By Jacqueline Chandler/News Correspondent
TV24 and the Oxford Performing Arts Center are joining up to host Celebrating Christmas, a musical special held on Nov. 21 at the Oxford Performing Arts Center.
The jam-packed two-hour show will feature over 200 performers, including headliners The Diamonds. While the original performers are no longer a part of the group, the act remains true to the original form, as it is produced by the same company and retains rights to the music catalog. The Diamonds gained national recognition in 1957 with their hit “Little Darlin.” The song sold over 20 million copies and was dubbed the National Anthem of Rock and Roll.
The show promises to be a wonderful array of entertainment for the family.
TV24 Gadsden marketing director and primetime news anchor Carl Brady will co-host the event alongside Hope Miles Downey from Buster Miles Chevrolet, a major sponsor of the production.
The show will be televised throughout the month of December. Audience members not only will enjoy a great show for a low cost. They will have the opportunity to participate in a televised musical production and possibly appear on television in December. Reserved seating is now on sale. Orchestra seating is $15 and additional seating is available for $10 per person.
In addition to musical acts from different genres, including jazz and bluegrass, The Downtown Dance Conservatory from Gadsden will perform parts of its modern version of The Nutcracker and a dramatic presentation of the birth story will be performed. Several choirs will perform, including the 35-member JSU Gospel Choir and the 60-member Oxford Community Chorus.
It also is possible that Santa may make an appearance before the conclusion of the show.
Brady said that talks are in the works to turn this year’s event into a series that will include a Celebrate Freedom production around July 4, in addition to the continuation of Celebrate Christmas.