RUMFORD — The Rumford Association for the Advancement of the Performing Arts will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a special presentation of its annual Musical Christmas Card performance Dec. 1 and 2.

Gail Dorr will once again take on the dual positions of musical director and accompanist for RAAPA.

The show will be presented in three acts, opening with a “Toyland” scene, sure to kindle the imagination of young and old. Elves and wooden soldiers will delight the audience as the chorus sings some children favorites such as “Toyland,” “The Chipmunk Song” and “Jose, the Temporary Donkey,” while “Dancing with St. Nick” will mark the arrival of Santa to the stage.

Young dancers from the Relatively Dance Studio will also be there, grooving to the song “Elves Workout.”

Act 2 will feature a children’s nativity with a mixture of tradition and celestial charm. The story of the birth of Jesus will be told by six adorable angels and depicted in still scenes in storybook style.

Young angelic voices will unite with the RAAPA chorus to celebrate the majesty of the season. Familiar nativity music, such as “Angelic Christmas Fanfare,” ”Carol of the Bells” and “The First Noel,” will be sung in concert with those scenes.

A special arrangement of “There’s A New Kid in Town” will be performed in a duet by chorus members Jeanine Murray and Lacey Todd. The nativity finale will feature Thea Dunn’s Prop Box Singers with their lively rendition of “Joyful Joyful.”

Act 3 will feature a gala Christmas party scene focused on celebrating RAAPA’s 50th anniversary with a mix of favorite songs from past Christmas shows including, “Let it Snow!” “The Christmas Waltz” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.”

Those who attend the 2matinee on Sunday will be treated to the return of Judy Kuhn, the groups longest term musical director, who will guest-direct RAAPA’s signature song, “Christmas in a Small Town.”

To add to this special moment, all past RAAPA members in the audience will be asked to come onstage to join Kuhn and the chorus in singing this most beloved song. The Prop Box Singers will return for the show’s finale to send the audience off with the spirit of the season in their hearts.

RAAPA’s 50th anniversary Musical Christmas Card will be performed at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, in Muskie Auditorium at Mountain Valley High School. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for children 12 and younger; they can be purchased from any RAAPA chorus member or at the door. The box office will open one hour before each performance.

The RAAPA chorus will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a concert on Dec. 1 and 2 in Rumford.

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