Music and dance will soon fill the Historic Roxy Theatre with Christmas cheer once again, with an engaging story suitable for all ages in an event many in the community look forward to participating in or watching each year.

Now in its third year, “The Roxy’s Christmas Spectacular” is a Broadway-style musical featuring a cast of elementary, high school and college students, along with other adults, performing to many Christmas classics. This year’s production features 12 musical numbers. Santa and Mrs. Claus are among the many characters who will take the stage as part of the nearly-hundred-member cast.

The story centers on Fred, a mischievous elf who accidentally boards the North Pole Express that travels from city to city.

Each scene will feature a different location as Fred gets involved with each city’s holiday celebration through dancing, singing and comedy.

“As an elf, Fred has always believed Christmas was all about Santa; however, in the end, he learns about the real reason for the season,” explained production coordinator and director Hillary Malone Hall, who also wrote the story.

Hall said each year brings a “whole new show,” noting while there are some familiar parts, audiences should expect new characters and scenes as well.

“This year will have a lot of new costumes and characters,” added Susie Malone, president of the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council, which oversees the Roxy. “Ticket sales are going really well. We had to add four school shows to accommodate requests.”

Gunner Lane is reprising his role as train conductor, Gaspar, and this year features a new Fred the Elf, Zy Traywick.

“I love seeing the kids’ faces when they light up,” said Lane. “When they see all these big things happening – it’s really special to see their reactions.”

Traywick performed at the Roxy in the spring production, “Salute to Broadway.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing all the little kids laugh and have fun,” he said. “I’m excited to see everything unfold.”

AnnaFaye Prince also has a lead role, which Hall said audiences will have to wait until showtime to discover, so as not to spoil the show.

“Seeing Christmas through the eyes of the children makes it all worthwhile,” added Hall. “It’s always a fun time for everyone, and we can’t wait to share the excitement with our audiences.”

“We greatly appreciate the community’s support,” Malone added. “We’re so grateful to have the Roxy as a venue to showcase our local talent. This production is sure to get you singing and in the Christmas spirit.”

Showtimes are Dec. 8 at 7 p.m., Dec. 9 at 7 p.m., Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available for purchase on Sundays at the Historic Roxy Theatre from 2-4 p.m. or through a link on The Roxy’s Christmas Spectacular Facebook page. For questions, call 256-332-3175.

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR 2022 CAST

• Madelyn Adkins
• Jade Applestot
• Allyson Bray
• Bryant Britton
• Nicole Britton
• Angie Burcham
• Acie Cannon
• Ariel Cothrum
• Willodean Davis
• Alanis Durrett
• Lynlee Eubanks
• Jaston Franks
• Christopher Fretwell
• Haven Fretwell
• Crimson Garrison
• Elsie Kaye Greenhill
• Tyde Greenhill
• Hadley Grimes
• McKelvey Grimes
• Simmie Grace Grimes
• Khloe Guidry
• Cameron Hall
• Catherine Hall
• Khaliah Hall
• Sarah Jane Hattaway
• Addisyn Hatton
• Alivia Headlee
• Kayden Headlee
• Lorie Herndon
• Aubree Hyde
• Nicole Jackson
• LaManda Johnson
• Cooper Kennedy
• Abigail King
• Dustan King
• Hannah King
• Miles King
• Noah King
• Delilah Landers
• Gunner Lane
• Aleya Lane
• Jase Lane
• Josh Lopez
• Kyli Mather
• Tori Mather
• Keylee Mayfield
• River Mayfield
• Matt McDuffa
• Aspen Misner
• Brayden Moore
• Rylan Moore
• Elizabeth Motes
• Olivia Motes
• Amanda Mouser
• Eli Mouser
• Ella Mouser
• Maddie Mouser
• Mason Murphy
• Kandi Parker
• Madi Parker
• Cadence Pennington
• Madison Pennington
• Tinsley Pierce
• Jayna Poss
• Aaliyah Prince
• AnnaFaye Prince
• Arlee Roberts
• Addy Ruiz
• Jacelyn Ruiz
• Micco Jay Selosa
• Lora Smith
• Teresa Smith
• Faith South
• Chase Sparks
• Lilly Tanner
• Madison Taylor
• Daylee Grace Trapp
• Zy Traywick
• Chandler Trotter
• Sandy Trotter
• Kaleigh Tutich
• Mac Vandiver
• Mazie Vandiver
• Kennedy Watkins
• Harper Welborn
• Macey Welborn
• Avery Wells
• Brent Wells
• Brodie Wells
• Samantha Wilson
• Anne Tyler Zills