Jingle all the way to downtown Melbourne for Christmas variety shows at MCT, Henegar
If you're looking to kindle your holiday spirit, downtown Melbourne is the place to be.
A pair of Christmas variety shows are set to open at Melbourne Civic Theatre and The Henegar Center, where local actors, singers and dancers have been hard at work crafting heartwarming spectacles full of festive fun.
At Melbourne Civic Theatre, "A Holly Jolly Holiday" opens Friday, Dec. 8 for a run through Dec. 24. A few blocks west, The Henegar Center will offer the holiday spectacular "Glad Tidings" for one weekend only, Dec. 14 through 17.
Get ready to laugh, sing, and dance your way into the most wonderful time of the year.
'A Holly Jolly Holiday' at MCT
Melbourne Civic Theatre's annual holiday fundraiser is always an audience favorite.
"This show is a revue with lots of singing, dancing, and laughter," said artistic director Peg Girard.
"We didn’t produce a version last season, so its fans are happy to see it return. It’s a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!"
This year's show, "A Holly Jolly Holiday," will feature the talents of host Holly McFarland Karnes, along with a cast of 18 performers from around Brevard.
"Holly McFarland Karnes is what’s known as a triple-threat: She sings, acts and dances," said Girard. "She is very at ease and personable on stage – and always so funny!"
But if you think you've seen this show before, think again.
"This time we especially wanted to highlight holiday songs and skits people do not normally see." said Girard. "For instance, we’ve drawn songs from some of the holiday television specials we and our audiences remember from childhood."
"Our goal was to harken back to the TV variety shows we grew up with, showcasing Holly as the host and lead performer."
The show even includes audience participation. Some lucky viewer will get to spin a wheel of holiday songs no one wants to hear again. "Whatever song it stops on gets sung by someone in the company – but don’t worry, only a couple of bars of it," said Girard.
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'Glad Tidings' at The Henegar Center
"The Henegar Holiday Spectacular: Glad Tidings" promises to be a heartwarming blend of music and dance, curated to envelop the audience in the spirit of the season.
"This will be our second year, after much success and such positive guest feedback," said executive artistic director Dominic Del Brocco.
"This is a family-friendly holiday show featuring some of the best singers, dancers, musicians and specialty acts in the local area."
Think of the musical review as similar to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, "...minus the dancing Rockettes," said Del Brocco.
Hosted by six singers, the show will feature a collection of recognizable songs you know and love. The cast includes dancers, musicians, specialty performers and actors, all of whom were selected after their performances in The Henegar's past season.
"The show will start as Christmas in the City into a winter wonderland, followed by a visit to Santa's workshop and finally a moving finale in the stars acknowledging the heart and meaning of the holiday," said Del Brocco. "Mixing the secular and sacred with a lot of holiday light and spectacle."
But don't wait to reserve your tickets, because they are already selling quickly.
"It is only a one extended weekend special event," said Del Brocco.
Holiday variety shows at local theaters are often more than just shows. They are shared experiences that celebrate community, talent, and the joy that the holiday season brings. It's a reminder that sometimes the most magical moments can be found right in our own backyard.
If you go
'A Holly Jolly Holiday'
Where: Melbourne Civic Theatre, 817 E. Strawbridge Ave., Melbourne
When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 24
Tickets: $40
Info: 321-723-6935
On the web: mymct.org
'Henegar Holiday Spectacular: Glad Tidings'
Where: The Henegar Center, 625 E. New Haven Ave., Melbourne
When: Thursday, Dec. 14 at 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2 and 7 p.m.
Tickets: $35
Info: 321-723-8698
On the web: henegarcenter.com
Looking for more? Be sure to check floridatoday.com and the TGIF section in print on Fridays for ongoing coverage of Christmas and holiday events.
Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TGIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Kindle your holiday spirit with shows at downtown Melbourne theaters
