Traditions of Christmas, a Cd'A tradition
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 8 years, 5 months AGO
Traditions of Christmas returns to the Kroc Center stage tonight with performances through Dec. 23.
In its fifth season in Coeur d’Alene, Traditions of Christmas is a Radio City Music Hall-style show for all ages. The show is also being performed in Nampa this year.
Throughout the show, Christmas classics are brought to life with song and dance with choreographed kickline tap numbers and a journey to Santa’s workshop. A USO-style performance honors the nation’s military, and concludes with a nativity.
“The living nativity scene is truly awesome,” said local resident Randy Rolphe, who has seen the show several years in a row.
Traditions of Christmas features a cast of dozens, multiple sets, live animals and more than 400 costumes. The cast of 65 performers are from throughout the Coeur d’Alene and Spokane area and range in age from 7 to 80.
One of the youngest cast members, Jace Voeller, is excited to perform in his first production of Traditions of Christmas.
“I have watched my older brother perform in the show for a few years and I’ve decided that I can learn the dances, too,” Voeller said.
Delphine Kenney, 80, loves to tap dance and sing. Though it has been years since she has performed, she decided to audition.
“When I learned that I had been accepted into the cast, I came unglued, and laughed so hard,” Kenney said.
She said she is taking yoga classes to help her remain limber for her dances in the show.
“I sure hope that when I am 80 years old and I am courageous enough to try something new, that someone will give me an opportunity,” said producer Laura Little. “Delphine has been the life of the party at rehearsals…our own Betty White.”
Traditions of Christmas is produced by Laura Little Theatricals. Little is the Broadway co-producer of “Peter and the Starcatcher,” “First Date” and “Come From Away” (opening 2017).
“Even if you’ve seen Traditions of Christmas before, you won’t want to miss this performance,” Little said. “There is always a change or two to keep it fresh.”
This year’s production is directed by Tyler Krieg.
Evening performances begin tonight at 7 at the Coeur d’Alene Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Road. Additional evening performances will be at 7 p.m. on Dec. 16, 17, 21 and 22. A series of afternoon performances will begin at 3 on Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11 and continue Dec. 17, 18, 22 and 23.
Tickets cost $20 to $33 and are on sale now at www.traditionsofchristmasnw.com or can be purchased by calling the box office at (208) 391-2867. Group tickets can be purchased by calling (208) 661-2789.
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