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Trans-Siberian Orchestra is coming to Lake Helen! Well, that may be a bit of an overstatement, but essentially not far off the mark. Wyndsong will be performing at Shoestring Theatre Saturday, Dec. 8, and Sunday, Dec. 9.
While the “TSO” is known for their orchestrated electrified Christmas rock, they are also known for their diversity of musical excellence. So too is Wyndsong (but on a much smaller scale!).
Wyndsong offers an eclectic musical program of songs for the Yuletide season from the 1500s to the present.
The performers for this Jukebox production are Ennis Pruitt (baritone), Craig Thomas (tenor), Kelly Elisabeth Fagan (mezzo-soprano) and Robin Mantor (soprano), and you won’t find a more engaging and fun group. If you have heard the professional a cappella quartet carolers in the Greater Orlando area (the Caroling Co.), you may have been fortunate enough to hear these musicians. They met while caroling, and Shoestring is thrilled that they are returning to our stage to share their talents.
Stories and anecdotes about your favorite carols will be performed by the four vocalists, while Pruitt and Thomas will bring along all the instruments they can find in their closet! And yes, you get to sing as well.
Pruitt sings and plays electric and acoustic guitar, mandolin, flute, bodhran, recorders and various whistles. He began his musical career the day he gave up his accordion.
When asked once why he played the tin whistle so fast, Pruitt responded “Chicks.” This show gives him a chance to perform some of his favorite Christmas songs in many different styles and time periods.
He and Craig have been playing music on both sides of Interstate 4 since 1984, stirring hearts, winning friends, racking up debts, influencing elections, and quite possibly entertaining unsuspecting passers-by.
Thomas sings, and plays classical guitar, violin and viola, as well as many historical instruments like the baroque flute, recorder, lute and viola da gamba, to name a few. He is a longtime member of Wyndbreakers, a popular Celtic band, and appears regularly at Fiddler’s Green Irish Pub in Winter Park and at the Scottish Highland games in Florida and Georgia.
Fagan is a well-known performer in community theaters in the area. She has been incredibly blessed with some enviable musical-theater roles, as well as winning numerous accolades and awards.
She performed as Dolly in Hello, Dolly! here at Shoestring a couple of years ago. She sings, and plays acoustic guitar and a variety of percussion instruments.
Fagan is also a folk dancer, and has traveled the world pursuing this hobby.
Mantor was born and raised in Kentucky, growing up in a small town (population 1,200), so it was a big change when she moved to Orlando in 1990.
She started singing with the Caroling Co. shortly after moving to the area, and still does. She has also performed at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld, and at special events and conventions.
Mantor loves all things Christmas, and is looking forward to spreading some Christmas cheer at Shoestring Theatre this December.
Come join us at Shoestring for a mixture of old and current holiday music and fun. This will be an evening sure to entertain the entire family.
Shows will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9.
Admission for adults and senior citizens is $15, and $10 for students and children.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.shoestringtheatre.net or by calling the box office and leaving a message at 386-228-3777.
