Stacey Walker
In Motion Staff Writer
For the 33rd year in this festive month, the Daytona State College News-Journal Center presented “Our Gift to the Community Showcase,” a variety show incorporating theater, music and dance into almost two-hour extravaganza.
While the event highlights programs in the Mike Curb College of Music, Entertainment and Art, locals look to it as a signal the season has really arrived. Doug Peterson created the show and has orchestrated it since its inception.
His enthusiasm, even after all these years, rest on the fact that, “We present high quality productions throughout the year in the areas of music, theatre, and dance. Most of our productions have a small admission fee that contributes towards offsetting a portion of the costs necessary for supporting our programs.
“Many years ago, I proposed a holiday event that would bring together all the moving parts of our department to celebrate the season and give back to the community we serve. ‘Our Gift’ showcase has become a holiday tradition and is known throughout our service area. Each year, many patrons comment that our program has become their holiday tradition.”
As usual it was a “sold-out” show, with the standing-room-only crowd displaying their excitement and enjoying Christmas carols sing-a-long such as, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing “and “We wish you a Merry Christmas!” Even from the balcony seats, attendees could see nothing but happy, smiling faces exiting at the end of the show. As they made for the door, many were commenting that they were now in “the holiday spirit!”
Highlights of the night included from “A Christmas Carol – The Musical,” “Sleigh Ride,” “I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause” and “Santa Baby,” that last Eartha Kitt classic sung by Director of Theatre Samantha Stern. At the end, she gave Santa a big kiss! (spoiler alert: who was actually her real-life husband in costume.)
Soprano Pamela Hanson-Peterson, who teaches music appreciation and group piano at DSC, sang two traditional Christmas Carol arrangements with the symphonic band, including “In the Bleak Midwinter.” Her voice was stunning, but “the Bleak” was a little dreary for so festive an occasion.
Included in the cultural showcase was the Concert Choir and Symphonic Band. All participants were directed by Mike Curb College faculty, including Dr. Peterson conducting perfect rhythm, the Theatre Ensemble directed by Professor Stern and the Concert Choir and Jazz Singers directed by new faculty member Dr. Jean Hickman.
Abe Alam, Director of the Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo and guitar instructor, played ac appella guitar solo and conducted the band.
Even after three decades, Dr. Peterson likes to add variety and this year he featured comical relief from the musical, “ELF.” “Fireside Christmas” jump-started everyone’s holiday mood with a background of snowflakes falling and two sopranos singing a smashing finale. The accompanying children in their pajamas added a warm and fuzzy feeling throughout the show.
Though known for his giving to the community, Dr. Peterson still has a Christmas wish. He would like to see more students participate in arts programs, even if they are not an art major. He said such activities add enrichment to people’s lives, adding that “I enjoy watching students become successful in the arts and staying in touch with them.”