“Santa’s Christmas Magic”: A Central Campus tradition
The San Jacinto College Central Campus Theatre marks its 23rd anniversary with this year’s production of “Santa’s Christmas Magic: The Musical.”
The production is a tradition for many families, whether audience members or performers. For years, actors of all ages have returned to appear in the holiday favorite.
Dr. Jerry Ivins, artistic director for theatre and film, “didn’t know it would be continuing this long” when the play debuted in 2001.
“It’s a high-energy musical that includes acting, singing, and dancing,” Ivins said. “This will be our 29th year to present a Christmas show and 23rd year for ‘Santa’s Christmas Magic.’ Nearly every performance has sold out since we introduced the production.”
The play originated in 2001 when the script and music that San Jac students were set to perform were backordered.
“We didn’t have time to get rights to another play, and I told the students, ‘We may not be able to do a Christmas show,’” Ivins said. “They were visibly upset. I charged them to write their own play. It was our only option.”
The students returned the next day with a rough draft titled “Santa vs. The Grinich.”
“The original script was a bit rough and only 10 pages long. It was a good start, but it needed finessing,” Ivins said.
Local playwright R.J. Snivi reworked the script, and “Santa’s Christmas Magic: The Musical” was born.
“It was a basic script, but audiences loved it. Each year, we tweak the content just a bit based on who is in the play, what their abilities are, and a bit of pop culture influence,” said Ivins.
The play is a fantasy about a sinister plot to steal Santa’s magic. Highlights of the show include toys that come alive to dance and sing, a children’s elf chorus, and a fast-paced chase. The production boasts more than 40 adult roles and a children’s elf chorus with 50 singers.
“The running time for the show is about 90 minutes, but the curtain doesn’t rise on Act Two until everyone who wants to meet Santa has done so,” Ivins said.
Meanwhile, as audience members return to their seats, the children’s chorus entertains the crowd with holiday tunes.
“It always tickles me because we perform Pulitzer Prize-winning plays, but the one the students are most excited about is the Christmas show,” said Ivins. “They fight harder for this show than anything else.”
“Santa’s Christmas Magic: The Musical”
When:
- Dec. 5-7 and 12-14, 7:30 p.m.
- Dec. 8 and 15, 2:30 p.m.
Where:
San Jacinto College Central Campus
Powell Arena Theatre (C13)
8060 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX 77505
Tickets:
- $15 general admission
The box office is open Monday through Friday from 1:30 to 5 p.m.
Learn more about Central Campus Theatre
