Gateway School Choir Joins 'ABBA' In Upcoming Holiday Show

SANTA CRUZ, CA –The children's choir from the Gateway School in Santa Cruz will join on stage the touring cast of ABBA-Solutely Christmas Show on Friday, Dec. 21 at the Rio Theatre in the smash-hit homage to the iconic Swedish pop group, ABBA.

The ABBA-Solutely Christmas Show mixes ABBA hits with Christmas music, and will be highlighted by the choir, with children aged 7 to 12, accompanying the tribute band on stage during the songs “I Have A Dream,” “Let it Snow” and "Santa Baby."

The producers of The ABBA-Solutely Christmas Show approached Gatewood School’s Music Director, David Cameron, looking for a talented children’s choir, as affiliates commonly hire a local children’s choir to augment the production while on tour.

“The Abba Show Christmas Choir is always adorable and the songs they are involved in are one of the highlights of the show,” said Marie-Claire Follett, who plays "Frida." “It’s great to share the stage with kids because you never quite know what they are going to do and usually it’s the littlest one that steals the show.”

Despite their young ages, many of the choir members are ABBA fans, show producers said.

“I can sing any ABBA song in my sleep,” said Lena Totten, 10. Nine-year-old Eva Pelletier’s favorite ABBA tune is “Super Trouper," while Natalie Wolkstein, 9, and Eva Luksich, 9, both favor “Dancing Queen."

"The students at Gateway are very excited to be a part of this show," said Gateway Music Teacher David Cameron. "As their music teacher, I’m looking forward to this opportunity for these talented singers to showcase their singing on stage!”

The ABBA-Solutely Christmas Show will be at the Rio Theatre Dec. 21 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $40 and may be purchased online at www.riotheatre.com or on night of the show at the box office.

The Rio Theatre is located at 1205 Soquel Ave. in Santa Cruz, and the show is family friendly and appropriate for all ages.

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--Images courtesy of Lajollabooking.com. PHOTO TAGS: (Left to right) Sophie Graham, Gigi Prado, Sofia Prado, Lena Totten, Natalie Wolkstein, Eva Pelletier and Eva Luksich. Mattias Lundell not pictured. Photo taken by David Cameron. “ABBAXmas” shows from left to right: Andrew Harvey (Benny) , Marie-Claire Follett (Frida), Natalie Eaton, ( Agnetha), Patrick Jamieson( Bjorn)