The character Esther, played by Mary Phillips of Baden, convinces her husband, King Xerxes, not to persecute the Jewish people in "Esther, the Musical" being staged at 7:30 p.m. March 5 and 6 at the Succop Theater at Butler County Community College.

A return engagement of "Esther, The Musical" is planned for March 5 and 6 at the Succop Theater at Butler Community College. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m.

"Esther" tells the story of an Old Testament heroine being in the right place at the right time. Esther saved her people, the Jews, from destruction in Persia around 483 B.C.

The show by Jeannie Allen of Valencia was first staged in March 2007. Allen spent the better part of two years and several thousand dollars from her own pocket to bring "Esther" to fruition.

A professional pianist, singer and composer, Allen has written more than 100 songs. She's traveled extensively and played at clubs and hotels.

She composed the 18 songs in the show, which range in style from opera to pop to jazz.

Lead roles are played by Mary Phillips of Baden, and Dave Sloboda, Sam Bartley and Jay Toogood, all of Butler.

The cast also includes Davlin Smith and Brian Louttit, both of Butler; Carol Jamison of Evans City; Kat Rickenback of North Hills; Jim McKee of Hampton Township; Jerry Gogolin and Joe McKeon, both of Gibsonia; and Bob and Linda Norris, Jon George and Ron Miller, all of Valencia.

Larry Stock is co-directing with Allen. Choreography is by Alison Carey.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $18 at the door. Students pay $10, and children younger than 7 are admitted free.

For reservations, call 888-2829, Ext. 8429 or 724-284-8505.

Tickets can also be ordered online at www.bc3.edu/theater.