Same holiday cheer, brand new Holiday Spectacular production

By Shannon Dale, Assistant Director of CLA Development

It is that time of year again! Join the Northern Colorado community at Colorado State University’s University Center for the Arts for the delightful, family-friendly Holiday Spectacular. Performed by the University Symphony Orchestra, combined choirs, and special guests, the popular show has a whole new storyline. While the new script may be a surprise, you can also anticipate some special faces to appear in the show – perhaps a few new North Pole guests!

“While the material may be fresh to CSU, audience expectations can remain the same – expect to hear a joyful, rousing, and fun concert with familiar holiday classics performed by our talented CSU students,” shares show producer and special assistant professor of music, Adam Torres.

This charming evening of traditional, secular, and sacred holiday music is a celebration of our artistic community. Net proceeds benefit students in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance in the form of scholarships and other programmatic support.

Santa pictured during the Holiday Spectacular
University Symphony Orchestra 2016 Holiday Spectacular concert photo

A production of this caliber requires hundreds of performers and workers, all contributing to a single project through song, acting, dance, lighting, projection, decorations, stage crew, box office/events staff, and more. Torres has been involved in all facets of the production – playing in Holiday Spectacular concerts while studying music as a CSU graduate student, attending as an alumni patron, and working with the orchestra in rehearsals for guest conductor Randol Alan Bass in 2015. Yet his favorite part of the show remains the comradery amongst the students, faculty, and staff in the School.

Torres hopes students from across campus will also experience that sense of fellowship. This year, to provide festive cheer and relaxation to CSU students preparing for finals, there will be a free preview of the show for students, followed by a holiday movie in the Instrument Rehearsal Hall. The open dress rehearsal is for CSU students only on Wednesday, Nov. 30 (movie selection TBD).

Kick off the holiday season and purchase your tickets for the Holiday Spectacular today!

Tickets and Showtimes

  • Open Dress Rehearsal for CSU Students: Wednesday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m. (FREE, but ID required)
  • Thursday, November 30, 7 p.m. Come early at 6 p.m. to see the CSU Marching Band in their Parade of Lights preview as they march around the UCA. Enjoy a hot drink from the Human Bean Coffee Truck in front of the building.
  • Sunday, December 3, 4 p.m.

Tickets for the Holiday Spectacular are $10 for youth (under 18) and $22 for adults. Tickets are available at the University Center for the Arts ticket office in the UCA lobby Monday through Friday, 3:30-5:30 p.m., and 60 minutes prior to performances; by phone at (970) 491-ARTS (2787); or online at CSUArtsTickets.com.

Giving

As you plan your year-end giving, consider a gift to a School of Music, Theatre, and Dance fund that aligns with your passion. You can make real impact on our talented students make your gift online today! smtd.colostate.edu/giving