Bemidji Community Theater Hosting ‘Spirit of Christmas’ Variety Show

This Friday and Saturday, the Bemidji Community Theater is putting on its first-ever Christmas variety show, “The Spirit of Christmas.”

Auditions were open to the whole community, and the program will have a variety of local artists and musicians singing, dancing, and reading holiday stories. The First City Handbell Choir will also take the stage this weekend.

There are more than 30 participants in “The Spirit of Christmas,” with musicians as young as 9 years old spreading some holiday cheer. Several of the pieces also include the crowd joining in with singing or gathering kids onto the stage for Christmas story readings.

“[I’m] excited but nervous at the same time,” said 9-year-old singer Nora. “I’m singing ‘Here Comes Santa Claus.’ … I’ve been practicing since I auditioned.”

“It’s really pretty,” said “The Spirit of Christmas” director and writer Vicki Stenerson of the show. “We have both secular and sacred texts and songs, so I think we have something that’ll appeal to everyone for this holiday season. I’m hoping everybody who comes finds something in the show that speaks to them for the Christmas season.”

Performances will be held at the Bemidji Community Theater on Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. Tickets are sold at the door.