'A Very Kelsey Christmas' Features Holiday Cheer and Lots of Tunes at MCCC's Kelsey Theatre Dec. 12 and 13

Mercer County Community College’s (MCCC’s) Kelsey Theatre is bringing out the holly as Forté Productions celebrates the season with “A Very Kelsey Christmas.” Dates and times for this debut holiday event are Saturday, Dec. 12 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $18 for adults; $16 for seniors, and $14 for children/students and may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college’s West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. The theater is an official drop-off site for the Marine’s Toys for Tots annual holiday drive. Patrons are encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped toy in the drop box located in the Kelsey Theatre lobby. Donations will be accepted through Monday, Dec. 14.

The performance features an ensemble cast led by -- who else? -- Santa and Mrs. Claus! Harkening back to the holiday television specials of the 1960s and ‘70s, this 90-minute variety show is packed with solo and group renditions of holiday favorites. Among the many songs to be performed is the brand new “Christmas Love,” composed by the show’s musical director, Peter de Mets, with lyrics by Kelly Ryman De Mets. Holiday classics include “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “The First Noel,” “Silent Night,” “Santa Baby,” “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” “White Christmas,” “Silver Bells,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and many more.

The cast features Arnold Aromando of Neshanic Station, Amy Bessellieu of Lawrenceville (Mrs. Claus), Tom Bessellieu of Lawrenceville (Santa Claus), Fred Conover of Horsham, Pa., Roman Engel of Hamilton, Jill Gottlieb of Hamilton, Shannon Mohan of Langhorne, Pa., Stephanie Moon of Hamilton, Alexys Pulsinelli of Bordentown, Jackie Robinson of West Windsor, Ava Roche, John Russell of Hamilton, Peter Sauer of Yardley, Pa., Liz Susswein of Hamilton, Alysia Toscano of Hamilton, Jennifer Weiner of East Windsor, Michelle Whitescarver of Hopatcong, Fady Zaher of Hamilton, James Zimmerman of Hamilton, and Stephanie Zimmerman of Hamilton.

The production team includes Producers John Demeter and Stephanie Zimmerman, Director John Zimmerman, Musical Director Peter de Mets and Stage Manager Jackie Robinson. Lighting is by Scott Monsees and sound is by Mike Skelly.

Capping off the season is the New Jersey Youth Ballet’s original hour-long, narrated adaptation of “The Nutcracker” on Friday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 20 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Dancers in full costume will perform to the famous Tchaikovsky score as they transport audiences to The Land of the Sweets. Tickets are $16 for adults, and $14 for seniors, students and children.

In addition to online orders (www.kelseytheatre.net), tickets may be purchased by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible. Free parking is available next to the theater.