The story of the birth of Christ was retold through song, humor and scripture at the Mount Airy Public Library last night.

The Dewey Decimal Players, the library’s teen theater group, performed “Follow the Star,” written by Brack Llewellyn and directed by Angela Llewellyn.

The event was free to the public, and snacks were provided. Prior to the play, the Millennium Charter Academy Chorus sang Christmas carols.

Around 50 people turned out to see the 12 teens who, with the help of Angela, acted out the story of Christ’s birth. The play’s script opened with the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary and ended with shepherds and wise men coming to see the newly-born Jesus.

The 30-minute play incorporated Christmas carols throughout. The play also included some modern-day references and “scripted laughs.”

Angela said, “I think kids liked it because it wasn’t so quiet. You were meant to laugh.”

Peyton Marion, who played the angel Gabriel, said, “This was telling it in a way that was enticing to kids but still fun for adults.”

Angela described her husband’s play as “reverent, but very approachable.” She said Brack wrote the play several years ago, and it has been performed by different groups a few times through the years.

“The script was great,” said Peyton.

Emily Lowe, who played the part of Mary, said, “It was a lot of fun to do.”

The Dewey Decimal Players only had two weeks to learn and rehearse the play. The director said it was hard to get the teens focused around the holidays, but she was pleased with their performance.

Angela said, “They came through today for me with flying colors. They did really well.”

The performers said they practiced Monday through Friday for the past week.

“I loved it,” said Caitlin Bell, who performed three roles in the play. “It was intense.”

Caitlin got to play Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin; an angel; and a wise man. She enjoyed playing the many different parts.

With acting, she said, “You get to do something new ... you can go outside the cube.”

Emily agreed, “You get to be someone else. It’s like watching a movie or book, but you get to be in it.”

Many of the teen actors had prior acting experience before joining the Dewey Decimal Players. Several of them perform in plays at the Andy Griffith Playhouse. But not all of them have singing experience. Still, they all were able to chime in on the Christmas carols that were a part of “Follow the Star.”

Annette Lowe, Emily’s mother, said, “I liked that they sang ... It was very different, very entertaining.”

Emily’s father, Steve, said, “I had no idea what to expect, but it was fun ... It’s one of my favorite tellings of the (Christmas) story now.”

Angela is in charge of the young adult section at the library, and she formed the Dewey Decimal Players during the summer. The group of teenagers performed shows for the summer reading program at the library.

The next Christmas event at the Mount Airy Public Library will be Christmas storytime at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The event will include milk and cookies with Santa.

Contact Meghann Evans at mevans@mtairynews.com or 719-1952.