On Dec. 3 Oconee Performing Arts Society debuted their inaugural holiday show Fa-la-la bringing a brand-new, not-to-miss holiday season tradition to the Lake Country community. As theater-goers entered The Plaza Arts Center auditorium, they were immersed in a festive setting of socially distanced seats adorned with beautiful satin bows and a greeting card thanking those in attendance. The stage was set in traditional holiday vignettes that included lighted trees and smilax, wrapped gifts, toys, and potted poinsettias. 

Artistic Director Doug LaBrecque created a magical yuletide show for the young and young at heart that made one yearn for Christmases of long ago. 

LaBrecque directed, hosted, and performed for the first time since becoming artistic director for OPAS – he did not disappoint. LaBrecque had a natural, witty rapport with the audience. Along with his velvety tenor vocals, his voice was pitch-perfect in his rendition of” It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” 

Wendy O’Toole commented, “Although I loved everything about the show, I could have listened to Doug, our artistic director, sing all night. He is amazing, and we are so lucky to have him here in Greensboro.” 

Alla Campbell stated, “The program was so well done, and OPAS did an excellent job making everyone feel comfortable and safe.” 

Jane Hutterly observed, “A beautiful performance this evening! All the more so because you did it during a pandemic. Thank you for kicking off the Christmas Season for all of us in the theater.”

Appearing alongside Mr. LaBrecque was an incredible ensemble of musical artists. The performance was headlined by Grammy and Emmy award winner music director John McDaniel. 

McDaniel’s charismatic personality and phenomenal piano prowess kept the crowd in good spirits. His amusing arrangement of “Can You Believe It’s Christmas Time Again?” played on a 9-foot Steinway Concert Grand piano could make any “Scrooge” crack a smile. 

The concert showcased vocalists Dee Roscioli, the longest-running Elphaba in “Wicked” history, and Madison Claire Parks, one of LaBrecque’s favorite young singers. Miss Roscioli thrilled the attendees with her emotionally inspiring performance of “Defying Gravity.” She also brought an element of whimsical playfulness while singing “Ring Them Bells” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Miss Parks delighted the audience with her luminous soprano voice, indeed brightening the room with every note she sang of “Ave Maria.” 

Fa-la-la also featured top-notch Atlanta-based violinist Ginny Fairchild, cellist Barney Culver, drummer Steve Moretti, and bass player Chris Riggenbach. Adding a hometown element, Santa Claus made a special visit from the North Pole to wish everyone a Happy Holiday and quiz 6-year-old Beckham Pigg on his Christmas list. Putnam High School All-State trumpeter Bobby Boone and All-State trombonist Dylan Prince also made an appearance playing an arrangement of Jingle Bells written by their band director, J.R. Beckwith. 

The concert was a superb intro to next year’s Fa-la-la holiday extravaganza on December 10, 2021.

Oconee Performing Arts Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The OPAS mission is to entertain, enrich, and educate by providing high-quality fine-arts programming to the Lake Area Community. OPAS is located at 4980-A Carey Station Rd. in Greensboro, GA 30642. For more information or to become a member, call 706-467-6000 or visit www.opas.org.