Child star grows up, directs Christmas play

DIRECTOR IN THE MAKING-Actress Greer Garson and young Chris Severn starred in the Academy Award-winning "Mrs. Miniver" movie. It was directed by William Wyler, the man who directed "Ben-Hur." Severn of Thousand Oaks is now directing his own production of "Savior of the World" at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1600 Erbes Road. It will be performed at 5 and 7:30 p.m. next weekend, Sat. and Sun., Dec. 9 and 10. When Chris Severn was a young boy, he had the opportunity to work with three-time Academy Award-winning director William Wyler.

"He once whispered in my ear, 'Someday you're going to direct, too,'" recalled Severn, who played Toby Miniver in "Mrs. Miniver," one of the films for which Wyler won the best director Oscar.

Now Severn is getting his chance. He's directing a local Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints' Christmas production of "Savior of the World," to be presented at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sat. and Sun., Dec. 9 and 10.

The musical drama, which faithfully portrays the Christmas story using the New Testament's Book of Luke, has never before been presented outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. There, in a huge conference center, it's been performed for the last six years before sellout crowds. The music is all original.

"In Salt Lake they have 22 performances and sell out each year in less than three hours," said Severn.

In Thousand Oaks, the performances are free and open to the public, available on a first-come basis without assigned seating at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stake center, 1600 Erbes Road. The Saturday performances are likely to be less crowded, Severn predicted. The doors will open 20 minutes prior to performances.

"The matinees are recommended for families with young children," the director said.

On stage performing will be a nonprofessional cast with professional-quality performances, he said.

"I've been involved in theater for a long time and everyone will be amazed-they are really very good," said Severn.

Among the 60 performers making up a dual cast for the four performances will be Chad Wright of Moorpark and Michael Babbit of Thousand Oaks taking turns playing Joseph. Thousand Oaks resident Kira Sanoja and Moorpark resident Jenedy Eggleston will be Mary. Playing Zacharias will be Paul Snyder and Ted Thain, both of Thousand Oaks. Danielle Smith of Moorpark and Margaret Penfield of Thousand Oaks will be Elizabeth.

More than 100 volunteers have been working behind the scenes to make the stage presentation look professional, Severn said.

"Savior of the World" will have a prelude musical presentation that will include the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church of Thousand Oaks bell choir, a youth choral group featuring area children ages 12 to 18 and a performance by soloist Marie Pearson Tarbet.