The 2017 Christmas Show: An Exclusive Interview with Santa Claus!
Since the beginning of October, rehearsals have been underway for The 2017 Christmas Show: Home for the Holidays. With opening night fast-approaching, both cast members and patrons are excited for the show!
We had the opportunity to sit down with Santa, who has a guest starring role in this year’s show, for a very exclusive interview. Between Christmas preparations and rehearsals, he’s our busiest and most elusive cast member.
In the short time he had available, Santa shared his excitement about the upcoming show and provided some great insight.
How did you get involved with American Music Theatre’s Christmas Show?
I’ve been involved with the Christmas Show at AMT for 20 years now. It’s been a fun and rewarding experience for me, and another way to spread joy during the Christmas season. So, when AMT announced this year’s show and left a message with my Elves to see if I’d like to participate again, I jumped at the chance!
My first contact with American Music Theatre began many years ago with a Dear Santa letter. AMT cast members and crew, and even their children, had signed the letter wishing for me to appear in their very first Christmas Show in 1997. I talked it over with Mrs. Claus and the Elves and we all agreed that it was too good to pass up. It was such a great experience that I’ve stayed involved ever since!
How do you have time to take part in over 80 shows so close to Christmas?
Since this is such a great opportunity to spread joy, cheer, and the spirit of Christmas, Mrs. Claus and the Elves work extra hard when I’m at the theatre. Thanks to technology – and a little Christmas magic – we stay in touch to keep Christmas preparations running smoothly.
There are certainly many more presents to make now than there were 20, or even 10 years ago! Our Elves are proud of their craft, and still make every toy by hand! But, by mixing magic with technology, we’ve made getting the right parts to them at the right time easier and more efficient.
What is your favorite part of the show?
Oh, that’s a tough one! There are so many great things about the show, like the wonderful music! There are so many talented singers, dancers, and musicians that really complement the Christmas carols – and the costumes and lighting are phenomenal! I don’t want to give away any show secrets, but I’d have to say my favorite part is when the children of the family dream about being in Santa’s Candy Factory!
What do you think the audience will love the most about the show?
With so much fun and joy on the stage, I think the audience will love the warm feelings they have throughout the show and afterward. We’re celebrating a lot of favorites – traditions, songs, and family. Watching Home for the Holidays will remind folks of heartfelt memories with family and friends. I think that will be the audience’s favorite part. Plus, the music is fantastic – they just might find themselves singing along!
With a heavy performance schedule, plus Christmas preparations, will you have enough energy to make it around the world on Christmas Eve?
Absolutely! Mrs. Claus makes sure that I take care of myself all year long, and especially during the Christmas season. I’ll be in tip-top shape for Christmas Eve deliveries. Not to mention, I’ll get plenty of energy boosts from milk and cookies throughout the night. All it takes is a little Christmas magic!
What is your favorite thing about the Christmas season?
The general feeling of goodwill, often referred to as the Christmas Spirit, is my favorite thing about the Christmas season. It’s heartwarming to see so much good happen at one time. So many people are willing to give to help others and that “gift of giving” is contagious. Plus, I get to deliver presents that bring plenty of joy and cheer to people all over the world. There is no better feeling than being the reason for someone’s smile.
We had a lot more questions we wanted to ask Santa, but being on a tight schedule, he had to get back to the North Pole and check on things before the next rehearsal.
Don’t miss your chance to see Santa Claus in person during The 2017 Christmas Show: Home for the Holidays, on stage November 1 through December 30.
Contact us at (800) 648-4102 or click here to reserve your tickets today!