CHOICE, unlimited is celebrating 30 years of empowering people with disabilities and building a more inclusive community.

One way is through the arts. The BOLD-choice Theatre Company has a cast of about 30 people. They are preparing for their first ever musical.

It’s called Sundown on the Jasper County Jewel. And you can see it at the Norshor Theatre on January 6th.

“This is our 9th production. BOLD-choice has been around for 17 years,” Annie Roseen shared. She’s the Director of the BOLD-choice Theatre Company. “This time we’ve created a whole new show, and everyone wanted to do a musical.”

“I just like going on stage and doing what we do best,” Rob Reedy told us. He plays Marshall Montgomery in the musical.

“I play Trent Hawkins, he’s kind of a wild guy,” explained Pete Barnett.

CHOICE also helps out with other things, like activities and employment.

Jackie Willis helped design the art for the musical’s flyer. “I love CHOICE, and crafts, and the staff,” she said.

Another person who feels supported by CHOICE is Kevin Ressie, who clocks in at Mexico Lindo three days a week. “My job here is to get the restaurant ready for customers to come in. When I leave work, I feel like I accomplished something,” he said.

And down in Canal Park, Kelsey Cady enjoys keeping the Hampton Inn sparkling clean. “I like cleaning, and I like cleaning bathrooms,” she said.

Her co-workers love having her around. “She’s so positive, and never negative. There’s always a smile on her face,” said Aldrea Siler, Executive Housekeeping Supervisor at the Inn.

CHOICE’s Executive Director Kristie Buchman said they started with four people, and now they help almost 170 a year. And she told us they were the first 100% community based program for people with disabilities in the state.

For more info: https://www.choiceunlimited.org/

For tickets to Sundown on the Jasper County Jewel: https://www.facebook.com/events/890031656164046