By Monica Jarrell, Guest Blogger

   Home for the Holidays is a 90-minute musical concert starring Santa played by Colin Alexander and Mrs. Claus played by Margie Lamb. The show is hosted by Rob Costigan.  Behind the scenes Santa and Mrs. Clause have an ongoing conflict.  Mrs. Claus is upset that Santa must work throughout the holidays.  She would like him to be home this year.

This holiday offering is headlined by a quartet of talented female vocalists as well as Greg Jacyszyn and Sage Starkey.  It is an opportunity to hear these extremely talented singers, each with a different performance style, backed by a snazzy onstage band and joined by several talented entertainers.

The opening number included great choreography with special effects and lighting.  The dancers pose in clever positions to spell out holiday greetings.  This opening act got the audience sitting on the edge of their chairs, anticipating more to come.

This Christmas program is a mix of traditional and more contemporary numbers, that took us through the decades of music.  The song list ranges from holiday staples like “Jingle Bells,” “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire,” “The Twelve Days of Christmas” (with a twist), “Blue Christmas,” and more. The contemporary hits like Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Carol of the Bells” was performed by a trio of violinists and Sage Starkey, rapping out a special Christmas message.

     The 1950s brought Doo-Wop; the 60’s were done in the style of pop-rock with a little psychedelic rock added in.  Of course, the 70’s songs were performed in rock star fashion which included guitar solos.  The lyrics were changed and special effects from each generation were added to the songs.

Drum solos performed on pots, pans, and buckets; beat box and tap dancers showed us the 80’s.

Denver native Sheryl McCallum brought us into the 90’s with the blues and Hip Hop.  The Elf on the Shelf even made an appearance.  Jonathan Jaramillo, Colorado’s hip hop champion, showed us some of his moves.  The evening was rounded out by a special salute to our military.

The music is festive and is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.  This show includes amazing dancers, singers, drama, and comedy, something for everyone.   The first night audience gave the performers an enthusiastic applause. The production evidently touched many as a feel-good beginning to the Holiday Season.

Playing now through Sunday, December 17 at Lone Tree Arts Center. For tickets and more information go to: http://www.lonetreeartscenter.org/homefortheholidays