Sing Hosanna! is preparing to present “Whistle Down the Wind” by Andrew Lloyd Webber, though not one of his better known musicals.

Director Ralph Christy Jr. said he is excited about bringing this musical to the stage.

“Four of the songs were performed at Andrew Lloyd Webber's 50th Birthday Celebration maybe five to eight years ago in London,” said Christy.

“I fell in love with the show and the music and it has been in my library for over two years,” he said, noting that the right mix of talent was available at this time for it.

“At this point, the cast is loving the show and the music,” he said.

Webber composed the music for “Whistle Down the Wind” and also co-wrote its book with Patricia Knop and Gale Edwards. Lyrics were written by Jim Steinman.

Based on the book of the same title by Mary Hayley Bell, and later produced as a movie in the hands of Richard Attenborough, “Whistle Down the Wind” is set in the 1950s in a religious town in the south.

It is the story of a poor family who just buried their mom and are facing their first Christmas without her.

The children find a mysterious man in their barn and believe he could be Jesus. The town is on the lookout for an escaped convict and descend upon the family.

Samantha Barr 16, of Center Township, a junior at Butler Senior High School, plays the role of Swallow.

“She is a young girl who is going through a rough time in her life and looks to her siblings for support,” said Samantha, who is delighted with being cast in a lead role.

“I enjoy all the vocal challenges that come with this role,” she said.

“The show is not well known, but it's a thrilling and beautiful musical that will leave the audience with questions,” Samantha said.

Her last role was as Jasmine in “Aladdin Jr.,” the Sing Hosanna! summer production.

Dennis Smalley of Richland Township is a math teacher by day but is taking on the role of escaped convict by night as he portrays, “The Man” in “Whistle Down the Wind.”

Smalley said, “I enjoy this part because it has really allowed me to stretch my vocal range. As a baritone, it has been quite a challenge but very rewarding.”

And it is just that vocal range that will make or break this role. “There are many soft and tender musical moments that must be treated very delicately vocally. But, there are also dramatic portions which test a singer's ability and stamina,” Smalley said.

The role of Candy will be portrayed by Megan Rockcastle, 17, of Butler Township. The Butler High school junior is no stranger to the Sing Hosanna! stage.

Megan describes her character as a teenager who is bored of everyday life.

“She yearns for excitement that the town doesn't give her. When she wants something, it's her way or the highway,” said Megan of the not so sweet teen.

While the role is fun because she gets to be sassy and loud, she said, it does have its challenges.

“There's a scene when I have to get really mean with Swallow. I'm not usually a mean person, so that was a challenge,” she said, noting that she and the other actor are actually good friends.

Megan shares the stage not only with friends but also family. Her dad, Nathan, plays Swallow's father, Boone, in this show. Her brother, Camden, plays Earl, the snake handler, and her brother, Peyton, is in the youth ensemble as a boy in the town.

All the actors freely noted this was a unique show.

“This show is unlike anything Butler has seen before,” Megan said. “It's a different look into Andrew Lloyd Webber's haunting style.”

WHO: Sing Hosanna!WHAT: “Whistle Down the Wind” by Andrew Lloyd WebberWHEN: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10 and 11 and 2 p.m. Nov. 12WHERE: Succop Theater at Butler County Community CollegeTICKETS: $15 and not reserved, available at May's Music Shoppe, or at the showINFO: 724-287-8362