STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The St. George Theatre Restoration, Inc. will stage its annual Christmas Show from Friday, Dec. 12 through Sunday, Dec. 14 at the historic movie palace on Hyatt Street.
The two-hour production, now in its 22nd year, is a high-energy, rhinestone-studded series of lively tunes and dances.
The storyline centers around a grandmother who reads a heartwarming Christmas story to her family about all the delightful occurrences and marvelous moments that make the holiday season so memorable.
Set in grandma’s house, the story takes the audience on a journey through a number of scenarios, from the North Pole to Times Square, from Clove Lakes Park to The Rainbow Room, culminating in a Living Nativity.
Jenny Kelly has been cast as Mrs. Claus in the Christmas Show at the St. George Theatre. (Courtesy/Say Cheese Photography)Staten Island Advance
“We’re thrilled to open our doors Thursday evening for a special invite-only performance dedicated to individuals with special needs and families facing financial hardships.” said Doreen Cugno, president, CEO, and co-founder of St. George Theatre Restoration, Inc., and artistic director of The Christmas Show.
“It’s our way of sharing the joy of the season and extending the magic of this holiday show to those who might not otherwise experience it,” she added.
The cast of the Christmas Show at the St. George Theatre. (Courtesy/Say Cheese Photography)Staten Island Advance
More than 10,000 are expected to join the St. George Theatre in celebrating the season through the time-honored annual performance.
In addition to the in-person audience, the show will be streamed virtually to Staten Island’s two hospitals, bringing the holiday magic directly to children who cannot attend in person.
A fun scene in the St. George Theatre Christmas Show. (Courtesy/Say Cheese Photography)Staten Island Advance
Acrobatic scenes delight the audience at the St. George Theatre Christmas Show. (Courtesy/Say Cheese Photography)Staten Island Advance
“Our hope is to spread joy, wonder, and the spirit of the season to as many families as possible — both inside the theatre and beyond its doors,“ Cugno added.
“The show is magical, entertaining, and wonderfully festive. Most importantly, it remains affordable and accessible —right here on Staten Island. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who makes it possible: our extraordinary cast, crew, and staff, as well as our loyal audiences who cheer us on year after year.”
“In 2004, my late mother, Mrs. Rosemary, recognized the importance of presenting a high-quality yet affordable show for the residents of Staten Island,” continued Luanne Sorrentino, co-founder of the St. George Restoration, Inc. “It gives us great pleasure that we can play a role in keeping her dream alive with this show.”
A scene from the Christmas Show at the St. George Theatre. (Courtesy/Say Cheese Photography)Staten Island Advance
The Christmas Show features an all-volunteer cast of nearly 125 performers, with performances from local favorites like, Vinnie Medugno, Marcus Simeone, Bill Newstad, Jenny Kelly, Victoria Billalba, Tom Cintula, Al Pica, Madison Gattullo, and Enid Stein, and the Richmondettes.
The Richmondettes perform eye-high kicks in the Christmas Show at the St. George Theatre. (Courtesy/Say Cheese Photography)Staten Island Advance
The production includes such popular tunes as “We Need a Little Christmas,” “Let it Snow” “Feliz Navid” and “Silver Bells” as well as spiritual numbers including “O Holy Night” and “Go Tell It on the Mountain” performed to a live orchestra led by musical director Michael Morreale and choir director Tom Cintula, along with Karyn West as director.
A heartwarming scene in the Christmas Show at the St. George Theatre. (Courtesy/Say Cheese Photography)Staten Island Advance
One of the incredible acts in the St. George Theatre Christmas Show. (Courtesy/Say Cheese Photography)Staten Island Advance
The show serves as a fundraiser for the St. George Theatre Restoration, Inc. a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring the historic, 96-year-old building and providing enriching educational and outreach programming to the community.
Performance times are Friday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Tickets are priced at $55, $45, $25 and $15, with a Sunday night special offer of $35 and $15 tickets at all levels.
Group rates of 12 or more are also available through the box office at 718 442-2900, extension 503.
Tickets are still available. To purchase, visit www.Ticketmaster.com or phone the box office at 718 442-2900, Tuesday through Friday from noon until 5 p.m.
For a complete listing of upcoming events and for further information, visit www.stgeorgetheatre.com.