Annual Production Spreads the Christmas Cheer
PDF Anthony Lyen, Tempo Editor
Image courtesy of sxc.hu.
Let’s face it: finals week can be intimidating, nauseating and downright scary. With all of that pressure and Christmas right around the corner, a little fun is always important. So if you and your friends are looking for a little holiday-themed pick-me-up, the Philip Lynch Theatre may have the answer for you.
The PLT and Heritage Theatre Company (HTC) will be putting on “The 8th Annual Holiday Spectacular” Dec. 6-8 at 7:30 p.m. Because of the show’s popularity and success, however, a 4 p.m. matinee has been added on Dec. 8.
The 90-minute holiday-themed show has something for everyone, from songs to skits. The show, directed by Keith White and Jo Slowik, has been a hit among students, faculty and alumni over the past several years, and with plenty of laughs and music, it’s easy to see why.
“Every skit is based around some aspect of Christmas, involving themes both traditional and new,” said junior biology major Erika Young. “We take current fads as well and give them a ‘jolly’ spin.”
The show has an ensemble cast, and it is always open for students to get involved in. Over the past few years, junior Adam Smetana has seen some significant growth.
“Every year, we have more and more people getting involved in the Christmas show,” said Smetana, a computer science major who is also in the show. “This boosts the energy on stage when there’s 30 people singing and dancing.”
Some of the music the audience can expect are holiday spins of Lady Gaga, the Blues Brothers and even “Gangnam Style.”
The cast is particularly excited to see the return of a popular skit, the “Charlie Brown Christmas” sketch.
Senior Greg Rossbach, who plays Charlie Brown, is quite excited not only for his role as the loveable “Peanuts” character but the entire production in general.
“It’s a lot of fun, very funny and extremely entertaining,” said Rossbach. “It’s a great way to get in the feel of the [Christmas] season.”
Want to meet good old St. Nick, too? Thirty minutes prior to the show, those in attendance can take a photo with Santa Claus himself on stage.
There’s also plenty of good that comes out of the “Holiday Spectacular” too. Proceeds from the concessions and photos go to the Theatre Scholarship Fund, while half-price tickets are available with a donation of non-perishable foods, which will go to local shelters.
If you want to experience plenty of laughter, music and holiday cheer, you can purchase tickets to “The 8th Annual Holiday Spectacular” at the PLT Box Office. Tickets are $10 to the general public and $2 to members of the Lewis community.
About the Author
Anthony Lyen is a senior double majoring in Multimedia Journalism and Elementary Education. Lyen is from Chicago, IL, and is the Tempo Editor for the print edition of The Flyer. His hobbies include hanging out with friends, watching his beloved Chicago Blackhawks and of course, writing.
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