Featuring Frosty, Rudolph, Santa, a cast of over 100 dancers and singers, and Tucson’s own April Madison from KGUN9-TV, The Spirit of Christmas returns to Tucson again this holiday season. Now in its sixth year of performances, The Spirit of Christmas has quickly become a Tucson holiday favorite, dazzling audiences of all ages with a show that has been described as a Broadway show experience right here in the desert! This year’s edition will take place on two stages: UA Centennial Hall (one show only) Sunday, December 7, at 4:00 p.m. and two shows at SaddleBrooke’s DesertView Performing Arts Center on Saturday, December 13, at 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. This year’s UA show features KGUN9-TV’s April Madison as Emcee!
Tammy Booth, an award winning choreographer, Olympian gymnast and Radio City Rockette, is the artistic director and owner of Tucson Dance Academy. She and her husband, musician/singer/songwriter, Tom Booth, direct over 100 performers from the prestigious Tucson Dance Academy along with guest performers in this holiday spectacle. Tucson Dance Academy, recognized as one of the top dance studios in Arizona and beyond, provides the performers for this holiday show that brings joy and hope, laughter and tears and insight into the true heart of the Christmas spirit. This show is something you don’t want to miss, and those who do attend end up coming back year after year. It’s a fun and exciting holiday entertainment alternative to the Nutcracker. The “Tucson Rockettes” re-create the New York City holiday experience. It’s like going to a New York Broadway show without the flight, hotel and other expenses.
On a stage resplendent with beautiful costuming and sets, The Spirit of Christmas comes alive with a high energy program featuring high stepping kick lines and amazing international dance and guest performance numbers along with a moving and meaningful tribute to the meaning of the season. Perennial audience favorite numbers will return this year, including Parade of the Wooden Soldiers, Russian Dance, He Was Still Her Little Child and the spiritually moving O Holy Night.
For the UA Centennial show, tickets are $30 with discounts for children, seniors, military and groups (10+). Tickets may be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by calling the UA Box Office at 520-621-3341.
At SaddleBrooke’s DesertView Performing Arts Center, tickets are $25 inclusive, $30 at the door, with tickets available for purchase at www.dvpac.net or by calling 520-825-5318.
Donations from proceeds will be made to two different local Tucson charities: The Tucson Dance Foundation (TDF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit that supports young people in the art of dance. Proceeds will also go to Inter-Faith Community Services. ICS is a non-profit that has been compassionately serving the needs of Pima County seniors, individuals with disabilities and people in financial crisis since 1985.