Sing Hosanna! takes a gamble on an obscure musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and it pays off big.

“Whistle Down the Wind” is set in the 1950s in a Bible belt town in Louisiana with snake-handling professors of faith, a band of innocent believers and a criminal on the loose.

The quasi-religious offering never made it as big as Webber's other productions (“Cats,” “Phantom of the Opera”) but has been resurrected in regional shows mostly because of its compelling music.

A dynamic orchestra under the direction of Ralph Christy Jr. interprets Webber's score with passion and verve. Fans of Webber will hear vestiges of Webber's classics and see touches of his masterpieces throughout this show.

Composed of ballads, hymns and rock with harmonies that are eerily familiar, Webber used the forum to juxtapose the innocence of the children with the cruelty of adults.

The opening number done in choral style “Keys to the Vaults of Heaven” was one of the best in the score.

We are introduced to three grieving kids who have recently lost their mother and are merely existing with their father in the family trailer.

Brat, Swallow and Poor Baby, played in this show by Leah Harris, Nathaniel Archer and Samantha Barr, share their struggle with their prayers as they internally blame Jesus for the loss of their mom.

They harmonize their way through “I Never Get What I Pray For” and “Should Have Been Home.”

Their protective father, played by Nathan Rockcastle, is grieving as well but tries to keep the family together by sharing a song his wife had sung for the family. “If Your Mother Was Here” and “Whistle Down the Wind” were odes to what once was.

A mysterious man appears in their barn, simultaneously as an escaped prisoner heads into town. The innocent kids believe the man to be Jesus and hide him. Dennis Smalley expertly handles the vocals the Jesus/criminal role demands. “Soliloquy” and his duet with Swallow, “If Only,” were highlights of the first act.

Maxwell McAuley and Megan Rockcastle as Amos and Candy were delightful in “Tire Tracks” about escaping the stifling town.

A powerful ensemble number ended Act I with “No Matter What” featuring bold vocals and interesting choreography which highlight the intense score.

Act II opened strongly with a series of hard-hitting numbers and a love ballad by Swallow and Amos, “A Kiss is a Terrible Thing to Waste.”

The action culminates with The Man's take on “The Nature of the Beast” where he attempts to explain the reality of the situation.

The conclusion features the entire ensemble number in a reprisal of the title song “Whistle Down the Wind.”

The huge cast working together with a stellar orchestra brought Webber's work to life. This unique and sometimes disjointed musical was delightful from first note to last.

WHO: Sing Hosanna!WHAT: “Whistle Down the Wind” by Andrew Lloyd WebberWHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. SundayWHERE: Succop Theater at Butler County Community CollegeTICKETS: $15 and not reserved, available at May’s Music Shoppe or at the doorINFO: 724-287-8362