By Linda Elissalde
Delightful and talented Lani Fuller is well known on Bolivar Peninsula. Her resume includes liturgical dancing, yoga instructor, chair yoga leader and performances in Jane Long Festival Productions. Advertisements about a Christmas Shadow Play to be presented at the Community Church on December 13 and 14 appeared on Facebook and in local post offices. What was a shadow play?
One GOOGLE definition stated, “a drama exhibited by throwing shadows of puppets or actors on a screen”. It originated in China over 2,000 years ago”. Lani personally invited us to the production. My husband Marcel and I with friend Raquel Silverberg decided to see the show.
How did Community Church Christmas show originate? Lani explained that Pastor Kaye Sims thought about it a year ago. Pastor Kaye asked her if she would direct a Shadow Play for Christmas. Mrs. Fuller had never seen a such a play. She studied everything she could find, or view, on the subject. It became a year long process. Rehearsing began in October, 2025. Volunteers did not really know what was happening, but they stayed the course. Mitzi Duncan took charge of logistics, screen and light. There were to be eight scenes covering the life of Jesus Christ. Folk practiced scenes one through four on a Sunday, and the next Sunday rehearsed scenes five through eight.
Lani stated, “As we got closer, we went with all scenes at one time. Everyone involved were volunteers. I am grateful that God blessed our hard work and anointed it. It would not have been what it was without that. HE made it special.”
So, how was the show? This event has to be one of the most wonderful experiences in a life filled with watching many, many award wining movies, TV productions and live presentations. The expertise of the actors, the artistry of the shadow images, the telling of the Christmas story and life of Jesus with musical interludes created a masterpiece. The finale came with lighted candles and everyone singing, “Silent Night”. The cast walked down the center aisle to receive a well earned standing ovation. It took a long time, with a lot of dedicated people, for creation of such an inspiring event.
Marcel, Raquel and I kept talking about this amazing evening. We heard rumors that it might become a tradition. We certainly hope they are true. What a gift for Bolivar Peninsula Community Church’s CHRISTMAS SHADOW SHOW to become a tradition.
Thank You Pastor Kaye Sims Lani Fuller.
Cast Members
Addie and Everleigh Moore, Charlie and Callie Randall, Tammy Miller, Kim Austin, Herb and Grace Bass, Billy Brown, Amber Campbell, Gail and Guy Gatewood, Chris Harris, Ariel Johnson, Jana Leonard, Adam O’Neil, Travis Riley, Marie Schulz, Aiden R, Art Fuller.
Music and Narration
Brad and Renne Orr, Lighting – Brent Finch, Costumes – Wanda Jenkins-Smith, Assistant Director and Prop Person – Mitzi Duncan
“Silent Night” Musicians
Kay and Joe Reho
