Lakewood Theatre ushers in the holidays with Mark Thomas' HELLO, CHRISTMAS!

Amid all the hoopla of the approaching holiday season, Lakewood Theatre Company promises that Hello Christmas! An Evening in December with Mark J Thomas and Friends is the perfect show to inspire the holiday mood.

"It is part Trans-Siberian Orchestra, part Radio City Music Spectacular, and part Bing Crosby Christmas special, with comedy and original music to celebrate the season," promises producer Asa Ambrister.

Directed and hosted by performer/composer Mark J Thomas, the production features The Lakewood Youth Choir, along with guest stars Diana Pelham, Deanna Loveland, and Steve Goodie, host of Bluebird Cafe Writers Night. The show is a special grant project funded by The Tennessee Arts Commission and with season funding from The Metro Nashville Arts Commission.

Thomas has an extensive background in music education, songwriting and theatre. He wrote the lyrics and composed the score for an original musical based on the popular book Come Sing, Jimmy Jo, and directed the Tennessee stage debut of the production. Performing credits include The Bluebird Cafe, Opryland, Dreamworks, HBO, PBS, Nashville Opera, Actors Theatre of Louisville, and Kentucky Opera. As an actor, he has been seen in productions at Amun Ra Theatre, Darkhorse Theatre, Circle Players and Encore Theatre Company.

Hello Christmas! runs only two weeks, with performances offered Thursdays-Sundays December 2-12. The Thursday December 9 show is sold out. Tickets are $12 ($10 for seniors and students), and reservations are recommended by calling (615) 847-0934. This will be the final production in Lakewood Theatre Company's 30th anniversary season.

Lakewood Theatre is located on 2211 Old Hickory Boulevard in Old Hickory. Visit www.lakewoodtheatre.com for information about the theater's upcoming 2011 season.