Georgia Magazine - December 2022 - 18

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Above: Soloist India Tyree Takes the stage during
a performance of " Christmas Canteen " at the
Aurora Theater. Left: The production includes a
performance by Santa's Dancing Elves.
in 2002, our inaugural season, with the vision of creating a
music, dance and comedy show that would appeal to families
every Christmas. "
The production features dancing reindeer, a singing Santa
and a mix of seasonal classics such as " Frosty the Snowman, "
" White Christmas " and " Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, "
along with more contemporary sounds including 'STOMP,' an
all-percussion number, and Santa dancing to rap artist MC
Hammer's " U Can't Touch This. "
High-kick dancers, singers in small ensembles and an
on-stage band create a diverse and fast-paced show that
continues to draw audiences from as far as 150 miles away.
" The show also includes an aerialist and a solo
performance by Savannah's diva of jazz and gospel, Huxsie
Scott, whose career has spanned 50 years, " Meece says. " She's
always one of the highlights. "
Meece says it's important to keep the show familiar yet
fresh.
" As the title suggests, the most enjoyable and exciting parts
of the show have become a tradition, " he says. " But we always
find a way to include something new to surprise our audiences. "
A holiday card
The Aurora Theatre's " Christmas Canteen " has staying
power. The musical play was the professional theater's inaugural
holiday show during its opening season in 1996-97, and it has
been produced every year since.
" Originally conceived by our co-founders, Anthony
Rodriguez and Ann-Carol Pence, 'Christmas Canteen' captured
the hearts of our audiences from the start, " says Katie Chambers,
18 Georgia Magazine December 2022
director of production for Lawrenceville-based Aurora Theatre.
" From a USO-show format set on Christmas Eve in the 1940s, it
has evolved into a variety special filled with holiday classics and
popular music that's different every year. "
This year's eight-actor production is led by Russell
Alexander and Galen Crawley. As Aurora's music director, Pence
has added songs and created original arrangements for the
show. New sets, costumes and a fresh storyline come together
this year in three sections: a disco-era/Motown segment; a
military tribute, which harks back to the original show; and an
overview of multicultural holiday favorites. Former Aurora staff
member Shelli Delgado wrote the script; Chambers directs the
production.
" 'Christmas Canteen' showcases our actors being
themselves on stage, letting the audience into their lives by
sharing their own stories, " Chambers says. " It's personal and
authentic as well as nostalgic, and that's what brings our
audiences back year after year. It's our holiday card to the
community. "
Pamela A. Keene is a freelance writer living in Flowery
Branch.
When you go
* " A Tuna Christmas, " Dec. 15-18, 20-23, Springer Opera
House/McClure Theatre, Columbus. (706) 327-3688.
springeroperahouse.org.
* " A Christmas Tradition, " Dec. 1-4, 6-11, 13-18, 20-24, Savannah
Theatre, Savannah. (912) 233-7764. savannahtheatre.com.
* " Christmas Canteen, " Nov. 25-27, Dec. 1-4, 7-11, 15-18, 20-23,
Aurora Theatre, Lawrenceville. (678) 226-6222. auroratheatre.com.
AURORA THEATRE
AURORA THEATRE
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http://www.springeroperahouse.org http://www.savannahtheatre.com http://www.auroratheatre.com
Georgia Magazine - December 2022

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