shows, stating that they had trouble hearing everything. As soon as sufficient donations have come in, DCDA plans on purchasing a quality sound system to be used in future productions. The estimated cost would start at about $3000.00. If enough donations arrive before December, DCDA will use the new equipment for “The Other Wise Man”. If not, they anticipate having new sound equipment within the year.
Donations of time, talent, money, or resources or other inquiries may be directed to:
Delta Christian Drama Association
PO Box 1003
Delta Junction, AK 99737
Ph: 895-5289
Fx: 895-5289
e-mail: DCDA-owner@yahoogroups.com
A of pair of swans are seen together on Lost lake. These birds mate for life and Delta residents are treated to frequent sightings on area ponds and lakes. Copyright by Rachael Woodcox. 
