Woods Church Invites Community To Two Upcoming Concerts

Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church has been a staple of the Severna Park community for decades, but over the last nine years, an inclusive music program has become a core part of their outreach. Late this spring, they will host two musical celebrations. “A Night on Broadway” is slated for May 23. On June 6, “A Tapestry of Music” will be a celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary, featuring great American composers including John Williams and Leonard Bernstein, along with a retrospective look at some of the greats who inspired them, like Bach and Beethoven.

With accompaniment by pianist Jung-hoon Park, “A Night on Broadway” will feature popular musical theater numbers sung by local talent Sarah Kent (soprano), Jenna Augustine (soprano), Dillon McCarrick (tenor), Lucas White (tenor) and David Merrill (tenor). The performance will include a guest appearance by the Elysian Dance Theater.

“A Tapestry of Music” will include a full orchestra, Woods’ adult choir, the Elysian Dance Theater, vocal and instrumental solos, and a special piano solo by Park.

Merrill, Woods’ director of music and the arts, began a run of musicals at the church with “Godspell” in 2017. Since then, Woods has put on shows ranging from “Jesus Christ Superstar” to “The Prince of Egypt.” Even during COVID, the troupe filmed “Amahl and the Night Visitors” outside behind the church so members could watch the musical online.

Merrill has classical opera training and spoke enthusiastically about the group effort involved in performances. “To do a musical here at the church, it takes eight months of time. … The majority are so supportive (of us). It’s a wonderful outreach to learn about your faith.”

It’s also a family affair. His wife, Elysia Merrill, who has previously performed at the Kennedy Center, runs the Elysian dance group.

Merrill was also effusive about Park, Woods’ pianist, sharing, “He’s incredible on the piano.”

Park turned that attention back to God. “All the music I make is meant to glorify God, not as a display of performance, but as an act of prayer,” he said.

Park is hopeful that as Woods’ musical ministry grows, the church will be able to acquire a new sanctuary piano for future concerts, which may include works by Rachmaninoff and Gershwin.

The upcoming performances will help support Woods’ musical ministry. “It’s expensive to do a show … the ticket sales really go back to the budget,” Merrill said. Licensing the music can add up, as can creating props and costumes, so every time someone buys a ticket, it helps keep this large ministry going.

As Merrill noted, “We try to find a place for everyone, so it becomes a huge endeavor.”

Currently, there’s no word about the 2027 musical selection, but Woods’ performances will continue to be focused on faith. What is certain is that both “A Night on Broadway,” with numbers from as diverse a repertoire as “Carousel” and “Wicked,” and “A Tapestry of Music,” with its patriotic focus, will be great. As a bonus, these performances will ensure that Woods’ musical ministry can entertain the Severna Park community for years to come.

Tickets for “A Night on Broadway” are $30 and include an Italian dinner. Entry to “A Tapestry of Music” is free, though guests must RSVP at www.woodstix.org.

Those interested in getting involved in the musical ministry can email Merrill at dmerrill@woodschurch.org.