Musical of faith

MusicalFare Theatre is presenting "Victory: The Father Baker Story through April 6. Pictured are Norman Sham, Marc Sacco and Ellen Horst. Photo by Chris Cavanagh

MusicalFare Theatre is presenting the story of a saintly man in "Victory: The Father Baker Story," March 5-April 6.

The original musical, with book and lyrics by Heather Violanti and music and lyrics by Randall Kramer, juxtaposes the life story of Father Nelson Baker against the current effort to secure his ordination as an official saint of the Catholic Churc h.

Key scenes from Father Baker's life unfold as three modern-day people, a Nun, a Priest, and a Scientist, all debate the nature of his life and work.

Meanwhile, the audience gains new insight into Father Baker's own life story. Through flashbacks, we learn about Father Baker's Lutheran upbringing, his Catholic baptism at age 10, the religious conflict within his own family, his success as a businessman before entering the seminary at the then late age of 27, his doubts and ultimately, his faith.

Through dialogue and original songs, audiences will get a glimpse into the truth behind the legendary life of a Western New York icon.

The production features Louis Colaiacovo, Ellen Horst, Marc Sacco and Norman Sham under the direction of Randall Kramer. The musical is chore- ographed by Kathy Weese and musical direction is by Jason Bravo. "Victory: The Father Baker Story" is part of The Jack Cullen New Musicals Series at MusicalFare Theatre.

Performances are at 7 p.m.Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, from March 5-April 6 at MusicalFare Theatre at Daemen College, 4380 Main St., Amherst.

Tickets are $30 for Wednesday, Thursday, 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday performances, and $34 for Friday and Saturday evening performances, and are available by calling 839-8540 or online at www.mu sicalfare.com.