The Adams State Theatre holiday variety show opens December 3
It is Christmastime and the Adams State University Theatre is excited to welcome audiences back for the in-person live holiday performance. Christmastime! Christmastime! The holiday variety show opens December 3. Tickets are now on sale.
Directed by George McConnell, Ph.D., assistant professor of theatre, Christmastime! Christmastime! includes dancing, singing, and comedy skits, to entertain audiences of all ages. “My mom loves Christmas and this production is my holiday card to her.”
Fast-paced and fun the performance is hosted by Kathy Duran, who will receive her bachelor’s degree in theatre at the December Commencement Ceremony. “This production is a great way to set a joyous holiday mood,” McConnell added. Audiences are invited to sing-a-long during the Christmas classics.
Christmastime! Christmastime! was devised by the ensemble. McConnell held auditions and then a talent show to cast the 17 member ensemble. “The ensemble was directly involved in creating the final performance.”
The variety show reflects the theme of holiday traditions began by Bob Hope and Bing Crosby and continue through today. Christmastime! Christmastime! is a world-premiere as it features original work as well as classic standards including instrumental performances of Silent Night and Winter Wonderland.
Skits include two parodies of the popular Christmas movies “Elf” and “Die Hard.” And a humorous take on the Hallmark movie channel. Using 100 hours of Hallmark movies, a computer generated a new holiday story that is maybe comically “too much Christmas.”
The set is reminiscent of sweet cotton candy or bubble gum in the cold nest of winter. Setting the stage for holiday magic, the auditorium is bedecked with lights. Several interactive environments in the grand lobby invite audience members to photograph their friends and family and capture the all-important selfie.
Specific variety acts include crooning the standard “You Make Me Feel So Young,” a brief presentation on the history of mistletoe, and the recitation of an original poem. “With a big cast, nobody does a lot but every little bit contributes to the whole in a big way,” McConnell added.
The run of Christmastime! Christmastime! is one hour and 20 minutes with no intermission. The show opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3 and continues December 10 and December 11. A matinee is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12. The Adams State Theatre Box Office is open from 2:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and tickets can be reserved by calling 719-587-8499. Masks are required for all audience members.
