St. George Theatre to stage 13th Annual Christmas Show

This December 9th-11th, the St. George Theatre Restoration Inc. will stage its annual Christmas Show, originally conceived and choreographed by the non-profit theatre's founder, the late Mrs. Rosemary Cappozalo.

"The Christmas Show is the centerpiece of the theatre's season each year" says Doreen P. Cugno, President, CEO and co-founder of the St. George Theatre Restoration Inc. and artistic director of The Christmas Show. "We are excited to share this year's show with the Staten Island community".

In its 13th year, the two-hour production is a high energy, rhinestone-studded series of songs and dances. Featuring an all-volunteer cast of over 100 performers, the show features performances from local favorites like Vinnie Medugno, Marcus Simeone, Jenny Kelly, Bill Newstad, aerialist Amanda Topaz, an excerpt from "The Nutcracker" performed by BALAM Dance Theatre, and the fabulous annual performances by the Richmondettes comprised of superstars from various dance companies across Staten Island.

New to the show this year are two very special guests in the cabaret scene. Denise Montana, of the Salsoul Orchestra, will sing her holiday favorite "Merry Christmas All" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=649oXDkBS3Y) at all five performances. Released in 1976, "Merry Christmas All" has been certified Double Platinum, selling over 6 million records. On Sunday, WCBS 101.1 FM radio personality and St. George Theatre honorary board member "Brooklyn's Own"Joe Causi will join the cabaret scene to perform a Christmas song.

The storyline centers around a grandmother reading a Christmas story to her grandchildren about the various things that make the holiday season special. Set in grandmother's house, the story takes the audience on a magical journey through numerous scenes and scenarios from the North Pole to Times Square, Clove Lake Park to Lorenzo's Cabaret, culminating in a justifiably renowned Living Nativity.

The production includes such popular tunes as "We Need a Little Christmas," "Let it Snow" and "Silver Bells" as well as spiritual numbers including "O Holy Night" and "Go Tell It on the Mountain" performed to a live orchestra led by musical director Michael Morreale.

The show serves as a fundraiser for the St. George Theatre Restoration, Inc. a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring the historic building and providing a wide variety of programming for the community.

Performance times are Friday December 9th at 7pm, Saturday December 10th at 3pm and 7pm, Sunday December 11th at 3pm and 7pm. Tickets are $45, $25, and $15, with a Sunday night special offer of $20 and $10 tickets at all levels. Group rates are also available.

To purchase tickets, visit www.Ticketmaster.com or call the box office at 718-442-2900, Monday-Friday 10am-6pm. For a complete listing of upcoming events and for more information, visit www.stgeorgetheatre.com.

The St. George Theatre Restoration Inc, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration of the historic theater and its development as a cultural and performing arts center for Staten Island and all of New York City by providing community outreach programs, educational programs and public performances. Built in 1929, the theatre was originally a lavish movie palace that also played host to vaudeville and Big Band shows from legends such as Al Jolson, Kate Smith, Jerry Lewis, and the Guy Lombardo Orchestra. Since reopening as a non-profit organization in 2004, the theatre has hosted artists as diverse as Tony Bennett, Louis CK, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Ringo Starr, Yes, Jerry Seinfeld, Victor Manuelle, Jay Leno, Liza Minnelli, The Jonas Brothers, Cheap Trick, Carol Burnett, Kenny Rogers, and Joan Rivers, among others. For more information, visit www.stgeorgetheatre.com