Fredericksburg’s Umbiance Center for the Performing Arts studio is setting the stage for a holiday of epic proportions with their brand new, full-scale production “A Jingle Jangle Christmas”, premiering later this month.
This isn’t your average holiday recital. Founder Kay Harris describes the performance as being in the same caliber as hits like “Hamilton” or “The Lion King”. “This is a full-fledged singing, acting, and dancing production with a Christmas twist,” Harris said.
The inspiration comes from the 2020 film “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey,” which Umbiance has adapted for the stage. The production weaves together Christmas magic, science and a story of coming together with a cast of more than 200 performers ranging in age from 5 to 50.
Putting together a show of this magnitude is no small feat. Harris cites two hurdles: managing the sheer size of the cast and the complexity of the costuming. The production required creating costumes in an Afro-Victorian style for all of the performers.
Despite the challenges, the creative payoff has been immense. When asked for a favorite piece, Harris points to a number called. ‘Borrow Indefinitely.”
“It’s about a little doll that comes to life and wants to take over the toy shop,” she explained. The scene features performer Izzy Berge comically “slapping around the shop apprentice” in the process.
Umbiance is looking forward to sharing this new holiday story with the area.
“We’re just excited about sharing this with the community,” Harris said. The show is a magical story that families, children, and any community member looking for some holiday cheer will enjoy, she said.
You have two opportunities to see the show: Sat., Dec. 20 and Sun., Dec. 21 at 3:30 p.m. at James Monroe High School. Tickets, $37.75 w/ discounts, are on sale now at www.umbiancedance.com.
