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The rollicking holiday musical revue “Jingle Bell Rock” comes to the Nampa Civic Center for two shows at 4 and 8 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 28.
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Dan Lea
dlea@idahopress.com
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009

NAMPA — Before you trim that tree or plunge into the mad holiday shopping rush, get yourself in the Christmas mood with the rollicking, high-energy music, dance and comedy revue "Jingle Bell Rock" Saturday at the Nampa Civic Center.

"Jingle Bell Rock" is a new family holiday event that features eight multi-talented singer/performers and a live band that put a contemporary spin on classic yuletide tunes. The two Saturday performances are part of the Civic Center's Performing Arts Series.

"The show is Christmas music from beginning to end," raves director and choreographer Andy Ferrara who teamed with co-producer Dave Wolowic to create the revue. "Besides all the familiar classics that everybody knows, we've blended in some modern holiday songs from artists like Jessica Simpson, Bono and the Brian Setzer Orchestra."

"It's a Christmas concert with a twist," Ferrara said. "We've got all new arrangements, a sing-along and even a rhythmic version of 'Sleigh Ride.' One of my favorites is when we mesh 'Jingle Bells' and 'Silver Bells' into one big song."

"Our show is something audiences have never seen before," Ferrara added. "It's filled with bright, colorful costumes, upbeat holiday music, loads of energy and a festive atmosphere. It's very fast paced and entertaining, like a television Christmas special coming to life right in front of you."

In addition to the talented vocal ensemble, audience members will be entertained by improv comedy from Frank Maciel.

"We've got our own two minute improv version of 'It's A Wonderful Life' and a recreation of 'A Christmas Carol' where Frank gets the audience involved," Ferrara noted.

Ferrara said "Jingle Bell Rock" came about when he and Wolowic were approached to create a Christmas show that was hip and cool, but also family friendly.

"Like Saturday Night Live has lots of comedy and a little music, we have lots of upbeat music and a little bit of comedy," Ferrara said.

Saturday's performances include standards like "White Christmas," "Baby It's Cold Outside," and "I'll Be Home For Christmas," along with fun numbers like "Run, Rudolph, Run," "Dig That Crazy Santa Claus," and "Suzy Snowflake."

Revue is a musical gift from performer

One of the musical troupe's featured soloists is Cassandra Marie Nuss, a veteran of live theatre and stage performance. She's a graduate of Wichita State University in theatre performance and dance. Her theatre credits include Cabaret, Godspell and Little Women: The Musical. She's one of three females in the eight-member ensemble.

"I love performing on stage," Nuss said. "There's nothing like it ... the thrill of having that energy go back and forth with the crowd. It's so much fun especially because I love Christmas. I know that sounds corny, but I do, and this gives me a chance to sing so many songs near and dear to me.

"What I like about 'Jingle Bell Rock' is we get to do all these songs in this fun, contemporary setting with all this rock music," Nuss added.

Nuss is also thrilled to have the opportunity to perform Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas" as her solo.

"It's a song I never thought I'd have a chance to sing, and I really get to rock out! It's really right for me."

She also looks forward to the swing-dance number, "Run, Run, Rudolph."