Christmas Spectacular sparkles on stage

Thomas Road proudly puts on 42nd round of Christmas-themed show that have become a holiday tradition

Yes, Virginia — People routinely travel from all over the East Coast to see the Virginia Christmas Spectacular, now in its 42nd year at Thomas Road Baptist Church. Photo credit: Nathan Rohrer

Virginia Christmas Spectacular has begun, and this year’s production offers a unique Christmas story for people of all ages.

According to Lorie March, the director of the Virginia Christmas Spectacular, the production will feature almost 400 people including the cast, dancers, choir and orchestra.

“It’s like a ‘Newsies’ Christmas. It’s a fun story called ‘Yes, Virginia … A Christmas Letter,’” Marsh said.

Marsh said that this year’s production is based on a real event in 1898 when a young girl named Virginia writes a letter to the editor of The New York Sun newspaper.

“In our story, Virginia writes the letter asking the editor to tell the true story of Christmas in the newspaper so her unbelieving father will read it and believe,” Marsh said. “The editor assigns the Christmas morning special feature story to the Chief Investigative Reporter, Henry. Virginia and her friends take Henry to discover the who, what, where, when and why of the Christmas story.”

The investigation into the meaning of Christmas provides the opportunity for an array of dance numbers accompanied with Christmas music in the retelling of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Christmas spirit — Liberty students and members of Thomas Road Baptist Church participate in the annual Virginia Christmas Spectacular. Photo credit: Nathan Rohrer

“The Virginia Christmas Spectacular is a holiday tradition at Thomas Road (Baptist Church) that has been loved and enjoyed over the past 42 years,” executive director of the production Charles Billingsley said. “This year will be no exception as we usher in the most wonderful time of year with a Broadway-style production set in the 1800s.”

The dedication and passion of the Virginia Christmas Spectacular team can be seen by the quality of their performances.

“It has been challenging because the production is a monumental undertaking that happens every year at Thomas Road Baptist Church,” choreographer of the production Rena Lindevaldsen said. “It has been an incredible joy to work with such an incredibly dedicated and talented cast, crew and production team. We are a body of believers using our unique talents to bring Christ’s message to others in the community.”

Marsh said that she believes the story fits with the Christmas season perfectly.

“The story is fun and entertaining, and the message is clear and powerful,” Marsh said. “There is just something festive and nostalgic about a story set in the Victorian Era. I think this year’s production has something for everyone.”

For more information on the Virginia Christmas Spectacular and how you can purchase tickets, visit virginiachristmasspectacular.com or call 888-244-2178.

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