She's the third angel from the left, a fact she'll eagerly share.

In fact, Gina Knighton would be excited to tell you anything about "Savior of the World." The show gives people something to talk about.

"Savior of the World," a musical dramatizing the events surrounding Christ's birth and resurrection, opens its eighth season Friday in the LDS Conference Center Theater in Salt Lake. Performances continue through Dec. 29, and tickets are available to buy online or through the Conference Center Ticket Office.

Based on scriptural accounts of the Jesus Christ's life, "Savior of the World" is a production that is not only meant to entertain but also to inspire.

The show combines scriptural accounts with dramatization to illustrate the stories leading up to Christ's birth and following his resurrection.

The musical is no Broadway show, but the talent has a sincerity supporting it and the subject matter is such to make the experience memorable.

It's a unique opportunity for some participants to be involved in such a spiritually minded show. John Preator, a BYU music dance theater graduate, plays the role of Joseph.

"I don't think I've ever done a religious-based production before," Preator said. "To be part of a show that focuses on the life of the Savior has been a special experience."

Preator said he especially enjoyed that the participants and the audience get something from the performance.

"What's neat about the production is people can come and have their own personal experience," he said.

Gina Knighton has been part of the show since its first season and said she feels like this is her chance to do missionary work at this point in her life.

"It is an important place to bear my testimony of the Savior," she said.

Knighton's family has even joined in; she and her four children were in the chorus together this year. She said it's a great faith building experience for her family.

"They're learning about the Savior on a daily basis and having personal experiences with the spirit," she said.

Knighton said it's up to people to come prepared if they want to get the full experience.

"Come with an open heart and you'll feel the spirit," she said.



Copyright Brigham Young University 16 Nov 2007