LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The Holiday Spectacular returns this weekend to the Veterans Memorial Civic Center, bringing back the musical revue that families look forward to each year.
This year’s production features 63 performers — including 41 Ohio Northern University students and 22 local children — all working to keep the holiday tradition alive.
“It’s just a continuance of a really important and great tradition in the area. We have a lot of energy behind this production, both on stage and behind the stage, as well as in the audiences. There’s so much local support for this show that we really delight in, and we feel like it’s a special thing that connects ONU and Kewpee and the whole northwest Ohio area,” director and producer John Sebestyen said.
This is Sebestyen’s first year directing the show, but he says the familiar pieces remain the same. The 75-minute show includes large musical medleys, a nativity, the Sugar Plum Fairy and appearances from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
The cast holds its first round of performances at Ohio Northern the weekend before Thanksgiving, then takes the show to the big stage at the Civic Center. For the actors, the larger venue means bigger choreography and bigger energy from the audience.
“When we’re here, we can look out the windows and see everyone lined up. And it’s so exciting that everyone’s so excited to see us,” said Jessica Sanders, who plays Mrs. Claus. “And then, specifically being Christmas, there’s already so much Christmas cheer in the air. With this being a tradition, it’s this extra layer of joy and excitement that the audiences bring, both in Ada and here in Lima. That always feeds us actors, just knowing that people love it so much.”
“It’s a whole other feeling,” said Madisen Schenk, who plays Trixel the elf. “Shows are always energizing, but there’s something about the kids in the audience in this show. Sometimes you can hear them speaking. I remember in the last show, a little kid was like, ‘Tinsel!’ yelling from the crowd. It’s connecting with them. I get to wave to them, I can see them, and afterward they come and give you big hugs. You feel like you’re doing something for the community, which isn’t something you can do for every show.”
“I’m looking forward to making people laugh. I love using physical comedy — I’m a big comedy girl,” said Belle Fockler, who plays Tinsel the elf. “It’s the thing I want to keep doing, and I think I’m bringing a lot of new choices and funny moments that people won’t expect for Tinsel.”
Even after 30 years, the Holiday Spectacular remains a tradition for many families. Cast members say it’s the kind of show people grow up with — and keep passing down.
“It’s just knowing that people were kids when they first saw this, and now they’re bringing their kids,” said Ren Gleason, who plays Santa. “It’s amazing. It’s a Christmas tradition here. Thanks to Kewpee and Ohio Northern, it’s something special — magical — that you couldn’t create on your own. It’s the community that really brings it to the forefront.”
Tickets can be purchased at all Kewpee locations for $5.
Showtimes:
• Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 — 7:30 to 8:45 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 — 7:30 to 8:45 p.m.
