Corpus Christi students bring the miracle of Christmas to life
December 21, 2023 at 12:24 a.m.
Now understanding the miracle of Jesus’s birth and rectifying his mistake of turning the pregnant family away, the innkeeper Benjamin (left, played by Matthew Valdovinos) invites Joseph and Mary (played by José Abreu and Ana Crespo) inside. The Corpus Christi-Holy Rosary School students are rehearsing for their Christmas show, “Miracle on Bethlehem Street,” on Tuesday, Dec. 19, preparing for their performance the following day. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)
Rachel the innkeeper’s wife (played by Angel Espada) crouches and sings to the inn’s servant (played by Juliette Ianni) of her concern about Joseph and Mary (played by José Abreu and Ana Crespo) who were turned away from the hotel. Other students making up the ensemble sit at the foot of the stage. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)
With first-graders playing the angels and kindergarteners portraying sheep, ensemble students hop on stage to sing “We Three Kings” during the royal arrival. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)
King Melchior (left), King Kaspar and King Balthazar (played by Joshua Romero, John Turner and Jaiden Maxime) explain that they’re not visiting to stay at the inn, but because they’re following the star leading them to a newborn king. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)
In the opening number “Bethlehem is Busy,” ensemble member Mila Torres, a third-grader, flashes a bright smile to the audience while she dances. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)
Benjamin the innkeeper (played by Matthew Valdovinos) expresses his money-infused motivation going into the hotel’s winter season while his wife Rachel (played by Angel Espada) looks on, worried about his priorities. (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)
Attempting to rebrand the inn to make it more attractive to travelers, hotel staffers played by Alanah Campos (left), Luciana De Avila and Gianna Marriott present humorous new name ideas—“Best Middle Eastern,” “Caesar’s Palace,” and “Motel VI.” (Sarah Wolpoff/Westmore News)