By Walter M. Mayes, Artistic Director

South Bay Musical Theatre is thrilled to unwrap something truly special this season: Let It Show: A Broadway Holiday Celebration. As Artistic Director, I have long imagined bringing a warm, inviting December tradition to the Saratoga Civic Theater that celebrates community, showcases remarkable local talent, and ushers in the magic of the holidays without feeling like a children’s pageant. This year, that dream becomes reality.

Let It Show illustrationI am delighted to have created this new concert with one of my favorite collaborators, pianist and Music Director Bob Sunshine. Bob and I spent months digging through the rich songbooks of Broadway and Hollywood, searching for numbers that evoke the shimmer, nostalgia, humor, and heart of the season. The result is a curated collection of winter and holiday themed songs drawn from beloved musicals and films, some familiar and some delightfully surprising, all arranged to highlight the extraordinary voices of our cast.

And what a cast it is. We have assembled a company of gifted singers and musicians whose artistry brings new dimension to the songs you know, and fresh radiance to the ones you may not. These performers capture the warmth, wit, and wonder of the holidays while delivering the polished musical theatre storytelling SBMT audiences have come to expect.

Although Let It Show is designed to appeal to adults and families alike, it is not a children’s show. Think of it instead as a festive concert wrapped in the sophistication of Broadway. Still, we have not forgotten the joy of community traditions. Audiences can look forward to a sing along moment that invites everyone to raise their voices together, as well as a cheerful appearance by Santa Claus himself. It is a blend of heart and fun we hope will delight audiences of all ages.

We envision Let It Show becoming a cornerstone of December at SBMT, an annual gathering that welcomes newcomers, invites past performers back to the stage, and gives longtime patrons yet another way to celebrate with us. Our hope is that this concert becomes something the community looks forward to year after year.

We cannot wait to share this brand new holiday experience with you. Join us at the Saratoga Civic Theater for a night of music, memories, and merriment, and help us begin a tradition that will shine for seasons to come. With the Sunday, Dec. 21 matinee almost sold out, we’ve added an additional matinee on Saturday, Dec. 20. Get your tickets now.

Thank you for helping us keep musical theatre alive and well in the South Bay. We truly could not do this without you and we are grateful beyond measure.