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Christmas extravaganza returns to Kroc Center stage

Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 7 years, 2 months AGO
| November 24, 2017 12:00 AM

Traditions of Christmas is marking its sixth annual appearance in Coeur d’Alene.

The show opens Friday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. and runs another 12 times through Dec. 23.

Traditions of Christmas is a Radio City Music Hall-style show that includes choreographed kickline tap numbers, Santa’s workshop, a military tribute performance and a grand Nativity conclusion. The show, produced by Laura Little Theatricals, features a cast of 70 people, multiple sets, live animals, and more than 400 costumes. Little is the Broadway co-producer of the Tony Award-winning “Come From Away,” currently on Broadway, as well as “Peter and the Starcatcher” and “First Date.”

“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 we commissioned Christian Duhamel to write a new song called ‘Christmas in the Northwest.’”

Duhamel is a native to the Silver Valley who now makes his living in New York as a playwright and artist. The lyrics to the song include mentions of local places and events.

A scene featuring the USO (United Service Organizations) is near and dear to Little’s heart.

“I love the tremendous USO military tribute. We have added a new component to the military section of the show and I am quite excited to see the audience’s reaction. It takes my breath away every time I watch them rehearse,” Little said.

Rick Taylor and his wife, Beth, are the director and musical director. Joseph Lyons choreographed the kickline and what makes that special to Little is the fact that she has watched Lyons grow up in theater and go off to college to get his degree in theater. He was a recipient of a Laura Little scholarship to study at a dance academy in New York City several years ago. Additional choreography was created by Heidy Cartwright, Sarah Thoreson and Barb Thoreson.

“This show really covers everything to do with Christmas,” said Kay Poland, a cast member for the past six years.

Traditions of Christmas will be performed on the stage at the Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Road.

Show times are 7 p.m. Dec. 8, 15, 16, 21 and 22; and 3 p.m. Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17, 22 and 23. A special matinee has been added at 11 a.m. Dec. 23.

Tickets are on sale, now, at www.traditionsofchristmasnw.com or call the box office at 208-391-2867. Group tickets can be purchased by calling 208-661-2789.

Ticket prices are $33/adults; $26/seniors (62-plus) and military; $20 for children 12 and younger. Attendance by children under age 4 is discouraged. For group rates call 208-391-2867.

All tickets will have an additional service charge and tax.

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