Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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Celebrating Our 15th Year: Fayetteville's #1 Holiday Tradition by JANICE BURTON For 15 years, Fayetteville residents have made "It is important to dig in and give and make a attendance to the Heart of Christmas difference. That is truly something all of Show an annual tradition. The the cast members are learning. They show, which combines know the cost of time, energy music, comedy, dance and focus. But they see what and more, kicks off the the act of selflessness does holiday season for for other people." many, is scheduled While the show is for the weekend of glitzy, the reason Nov. 30 through behind the show is Dec. 1 at the its ability to help the Crown Theatre. agencies that deal with Laura Stevens, a children who are sick or talented musician and abused. songwriter, is the force "When we started 15 years behind the show. Stevens ago, people gave us about three has mentored many talented or four years," she said. "But performers in our community with we have continued to thrive and her showcase vocal group Voices grow, and I believe that it is The group, which is made up of young ladies, are the backbone of the show, but Stevens of the Heart. The group, which because God is at the center of it brings together a dynamic cast of 26 singers and dancers to make it a spectacular show that is made up of young ladies, is the and because of the tremendous can compete with similar shows seen at theaters in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Pigeon Forge, Tenn., backbone of the show, but Stevens support of the community, the and Branson, Mo. brings together a dynamic cast of cast and their families. I am so 26 singers and dancers to make it grateful for that." a spectacular show that can compete with similar Stevens said the second half of the show has productions seen at theaters in Myrtle Beach, become a tradition and cannot be changed S.C., Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and Branson, Mo. very much. She explained that the community Since its inception, Voices of the Heart has does not want to see that portion of the show raised more than $500,000 for the Friends of changed because the audience is inspired by Children, The Child Advocacy Center and many it, which includes the nativity scene, the huge other children's agencies and the public schools. choir number and the dances. She said that for "If you would have asked me 15 years ago if I many, it puts them in the spirit of Christmas. would have still been doing this, I would have said The first half of the show is light hearted no," said Stevens. "But this is what I am supposed with fun songs and dances, while the second to be doing, so everything has fallen into place." half is more serious and speaks to the heart of Reflecting back on the past 15 years, Stevens is the season. proud that her sponsors have been with her since "I have tried to bring the most Christmasy the show's inception. The sponsors are part of the song, look, sound, and visual that you can "family." They come year after year. ever imagine," said Stevens. "You can look at "These sponsors support the show because they the stage and just know that this is Christmas. love it, they believe in it. They see the good works There are some new songs this year that are we do. They have seen the money accumulate just phenomenal." to over a half million dollars to benefit our She added that the show is far-reaching and community. They just love it. They have a sense that its impact cannot be found only in the of ownership of it," said Stevens. money that is given, but in the impact that it She added that many in the community have has on the lives of those who see it. watched the children grow up in the cast and see Ticket sales are brisk, and Stevens them as part of their extended family. The cast encourages those interested in attending to returns year after year until they age out, and the purchase tickets early. audience has enjoyed watching the cast members "When it gets to the week of the show, it develop and their talents grow. sometimes comes down that a family of four "For me, this is truly a community project. This cannot sit together," said Stevens. project makes Fayetteville feel connected and Tickets for the show are $12 in advance and small townish – even though we are not a small $18 at the door. Group tickets are available town," she said. for groups of 15 or more, and are She said the constancy of the sponsors and the agencies that benefit from $10. The show starts at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday with the performance, make the show unique. Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. JANICE BURTON, Associate "When you dig into this community and pour out yourself, you find For more information, visit the website Publisher, COMMENTS? Ediconnections and how wonderful the people in this city are," said Stevens. at www.heartofchristmasshow.com. tor@upandcomingweekly.com. 484-0261 Book Your Banquet & Holiday Parties Early! Family & Business Groups Welcome! Banquet rooms available up to 100 guests 12 NOVEMBER 13-19, 2013 1304 Morganton Rd. Mon-Sat: 6am-10pm Sun: 7am-2:30 pm Serving Fayetteville Over 50 Years! WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM