SAXTONS RIVER — Main Street Arts' 17th annual “holiday gift to the community” will take place on Dec. 19 and 20 when it performs Holidays at MSA in its new Heptebo Theater at 35 Main St.
Among the performers will be songwriter Nick Kaiser; The Main Street Arts Children's Choir, led by Valerie Kosednar; the Adult Choir led by Eric Robinson; plus additional songs, dramatic readings, and a couple of surprises.
All are invited. Admission is free although donations are gratefully accepted.
According to Main Street Arts founder Mary Hepburn, Main Street Arts's annual tradition began in the form of a show called “Turn the Seasons Round.” Inspired by Yuletide “Holiday Revels” programs, the show drew from early Christian, pagan, and Jewish traditions to invoke themes of peace and fellowship while chasing away the darkness with readings, comedy skits, and songs.
More recent programs have incorporated a mix of modern as well as traditional themes and music including traditional Native American stories, Hebrew songs such as “Hine Ma Tov” and holiday tunes from the American Songbook.
MSA Co-Chair Gina Cote said, “Main Street Arts is first and foremost a community institution. Programs such as our holiday shows are an essential part of who we are, right along with our other shows, lectures, performances, after school programs, and camps, not to mention all our art, movement, music, and theater classes.”