Blowing Rock News "sat in" on Saturday night's rehearsal, which mostly focused on the adult chorus performances.

We caught up with Artistic Director Gary Smith and Managing Director Lisa Lamont during a cast break.  "This is going to be a very good show," Smith offered in self-assessment. Overall, this is the most talent we have ever had, top to bottom.

"Of course we are blessed to have Blake Pace back as our Musical Director," Smith continued. "The depth of this show would not be possible without him.  And Shauna Godwin is doing a fabulous job as our Choreographer and will also perform in the adult chorus. I cannot wait to share the wonderful voices of Leah England and Sidney Ginn.  Rumple Church members will be familiar with Leah already, and her solo performance is stunning, but not everyone will know Ginn, who is a 15-year-old young woman with an absolutely wonderful singing voice."

Managing director Lamont lauded the contributions of this year's host, Rusty Page. "He's talented, handsome and charming," she shared. "That's an unbeatable combination!"

The eight-person adult chorus for this year's show includes Rebecca Booth, Will Allen, Leah England, Steve Frank, Maureen Klinedinst, Derek Gagnier, Melissa Tausche, and Luke Schaffer.  The teen chorus members are Sidney Ginn, Michael Navarro, India Roseman, and Max Schlenker.  Rounding out the cast -- and "upping the cuteness factor," Smith noted -- is the kids chorus consisting of Maya Cook, Matthew Shaw, Savannah Troyer, Vincent Troyer, and Darmody Tausche.

Blowing Rock Christmas is a variety show patterned after Perry Como and Andy Williams television-presented holiday shows of the 1960s and 1970s.  It includes singing, dancing, "silly skits", adorable kids, women in beautiful dresses, and men in tuxedos, Lamont detailed for Blowing Rock News.

The show opens at the Blowing Rock School Auditorium on Friday, December 16th with a 7:00 pm performance, followed by Saturday, December 17th at 7:00 pm, and Sunday, December 18th at 3:00 pm. Tickets are $14 for Adults, $8.00 for kids.  Additional information may be obtained by calling 828-414-1844 or visiting www.ensemblestage.com.

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