The Christmas Spectacular: Cultural Park Theatre to stage annual holiday show
Get into the holiday spirit next week with Cultural Park Theatre’s annual production. “The Christmas Spectacular” will kick off on Wednesday at 8 p.m. Additional performances will take place Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., as well as on Dec. 19 at 3 and 8 p.m. and on Dec. 20 at 3 p.m.
The show was written and directed by Michael Moran, executive director.
“It’s been about a decade since we’ve been doing Christmas shows every year,” he said. “They’re always very upbeat and happy – with traditional holiday songs and pop favorites.”
“That’s one of the things that I think makes the show popular,” Moran added.
Each production includes comedy skits and routines and ends with a heart-warming finale.
“There’s lots of bright and colorful, glittery Christmas costumes,” he said.
Moran noted that 90 percent of the show is music and singing.
“There’s an underlying storyline in it, but the show itself is basically a review-style show,” he said.
The production is also different each year to keep it fresh for the audience.
“This year’s story is about a director staging a televised review show for the Christmas season,” Moran said, adding that the man is under pressure from his boss for a hit and he begins to ignore his family.
The audience sees the problems unfolding within the family, with the possibility of divorce on the horizon. But then Santa Claus steps in to show the director what Christmas is really all about.
“There are 26 people in the cast,” he said, adding that includes adults and children.
“It’s definitely a show for all ages,” Moran said.
The production is just shy of two hours.
Before the show, cookies and refreshments will be available in the lobby.
“Santa is part of the production and will be out in the lobby after the show,” he said.
Families are welcome to take photos with Santa.
“The lobby’s always beautifully decorated for the holidays,” Moran said.
Last year’s performance played to nearly sold-out houses.
Tickets are $19 for adults, $17 for seniors, $13 for students with a student identification and $10 for children under the age of 12. People are urged to get their tickets early, so they do not miss out.
“It isn’t sold out, but boy is it selling rapidly,” Moran said Thursday.
“It’s become a staple,” he added. “People just look forward to seeing it every year.”
To purchase tickets, visit the Cultural Park Theatre box office or call (239) 772-5862. The box office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on performance weekends.
Groups rates are also available.
“We can promise they will leave here with smiles on their faces and their sweet tooth satisfied and go out of here with a great Christmas feeling,” Moran said.
For more information, visit online at: culturalparktheater.com.
The Cultural Park Theatre is at 528 Cultural Park Blvd.