PALM COAST, Fla. – The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center is alive with the holiday spirit this December, tapping into every age group and demographic with shows that bring the magic of the holidays centerstage.
Nostalgia Takes the Spotlight with The Nelsons
It was a multi-generational treat for audiences in attendance at the Ozzie and Harriet Christmas with The Nelsons.
As told by the famous couple’s grandson’s Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, those old enough to remember watching The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet walked down memory lane while Ricky Nelson fans soaked up the home movies and sweet moment his twin sons shared a duet with the rockabilly icon.
Introducing the next generation to the twins, Dimitra Celentano and Sarah Ramos enjoyed the flashback video of the MTV days when the show’s stars dominated the airwaves.
“I thought it was fantastic. I’m so excited to know and meet the Nelsons. My parents got to watch Ozzie and Harriet and they would tell me about it, so, it was great that they were here in Palm Coast and that it was just around the corner. It was really a great time,” said Celentano.
“I loved the show. It was really good how they did history, and then they did the music, and the three generations,” added Ramos. “It was so fun to see the olden times, and the history with them. I enjoyed it.”
Erica Scifo and her group of six got a history lesson, but were most enthusiastic about the reason for the season.
“Oh my gosh it was absolutely incredible. We didn’t even know who Ozzie and Harriet were,” she said. “But we knew the Nelsons so we were actually very blessed. And they used a lot of Jesus in the message and that’s the real meaning of Christmas so thank you Jesus, I’m so glad they did that.”
Continuing a Legacy
There’s nothing more special here in Flagler than tradition and as the director of the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, Amelia Fulmer has been a part of building the tradition along with keeping it alive.
A favorite of longtime director Lisa McDevitt was celebrating the holiday season with a Holiday Extravaganza including Flagler Palm Coast High School’s choral and band performers. Taking the stage on Tuesday evening, it was a full house for The Formality Singers and the Flagler Palm Coast High School Band’s Holiday Extravaganza performance.
“We’re always excited about this day because we have the chorus and the band,” said Fulmer.
“This is when our ability to put on a show really shines. We can mic the entire chorus to be heard over the entire band, which is unusual for a high school. It’s a very professional, kind of Mormon Tabernacle Choir performance so that you actually get to hear the singers and the hear band. It’s the favorite and we have some great Christmas music for everybody to enjoy.”
“It brings back a lot of memories because I was the chorus teacher for so many years,” she said with pride. “That was something that Mr. Seth and I started as a tradition, bringing the Holiday Extravaganza with my dear friend Lisa McDevitt who wanted to have a big show with all of us in it.”
The Exclusive: Only Christmas Show in Florida
They may be headed to a couple of other places later in the month to do their regular show, but for one night only, fan favorite The Bronx Wanderers will be right here at The Fitz performing their Christmas show on December 12.
Flying them in from Las Vegas to do the special show, Fulmer says The Fitz has the exclusive on their holiday show in Florida.
“You can only see this show in Las Vegas,” shared Fulmer. “What they’re doing, five of our band students have been working really hard and they’re playing in the concert with them. A lot of us have seen The Bronx Wanderers show many times and we love it, but this is going to be a different show, one you can only see if you go to Vegas during Christmas time.”
One Night in Killarney
Closing out the holiday round up, it’s a look at the lore behind some of our most beloved holiday traditions as the Irish holiday performance seamlessly weaves traditional Irish tunes, holiday classics, and stunning choreography together for memorable evening.
According to the group’s director, “This performance will be a tribute to the warmth and magic of the Christmas season in Killarney. Through music and storytelling, we aim to transport the audience into the heart of our town’s Christmas spirit, where tradition meets celebration.”
Fulmer hopes families will be encouraged to bring children in to experience the international delight with $5 tickets for all youth under 18.
“It’s a Broadway type show and you can buy the $5 tickets on line,” said Fulmer.
“The whole show is about how many of our Christmas traditions started as Irish traditions. So they tell that story all the way through it, and they tell it through song and dance.”
FREE TICKET EVENT: Don’t forget the Navy Band Southeast makes a two-show appearance on December 14, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. This is a free, ticketed show. For details call the box office at 386-437-7547.
