By Hannah Curran, Editor
LEEDS — The Leeds Arts Council announced its Inaugural Christmas Extravaganza Variety Show planned for Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3, from 7 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 4, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Each ticket will be $15 a person.
(Photo courtesy of the Leeds Arts Council)
Brandi McClaran, the director of the Christmas Extravaganza and the theater chair for Leeds Arts Council, said the Christmas Extravaganza is a variety show.
“It’s mostly singing and vocals; we have some group numbers, we have lots of solos,” McClaran said. “There will be Christmas songs, some of them are more traditional. Some are more current or mainstream; several people are dancing instead of singing this time. They’ve choreographed their own numbers; we have one adult who is dancing the Sugar Plum Fairy from the Nutcracker.”
Castmember Kathryn Schmidt said that watching this show come together has been exciting.
“It’s been a blast learning some very iconic scenes with my favorite people,” Schmidt said. “We’re all in the holiday spirit and are excited to share that feeling with the world.”
Each cast member auditioned over two nights for a spot in the show.
“We had a very good crowd that came out and auditioned, and I think we have 21 in the cast, which is quite large,” McClaran said. “The audience will definitely be entertained for their $15 ticket. There are some very sweet moments in it. There are some hysterically funny moments in it.”
Cast members prepare for the Christmas Extravaganza. (Photo by Brandi McClaran)
Jenna Rutledge said she enjoys working with her fellow cast members to make this show possible.
“The most thing I’ve enjoyed about this show so far is the people that I’ve gotten to meet and seeing everyone’s talents and seeing what they love to do and that everyone gets to see everyone else’s talents,” Rutledge said. “I also love that I get to show everyone my talent and love for dance and theatre.”
McClaran said there aren’t very many shows like this in the area, and it’s something the whole family can enjoy.
“It’s full of talent,” McClaran said. “You will be singing along with people for sure and getting in the holiday spirit.”
Jon McClaran said the cast is amazing and extremely talented, and this show has been a lot of fun.
“I really enjoy the process of preparation as much as the performers,” Jon said. “Being around such wonderful talent & energy helps me learn and grow.”
To purchase tickets, visit lac.booktix.com.
Castmembers:
- Brandi McClaran;
- Jon McClaran;
- Lara Moore;
- Jenna Rutledge;
- Aisling Chalian;
- Lori Theriot;
- Victory Harbin;
- Kaytie Ellis;
- Emelia Miller;
- Cary Miller;
- Cole Barnes;
- Abigail Wilkinson;
- Jude Swiney;
- Kathryn Schmidt;
- Lauryn Jolly;
- Layla Jolly;
- Trinity Dillingham;
- Meghan Godsey;
- Lindsey Dixon;
- Johanna Dixon; and
- Jessica Hill.
