NMSU Theatre continues streaming of ‘Stay Home For the Holidays: A Holiday Cabaret’

The New Mexico State University Theatre Department continues its production of “Stay Home For The Holidays: A Holiday Cabaret” through Sunday, Dec. 6.

The show, directed by musical theatre visiting instructor Lisa K. Hermanson, is “a combination of song and story (that) not only features classic holiday songs you know and love, but also shares holiday memories of real people in real places,” the NMSU Theatre Department said.

Featuring nearly two dozen original, true stories, “Stay Home For The Holidays” is a celebration of community, memories and what makes the holidays truly special – even apart, the department said.

“Working on this show was such a unique challenge,” Hermanson said. “In writing the script, I knew right away that I wanted to include as many stories of the holidays as possible, not just my own. We reached out to the NMSU community and the Las Cruces community to gather stories of special holiday memories, and were able to incorporate nearly two dozen personal, word-for-word experiences that people shared with us. These stories, combined with a selection of holiday songs both upbeat and passionate, gave us this heartwarming show. I’m so excited for the community to see it.

“I’m also truly humbled by how much we learned during this process,” Hermanson said. “Making theatre during a pandemic is an ever-shifting target, and I’m grateful for what we’ve achieved this time and already looking forward to the next one (which is Broadway on Stage, premiering late February/early March). So glad we still get to do theatre during a pandemic – and so very proud of our students, fellow faculty and community members for continuing to reach out and make art together.”

“Stay Home For The Holidays” streams at 7 p.m. every evening, Wednesday, Dec. 2-Sunday, Dec. 6 on You Tube. The show runs approximately 45 minutes.

“The department is excited to have the team of Lisa Hermanson and Christa Fredrickson that brought you last year's Broadway Onstage collaborating once again to bring some holiday cheer into your home,” said NMSU Theatre Department Head Wil Kilroy. “This was a unique process that was done with all COVID-19 protocol being observed in order to keep everyone healthy and safe. I'm very proud of our students and faculty for both the responsibility they've shown for everyone's health and the amazing creativity that's resulted in an uplifting homage to the holiday season.

Tickets are $10 for cash or check and $12 by credit card.

Call 575-646-5122 for tickets or buy them online at https://theatre.nmsu.edu/stay-home-for-the-holidays-a-holiday-cabaret.

“Stay Home For the Holidays: A Holiday Cabaret”

Songs and vocalists

“Candy Cane Lane”: Dominique Gomez, Alycia Herrera, Kaylee Rogers, Caitlin Skibyak, Reagan Szulc, Peyton Womble

“Baby It’s Cold Outside”: Dominique Gomez, Riley Merritt

“I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas”: Joshua Jackson

“Let It Snow”: Hugo de Billie V

“River”: Kamryn Neill

“I Miss You Most At Christmastime”: Peyton Womble

“O Holy Night”: Brianna Horvath

“No Place Like Home For The Holidays”: Full company

Cast and crew

Written by Lisa K. Hermanson

Directed by Lisa Hermanson and Christa Fredrickson

Cast:  Imani Caldwell, Victoria Cox, Hugo de Billie V, Dominique Gomez, Alycia Herrera, Brianna Horvath,

Joshua Jackson, Riley Merritt, Kamryn Neill, Aliyah “Jet” Parnell, Kaylee Rogers, Caitlin Skibyak, Reagan Szulc, Peyton Womble

Additional story contributors:  In addition to memories shared by the cast, the NMSU Theatre Department thanked thse story contributors for sharing their personal and favorite holiday memories:

Roseanne Bensley, Sarah Cerra, Barbara Chamberlin, Nancy Hastings, Wil Kilroy, Marcella Shelby, William Storm, Rhianna Thomas

Vocal recording and mixing: Mark Klett

Video editing: Marissa Prentice and the Centennial High School Film and Media Department