Tony Winner Debbie Gravitte To Headline Local Holiday Spectacular

RIDGEFIELD — For the second year running, Debbie Gravitte – a Tony Award winner and recently the Matron in Chicago on Broadway – will headline “Holiday Spectacular!” at The Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and the Performing Arts.

Performances are scheduled for Friday, December 10, at 7:30 pm, and Saturday, December 11, at 2 pm; the second performance is part of the playhouse’s Pepsi Children’s Series.

This year Ms Gravitte is directing the show as well as appearing in it. Joining her in this fun-filled musical mixture of the holidays — with songs and dance that entertain as well as warm the heart — are Jean Cobelli as choreographer and co-director and Russ Kassoff as musical director, plus a cast of well over 100 talented people.

Kevin Briody, Ridgefield’s favorite folk singer and a former Connecticut State Troubadour, will add his allure, and poet Ira Joe Fisher will recite pertinent poetry in his melodious voice.

Internationally known tenor William Joyner will join The Kids Chorale in the topical “Let There Be Peace On Earth,” and singer-satirist Dave Goldenberg will lend his take on the season.

Russ Kassoff, an accomplished jazz pianist, conductor, composer and arranger, will bring his trio to jazz up things. The Ridgefield Chorale will bring the magic of “Do You Hear What I Hear” and various other vocal, instrumental and dance groups (including last year’s showstopper, the dancing football players) will round out the boisterous beginnings of the holiday seasons.

And Debbie Gravitte will sing, as one who is comfortable on a Broadway stage can. Last year’s “I Want to be a Rockette” brought down the rafters. This year, she’ll sing with The Kids Chorale, bringing out the best in their voices, and with the Russ Kassoff Trio, adding a little spice to the mix.

Tickets are $20 and $25, and further information is available by calling the playhouse’s box office at 203-438-5795. Tickets may also be purchased online at ww.RidgefieldPlayhouse.org. The playhouse is at 80 East Ridge Avenue.