In the musical "Esther," Mary Phillips, daughter of composer Jeannie Allen of Valencia, plays the title role. Other area actors fill out the cast of the musical, which is coming to Butler County Community College's Succop Theater on June 29 and 30.

After filling the pews at Mars Alliance Church for several shows earlier this year, Jeannie Allen's original production "Esther, the Musical" will now conquer a new horizon.

Allen is teaming with Butler County Community College to present the show at 8 p.m. June 29 and 30 in the college's Succop Theater.

Larry Stock of BC3 will co-direct the show. Sandra Wahl, a theater professional, designed the costumes and scenery.

The setting is the Persian Empire in 483 B.C. Queen Esther, a heroine of the Bible, saves her Jewish people from an impending holocaust. The story features a variety of music from operatic to jazz, Jamaican to Hebrew, and three ballads.

The cast is mostly the same, with the notable exception of King Xerxes, who will now be played by Michael Roos.

Returning as cast members are Mary Phillips, Allen's daughter, as Esther; Sam Bartley as Mordecai; and Jay Toogood as Haman.

Allen has written more than 100 songs and recorded four albums. She has performed at conventions, clubs and hotels.

She has served as pianist for Christ Church at Grove Farm, North Park Presbyterian, Channel 40 TV, and numerous conferences. She currently serves at Mars Alliance and Glade Run Presbyterian churches and directs the Choristers of St Barnabas Village in Richland. She is a teacher and an ordained minister. Allen majored in concert piano at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Tickets are $10; students pay $5. Tickets are available by calling 724-284-8505 or online at www.BC3.edu.

<B>WHAT:</B> "Esther, the Musical"<B>WHEN:</B> 8 p.m. June 29 and 30<B>WHERE:</B> Succop Theater at Butler County Community College<B>ADMISSION:</B> $10; students pay $5. For reservations, call 724-284-8505 or visit the Web site, www.bc3.edu.