College of Fine Arts and Design

Nov 23, 2009

The University of Central Oklahoma division of Music Theatre presents its popular annual holiday musical revue, this year titled "Christmas Croonin'," at 8 p.m., Dec. 3-5 and Dec. 10-12 at the UCO Jazz Lab, located at Fifth and Littler in Edmond.   

The holiday-themed show depicts a classic yuletide celebration, including a living room with roaring fire, a decorated tree and partygoers who frequently burst into the best-loved songs of the season.

"Our opening number is 'We Need a Little Christmas' and it takes off from there. The repertoire runs from 'My Two Front Teeth' to 'Sleigh Ride' to 'O Holy Night' and everything in between," said Nick Saverine, the show's director and lecturer in Central's School of Music.

"It is very similar to a Rockettes or Philarmonic type of show. What sets this apart is it is a very intimate-style show in a cabaret-type setting," added Greg White, director of Central's Music Theatre program.

Because the UCO Jazz Lab is outfitted with just 199 seats, "it's a more personal type of experience," White said.

In all, 22 students - sometimes in duets, sometimes as a whole - will sing more than 22 Christmas songs.

"We use the whole space. It will be surround sound. They will be singing from the stage, the house and the balcony," Saverine said.

The eighth-annual Central Christmas show has become a mainstay for many audience members, and tickets go quickly.

"The community has really embraced it and it's become part of people's celebrations," said White.

"I would make reservations as early as you can. People have already been asking about tickets for this year," Saverine added.

Tickets are $12 and available by calling the UCO Jazz Lab at (405) 359-7989.

For more information on Central's School of Music, visit www.camd.uco.edu/music.