Get ready for sparkling lights, snowflakes, Christmas trees, menorahs, and Santa — not to mention some outrageously good singing! Marblehead Little Theater’s “Celebrate the Season: A Family Songfest” opens during the town’s Christmas Walk Weekend, just in time to kick off the holiday season with song and good cheer. Come and hear old populars like “The Christmas Song,” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” as well as many other Christmas and Hanukkah selections. Audience participation will be encouraged!
When the Marblehead Little Theatre Board of Directors discussed putting on a program during the Christmas Walk, Board member and Director Betty Lautner offered to do a family-fun-filled event that would include songs and narratives representing many holiday experiences.
“I wanted to use all the music of the season, including Hanukkah, Christmas, and the New Year’s celebrations,” Lautner said. “Having lived these 80-plus years, my intention is to do music that all ages will enjoy.”
To that end, Lautner has assembled a great familiar cast of singers and musicians. The show will feature a few sing-a-longs, some great storytellings, the MHS a cappella high-school groups the Jewel Tones and Luminescence, a few hilarious duets, and some dancing. Santa will even pay a visit!
Storyteller Judith Black will be performing a hysterical poem with lots of commonly-known Yiddish sayings, “’Twas the Night Before Channukah.”
“The holidays are about spending time with community and family. This show will be a fun and easy way to get into the holidays and elevate the season to more than being about material content,” Black said.
Marblehead High School Choral Director Andrew Scoglio said he is thrilled to have the Jewel Tones and Luminescence a cappella groups collaborate with Lautner and the MLT to present this special holiday showcase.
“Betty has been a wonderful voice teacher and mentor for many MHS singers over the years,” Scoglio added.
The groups will sing several well-known holiday songs, including a wonderful new a cappella Hanukkah medley arranged by Derric Johnson.
Performers include: John Archer, Judith Black, Barbara Dempsey, Nick Economou, Tom Edmonds, Chris Finn, Lucy Key, Kobi Alka, Joe Lautner, Rudy Lautner, Arianna Leahy, Larry Lowe, Anne Lucas, David Scannell and Honorah Tinti.
Shows are Friday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $22.50 for adults and $15.00 for children ages 3 and older. With only two performances this show is sure to sell out fast. And may we suggest watching the tree lighting on Friday night followed by a short walk to our holiday show to make for the perfect family outing? Get your tickets today!