Audiences transported to winter wonderland

The holiday season is upon us and there is no better way to usher it in than by indulging in the talents that make up "Christmas Is…," the annual holiday production put on by the Citrus Fine and Performing Arts Department.

"Christmas Is…" is directed by Douglas Austin and choreographed by John Vaughan.

In the first act of "Christmas Is…" the Citrus Singers, Women's Ensemble and Concert Choir perform an array of Christmas songs.

The Citrus Singers, conducted by Austin, perform classics such as "Silent Night" and "Silver Bells." They also perform a comedic rendition of "Parade of the Tin Soldiers" using bells. Bell players dance on stage, acting as if they are stressed and even doing push-ups. It is a nice way to lighten the mood by offering the audience a few good laughs.

The Women's Ensemble, conducted by Vonetta Mixson and accompanied by Martin Green, sounds angelic as it performs "Gloria!" and "Beautiful December."

The final performance by the Concert Choir and Orchestra is thunderous as they sing "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" and "Rejoice!" under the direction of Green and William Hoehne.

Once light shines on Act Two, the inner child is lit up and filled with giddiness as dazzling sets transport the audience into a Christmas wonderland. Singing and dancing throughout the musical enhance the holiday experience. Songs are not long and drawn out, which keeps younger audience members engaged.

Every year "Christmas Is…" takes on a different theme and this year's poked fun at copyright infringement by bringing in copy written characters from London, such as Eliza from "My Fair Lady," Harry Potter and Mary Poppins. Eliza, played by Brittany Sanchez, is the moderator of the second act and at times speaks directly to the audience. Ironically enough, she is dressed as Mary Poppins.

The storyline is set in London and centers around three 16-year-old girls: Cecily, played by Heather Peter; Ernestine, played by Alexis Davis; and Gwendolyn, played by Bertha Alvarado. They desire to be done with what they deem childish Christmas traditions and instead attend the most lavish parties in London.

They meet Jane, played by Kristina Brown, who visits the North Pole with her father, a chimney sweep, every year on Christmas Eve.

The girls meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, played by Daniel Reyes and Shannon Villarreal, who try to show the girls what Christmas is really about.

While in the North Pole, the girls are introduced to "The Greatest Toys of All," complete with a rapping toy soldier played by Nathan Alfred.

During "Because It's Christmas," children from the audience are encouraged to join Santa Claus and the rest of the cast onstage.

"Christmas Is…" is showing in the HPAC on Dec. 10, 11, 17 and 18 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 16 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for general admission, $18 for students and seniors, $15 for guests 16 and under and $10 for students with a valid ASCC sticker.