By Kristi Andrus, Guest Blogger

I fully admit that I’m a Christmas girl. That’s why I’m looking forward to Home for the Holidays. It’s a hometown favorite filled with holiday comforts – the songs and characters that we anticipate each year, and because it’s a variety show, you can also expect something for everyone – singing, dancing, drumming, Santa, his wife, local musicians, special guest performers, and so much energy.

The theme this year is holidays through the ages and the show is appropriate for audiences of all ages. I’m going on a date with my daughter, who just turned five. We can’t wait to get dressed up and have a mommy/daughter night, just the two of us. We’ll undoubtedly over-accessorize. Brother and Sister will have to wait for their big nights out at another performance.

Santa is played by local actor Colin Alexander, last seen in LTAC’s The Explorers Club. Mrs. Claus (Maggie Lamb) will co-host with Santa, and Rob Costigan, last seen in LTAC’s EVITA, will emcee. I already love it – there’s an emcee! Trent Hines, most recently seen in the Denver Center’s The Wild Party is the musical director. And, Piper Lindsay Arpan, co-host of LTAC’s Reunion ’85, is not only assistant directing, she’s also assistant choreographer, dance captain, and dancing in the show. Doesn’t all that multi-tasking make you want to ask her about her holiday traditions? She’s obviously enormously talented and a scheduling pro, so she’s probably already decorated her home from top to bottom, wrapped stacks of presents with homemade touches, and sent out the most gorgeous holiday card ever.

The show runs from Thursday, December 7 – Sunday, December 17. That’s only ten days folks, and we are in the thick of Christmas chaos, so buy your tickets today. We’ll be going opening night, so look for my review, with perspective provided by my daughter, shortly thereafter.

And don’t forget the advantage of taking in a show at Lone Tree Arts Center, a beautiful state-of-the-art facility without the hassle, parking, and competitiveness of seeing a show downtown. I mean it’s worth it of course, but it’s also a lot on top of a lot at this time of year. LTAC is the opposite of that. It’s almost as convenient as having the performance in your home, without all the furniture rearranging to accommodate and none of the cleanup. Enjoy!

For tickets and more information go to: http://www.lonetreeartscenter.org/homefortheholidays.