Christmaspectacular! Lights Up Arlington Music Hall
A lineup of toy soldiers perform during Christmaspectacular! photo/Karen Gavis
Arlington Music Hall was looking a lot like Christmas Friday night as Christmaspectacular! kicked off its second season.
The former movie theater’s stage sparkled during a fast-paced show filled with singers and dancers in shimmering attire. Red, velvety curtains provided a fitting backdrop for the holiday show as did two giant nutcrackers that stood near each end of the stage.
In one scene, rosy-cheeked children sang along with performers in wintry sweaters and scarfs before snowballs sailed and Frosty the Snowman came to life with a dance. The lineup seemed endless as tap dancers tapped and Lamar High School’s Drill Team paraded past in white, western hats and boots. They were soon followed by Elvis impersonators and the Grinch.
The entire Music Hall crowd seemed mesmerized by the time Santa walked in followed by dancing elves who distributed peppermint candies among the crowd.
And that was just the first half of the show.
A group of singers take the Arlington Music Hall stage during the show's opening night. photo/Karen Gavis
More than 3,000 people attended last year’s performance, according to an AMH press release. The songs, ranging from secular to sacred, included Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, Santa Baby, Mary Did You Know, Grown-up Christmas List and others.
“This year’s show features an expanded cast, new musical selections, and incorporates students from several local high schools and elementary schools,” says the press release. “Arlington Music Hall hopes that this new holiday tradition will not only provide a platform for local entertainers to showcase their talents but also foster a sense of community spirit.”
Local celebrity guests such as Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams, Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn and others will narrate each show.
Christmaspectacular! was written by Disney veteran Claud Smith III and is being directed by Angie Meister. One of the show’s highlights is a manager scene underneath the North Star as the Christmas story is read.
The Christmas story is read during Christmaspectacular! photo/ Karen Gavis
The show is sponsored by TXU Energy, Bell Helicopter, Candlelite Inn Restaurant, and Stripe-A-Zone Pavement Marking Specialists. Matinee performances will be held at 3 p.m. Dec. 2, 3, 9, and 10. Evening performances will be at 7:30 p.m. December 1, 2, 8 and 9. For tickets, visit ArlingtonMusicHall.net or call 817-226-4400.
“I’ve been to a lot of shows,” said a guest as she was leaving Arlington Music Hall. “Y’all were different.”
Others on social media voiced appreciation for those attending the show.
“Thank you for supporting these artists!,” Kirsten Hetherly posted to Facebook.
