The ONU Holiday Spectacular is a seasonal performance you can watch year after year and remains timeless. A combination of vibrant visuals and festive Christmas carols brings lasting holiday memories to audiences of all ages.
Ohio Northern University first produced the beloved holiday show in 1995, and the production continued annually all but one year during the coronavirus pandemic. Almost 9,000 tickets are sold among the eight shows taking place between the Lima Civic Center and Freed Center for the Performing Arts, according to John Sebestyen, associate professor of theatre arts
A unique opportunity presented itself to the cast and crew of The ONU Holiday Spectacular this year, for there was an entirely new creative team behind the production. The director, choreographer, and music director stepped into their new roles for the first time.
Sebestyen served as director after two years of producing the show. He and the team took great care to preserve the integrity of the show’s 30 year legacy as they navigated the new leadership roles.
“…We really were looking at approaching this year as stewards of a production that had such a history and legacy,” said Sebestyen, “sort of keeping the tradition alive and celebrating the ongoing partnership between ONU and Kewpee Hamburgers, who helped to sponsor the production, so that it felt like the big, festive holiday celebration that it always has been.”
Such “holiday celebrations” cannot be pulled off without a community of friends and family participating in the Christmas joy. The enthusiasm of the audience. Sebestyen noted how the enthusiasm of the community is what makes the show so meaningful.
“That’s such an important feature of the show. It is what makes the show so unique, that it is really special that it is such a part of a holiday tradition for so many people in the Northwest Ohio area … It can be something that families can do together in the weeks leading up to Christmas …” – John Sebestyen
The ONU Holiday Spectacular represents something different to each audience and cast member. Perhaps the show marks the beginning of the holiday season for a local family, or maybe it is a holiday tradition kids look forward to each year.
This year’s production had special meaning for senior musical theater student Madisen Schenk, who had her time to shine as a lead cast member, Trixel, after two years of being an understudy. Earning the role as Trixel was “an absolute dream come true” and showcased Schenk’s powerful vocals and acting abilities.
“Being able to sing the song Where Are You Christmas and have a truly emotional moment onstage was wonderful,” wrote Schenk. “The amazing thing about Trixel is that she is also so goofy as well. You really get to explore both sides of the emotional spectrum … It felt like a culmination of three years of work finally came to fruition and it was just so rewarding.”
Schenk’s sentiments were in tandem with Sebestyen, also noting the impact of an engaged audience. She values their responsiveness during the show and the little moments that take place afterwards with Santa Claus and other cast members.
“By far the most rewarding part of being cast this year is the ability to connect with the audience directly,” reflected Schenk. “… The way the kids just light up when they see Santa or the other characters just made my whole day. They would bring us gifts, and want to chat with us. I had some people who had been coming to the show for the entire 30 years come up to me and it really is such an amazing legacy.”
“I feel so fortunate to have gotten this opportunity and I hope I was able to spread some joy and light especially when life can be really difficult and dark sometimes.” – Madisen Schenk
The ONU Holiday Spectacular has made its mark on the Ada and Lima communities for 30 years. As the cast, crew, and creative team evolve, the legacy of the cherished Christmas performance remains one of festivity and joy.
The 30th anniversary of the ONU Holiday Spectacular has left its mark on the cast, crew, and audience of the performance this Christmas season (Northern Review Photos/Evelyn Megery)