(KNSI) – The holiday spirit is truly coming alive at the historic Paramount Theatre situated in the heart of downtown St. Cloud, where a series of festive performances is set to delight audiences this December.
This month’s highlight is the enchanting “Stroia Dance Presents The Nutcracker.” This beloved classic ballet unfolds with a captivating story that begins when a kind-hearted man surprises his goddaughter with a magical Nutcracker toy. As the clock strikes twelve, a mesmerizing battle ensues between the valiant Nutcracker and the wicked Queen Mouse, along with her mischievous army of mice. Audiences can experience this spellbinding performance on December 13th, 14th, and 15th, with tickets ranging from $17 to $24.
On Monday, December 16th, the renowned jazz band, The George Maurer Group, will grace the stage with a vibrant performance designed to entertain guests and fill the theatre with joyous sounds. Tickets for this engaging show are priced between $10 and $15.
From December 19th to the 23rd, the highly anticipated Rock & Roll Xmas Spectacular will return for its 20th anniversary. This dazzling celebration features an all-star ensemble of musicians who will rock out to a medley of holiday classics, including “Silent Night,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Jingle Bells,” and “The Little Drummer Boy,” among others. Tickets for this unforgettable concert are available from $35 to $39.
Another festive highlight is the production of One Christmas Night in Memphis. Picture the legendary greats Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, and Jerry Lee Lewis gathered in a cozy setting, harmonizing their iconic hits alongside beloved holiday favorites such as “Jingle Bell Rock,” “White Christmas,” “Run, Run, Rudolph,” and “Blue Christmas.” This vibrant concert will be performed live with an authentic rockabilly band, and tickets will range from $10 to $39.
As the year comes to a close, Shaun Johnson & The Big Band Experience will take the stage on December 29th, featuring the talented lead singer of the award-winning group Tonic-Sol-fa. He will serenade the audience with classic Christmas tunes, ensuring a festive farewell to 2023.
Finally, Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos will wrap up the holiday festivities with two energetic shows that promise to entertain and engage audiences. Tickets for this dynamic experience are priced between $35 and $37.
For tickets to any of the upcoming festivities, click here.
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**Interview with Emily Johnson, Director of Stroia Dance Studios**
**Interviewer:** Emily, it’s great to have you with us today! The Nutcracker is a beloved holiday classic. Can you share what makes this year’s performance special at the Paramount Theatre?
**Emily Johnson:** Thank you for having me! This year’s performance of “The Nutcracker” is particularly special because we have an incredible cast of talented dancers, many of whom have been training rigorously for this role. We’ve also incorporated some new choreography to keep the classic story fresh and exciting for our audience.
**Interviewer:** That sounds wonderful! The Nutcracker features a magical story that’s filled with memorable characters. What can attendees expect in terms of the production elements, like costumes and set design?
**Emily Johnson:** Our production team has been hard at work creating a stunning visual experience. The costumes are beautifully designed to reflect the whimsy of the story, and the set captures the enchanting world of the Nutcracker. We want our audience to feel as though they’ve stepped into a fairy tale.
**Interviewer:** It really sounds captivating! Could you tell us more about the ticket options and pricing for the show?
**Emily Johnson:** Absolutely! We have various pricing tiers to make it accessible for everyone. Main floor tickets are $24, while front and side balconies are $22, and the upper balcony is $21. We also have a special price of $17 for children aged 12 and under across all sections. Plus, for larger groups of 20 or more, tickets are reduced to $21. There is a processing fee of $3.50 per ticket as well.
**Interviewer:** With performances on December 13th, 14th, and 15th, it sounds like a festive way to kick off the holiday season. Lastly, any advice for first-time attendees on what to look forward to during the performance?
**Emily Johnson:** The Nutcracker is such a magical experience, especially for first-timers. I encourage everyone to immerse themselves in the music, the dancing, and the wonder of it all. This is a chance to escape into another world, so come prepared to be enchanted!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Emily! We can’t wait for the performances to begin.
**Emily Johnson:** Thank you! We look forward to seeing everyone there!
