Parker’s Performance Playbook – Holiday Music

Parker Nelson • December 2, 2024

Happy December, Encore family! Our Season of Courage has just begun, and next on stage is Jingle Bell Jam! If you haven’t heard, Jingle Bell Jam is the first show of its kind here at Encore. It’s a revue – a fast-paced, fun-filled theatrical form that’s all about showcasing a collection of songs, sketches, and vignettes. It’s the perfect format for our holiday show Jingle Bell Jam, where the spirit of the season comes to life in dazzling musical numbers, heartwarming moments, and a whole lot of holiday cheer!

Reindeer Games photo by Cindy Kane

Something about this time of year has always made us want to sing. You may hear familiar tunes like “Winter Wonderland” during Jingle Bell Jam, but another song that helps us understand the legacy of singing through the season is “White Christmas.” It was originally written for the musical film “Holiday Inn” and then was featured in another film titled “White Christmas.” The song is written by Irving Berlin, a popular composer in the first half of the 1900’s. The song is noted to be one of the first successful secular (non-religious) Christmas songs. Lyrics like “may your days be merry and bright” help to illustrate the warm comfort of Christmas time, compared to the snowy weather where “treetops glisten.” 

A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol photo by Cindy Kane

“White Christmas” is the most recorded Christmas song ever, with over 500 renditions in multiple languages. Something about the song unites us across cultures; no matter what holiday you celebrate in this season, or even if you don’t celebrate at all, we hope your December is merry and bright!

I know we’ve already had our first taste of snow here in the Arlington area, but if you are looking for a little more holiday cheer, be sure to grab your tickets for Jingle Bell Jam! 

Location: Gunston Arts Center – Theatre Two (2700 S. Lang St. Arlington, VA 22206)

Performance Dates and Showtimes:
Friday, December 6, 2024 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 3:00 pm This performance will have ASL Access provided by GoodSigns.
Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 3:00 pm
Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 3:00 pm

Tickets: $15 for Adults, $12 for Children, Students, Military and Seniors (ticket fees included). Group rate of $10 for a group of 10 or more.

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