Santa’s arrival marks start of Palmdale Playhouse’s holiday extravaganza

PALMDALE – The Palmdale Playhouse, located at 38334 10th St. East in Palmdale, has kicked off its 2015 Holiday Extravaganza!

The Playhouse’s annual Holiday Open House began Wednesday, Nov. 25, with Santa on hand to greet and extend holiday wishes to all ages. Old St. Nick will also appear on Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Wednesday, Dec. 9, and Wednesday, Dec. 16, from 4 to 9 p.m. Admission is free and photos with Santa are $5.

“Take a break from the traffic and crowds to experience the sights, sounds and scents of the season,” stated Palmdale’s Recreation Supervisor Annie Pagliaro. “The Playhouse will be filled with seasonal decorations and we’ll have complimentary refreshments to enjoy.”

Brand new for 2015 will be a special “Singalong with Santa,” on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m.

“Here’s an opportunity to start a new holiday tradition with the family,” Pagliaro added. “We’ll have live carolers and tasty refreshments before the show, followed by Santa’s elves who will help kids handcraft special keepsakes that are sure to become sentimental treasures. Then, we’ll join Santa & the Sunday Night Singers in the theatre for an interactive performance.”

Tickets are $5 and include a souvenir songbook to use during the show.

The following afternoon, Sunday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m., the Palmdale Junior Ballet and Theatre Dance Company will present “Hansel & Gretel” and “For the Love of Christmas. This performance is family-friendly and suitable for children ages 2 and older. Immediately following, the Palmdale Theatre Dance Company will perform fun and entertaining holiday dances featuring “We Wish You The Merriest” by Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, “Sound of Christmas” by Ramsey Lewis and “Zat You Santa Claus?” by Louis Armstrong. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $10 for seniors, students, military and ages 12 and under.

On Sunday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m., the entertainment turns comedic as the Ambassador of Americana, Charles Phoenix, will present his “Retro Holiday Slide Show” and lead the audience on a hilarious, high-octane adventure extravaganza into his colorful world of ‘fleamarket found’ vintage and ‘mom and pop’ Kodachrome slides. Festive holiday dress is highly encouraged. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $12 for seniors, students, military and ages 12 and under.

Wrapping up the holiday offering will be three musical concerts by West Coast Classical. Beginning on Thursday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m., the West Coast Classical Beginning Strings, Beginning Band and Jazz Combo will present “Holiday Celebration,” featuring the bouncy tune “Frosty the Snowman” and a sparkling arrangement of “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow.”

On Friday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 p.m., the West Coast Classical Flute Choir, Saxophone Choir, Wind Ensemble and String Orchestra will present “Making Spirits Bright,” featuring holiday favorites such as “Jingle Bells” and “Winter Wonderland” in a fabulous arrangement.

Then on Saturday, Dec. 19, at 7:30 p.m., the West Coast Classical Concert and Symphonic Orchestra will present “Sounds of the Holidays,” with festive music like “Noel,” and Christmas’ most serene tune, “Silent Night.” Tickets for each performance are $12.

“We’re excited to have such a fun filled holiday extravaganza to offer residents,” Pagliaro said. “We’re encouraging everyone to come see what community theatre is all about, support and enjoy quality entertainment and celebrate the holiday season with us.”

Tickets for all Palmdale Playhouse events may be purchased online at www.cityofpalmdale.org/playhouse, or at the Box Office beginning two hours before each show, 38334 10th St. East. For more information, please call 661-267-5684.

[Information via news release from the city of Palmdale.]

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