BEREA, KY – The Spotlight Playhouse is transforming into a winter wonderland this holiday season with six distinct Christmas productions spanning mid-November through mid-December. From nostalgic 1940s radio shows to interactive dinner theater mysteries, the diverse lineup offers something for every family’s holiday tradition.
The ambitious holiday season kicked off November 14 and continues through December 21, featuring performances by both Spotlight Acting School students and The Bluegrass Players community theater troupe.
The Holiday Lineup
Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
November 14–23 (Blue and Purple casts)
The season opened with Spotlight Acting School’s production of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale, following Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from bitter miser to generous soul after visits from three Christmas spirits. The classic story of redemption brings the magic of Victorian London to the Berea stage, with students performing in two casts to ensure every young actor gets stage time. The production emphasizes the story’s themes of second chances, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas.
Final performances this weekend.
Faith, Laughter, and Love: A Christmas Celebration
November 21–30
The Bluegrass Players present a unique double-feature evening combining comedy and drama in one ticket. “Black and Blue Friday” delivers side-splitting laughter as the Plunkett family—led by outspoken Aggie and no-nonsense husband Floyd—accidentally stumbles into Black Friday shopping chaos at a big city mall. This heartwarming Christian comedy reminds audiences that the best gifts can’t be bought in stores, and that family, faith, and laughter are what truly matter.
The evening continues with “The Gift of the Magi,” O. Henry’s timeless tale of love and sacrifice. Young newlyweds Jim and Della face their first Christmas together with almost nothing in their pockets but everything in their hearts. Each secretly sacrifices their most precious possession to buy the perfect gift for the other, discovering that true love isn’t measured by what we give, but by what we’re willing to give up. This beautiful adaptation will touch souls and remind audiences of the profound beauty of selfless love.
Perfect for church groups, families, and office parties, this two-show evening offers both laughter and tears, making it an ideal group outing that celebrates faith, family, and the greatest gift of all: love.
An Old Time Christmas Radio Show
November 30 at 4:00 PM
The season continues with a nostalgic journey to the golden age of radio. This one-afternoon-only production recreates a 1940s WWII-era variety show, complete with live sound effects created on stage by foley artists. Audiences will watch actors, singers, and sound technicians bring a vintage radio broadcast to life, featuring classic Christmas stories, festive music, vintage commercials, and wholesome holiday humor. The production captures how families gathered around radios to celebrate Christmas together during wartime America.
‘Twas the Week After Christmas
December 5–7
Spotlight Acting School presents this original holiday musical that follows the post-Christmas adventures of familiar characters. The Beat by Beat Press musical features catchy songs, festive fun, and plenty of laughs as it explores what happens in that magical week between Christmas and New Year’s. Perfect for younger audiences and families, the show brings fresh energy to the holiday season with its upbeat musical numbers and family-friendly storyline.
Little Women: Christmas at the March House
December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13
The Bluegrass Players present an original adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved story, set on Christmas Eve in the March family home. With their father away at war and little money but abundant love, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy gather by the fire to share heartfelt moments, cherished letters, and acts of kindness that light up the darkest winter night. The intimate production captures the timeless themes of sacrifice, sisterhood, and the simple gifts that mean the most. This adaptation focuses specifically on the Christmas Eve chapter that has resonated with readers for generations, bringing the warmth of the March family to life on stage.
The Christmas Showcase 2025: A Merry Mishap
December 19–21 (Dinner Theater)
The holiday season culminates with an interactive dinner theater experience unlike any other. The Bluegrass Players are presenting their traditional Christmas Showcase—a musical variety show featuring beloved holiday characters—when something goes terribly wrong. The audience must jump in to solve the mystery, save the performance, and figure out what happened before it’s too late. This highly interactive show-within-a-show combines audience participation, holiday surprises, a traditional Christmas feast, and plenty of laughs. Guests become part of the story as they work together to crack the case while enjoying dinner. It’s described as perfect for families, holiday parties, and anyone looking for a unique Christmas celebration that blends food, festive fun, and mystery-solving excitement. Advanced reservations are required for this dinner theater experience.
Tickets and Information
Tickets for all shows are available at ticketsource.us/spotlightactingschool or by calling the box office at 859-756-0011. Every Friday performance is Pay What You Can for standard theater shows, making live theater accessible to all families during the holiday season.
The Spotlight Playhouse is located at 214 Richmond Road in Berea. The 13,000-square-foot facility features a 149-seat theater with ADA-accessible seating, a grand lobby decorated for the holidays with a 14-foot Christmas tree and toy display, and concessions offering seasonal treats.
With six different Christmas shows spanning more than a month, The Spotlight Playhouse offers Berea families multiple opportunities to create new holiday traditions or revisit familiar stories in fresh ways. Whether seeking nostalgia, laughter, mystery, or heartwarming drama, this season’s diverse lineup ensures that the magic of live theater becomes part of the community’s Christmas celebration.
For complete show descriptions, performance times, and ticket information, visit thespotlightplayhouse.com.
Looking ahead to January, Spotlight Playhouse will continue its tradition of community-centered programming with two classic melodramas. Read about the upcoming melodrama shows here.
IF YOU GO
What: Christmas at Spotlight Playhouse (Six Holiday Shows)
Where: The Spotlight Playhouse, 214 Richmond Road, Berea, KY
When:
- Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: Nov 14–23 (final weekend)
- Faith, Laughter, and Love (double feature): Nov 21–30
- An Old Time Christmas Radio Show: Nov 30, 4:00 PM
- ‘Twas the Week After Christmas: Dec 5–7
- Little Women: Christmas at the March House: Dec 5, 6, 7, 12, 13
- The Christmas Showcase 2025 (Dinner Theater): Dec 19–21 (advanced reservations required)
Tickets: ticketsource.us/spotlightactingschool or 859-756-0011
Special: Pay What You Can every Friday (standard theater shows only)
Details: ADA-accessible seating, concessions available, holiday decorations throughout facility