SALAMANCA — The annual musical show named after Salamanca native Ray Evans’ famous song is back again as a family-friendly community event where audiences can see neighbors, family or fellow community members on stage performing to holiday favorites.
Two showings of the Silver Bells Enchante’ Cabaret Christmas show are scheduled for 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at Ray Evans Seneca Theater, presented by the Cattaraugus Community Living Arts Association.
“There’s a variety of things for people to come out and watch,” said Todd Wagner, director of the show and a member of Enchante’ Cabaret. “It will definitely get you in the spirit.”
This year, the annual Silver Bells show includes the Enchante’ Cabaret production of “All She Wants for Christmas,” featuring Salamanca’s Brittney Morton.
In “All She Wants for Christmas,” Mrs. Claus is home with the elves on Christmas Eve awaiting the return of Santa. While baking her famous cookies, she reminisces about all of the things that make this season her favorite, especially the music.
As Mrs. Claus gives the audience the ins and outs of all the daily operations of Santa’s workshop, all of the holiday cheer is quickly put aside as Santa is caught in a terrible winter storm threatening his return home!
The 15-person show is packed with many classic holiday songs and a few Broadway hits, too. Besides Mrs. Claus’ story, audiences can see nine specialty acts performed in between narrative to continue Silver Bells’ tradition as a variety show.
“Of the people that are in it, there are a lot of local talent,” said Wagner. “Everything is mostly Christmas based. You’re going to get a variety of things from singing to telling jokes, acting and even tap dancing!”
A majority of the performances will done with pre-recorded music, but Wagner said some acts will have their own live music playing on piano.
Although the show is about two hours long, refreshments, including Christmas cookies, will be available during an intermission.
There have not been many major improvements to the building itself, but the Living Arts Association’s board has been busy trying to maintain and organize it, according to board member Janette McClure.
“Hopefully in the next year we will be able to obtain some funding that will allow us to tackle more improvement projects,” McClure said. “The studio upstairs is cleared and in usable condition now and just housed the Dreamcatcher Theatre Workshop’s first semester of classes.”
Wagner said the Living Arts Association has been helpful during preparations for the show, allowing performers to use the theater for practice and helping to get the word out about the show times.
A collaboration between Wagner and Living Arts Association will continue in the new year with a production of the 1968 Broadway musical “Hair.” Performances are scheduled for February.
The Silver Bells Enchante’ Cabaret Christmas show is scheduled for two performances at 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 4 at Ray Evans Seneca Theater on Main Street. Tickets are $5 at the door.
