BY KATIE BUXTON
There’s certainly no shortage of magic during Christmastime in Sun Valley. From the snow-covered peaks of Mt. Baldy, the village trees aglow with Christmas lights and hordes of skiers and snowboarders packed together in cozy winter lodges, there is something special to be found in every corner here.
One of these magical happenings is scheduled for this week. Sun Valley’s annual Christmas show takes place Thursday and Friday, Dec. 21-22 in the Sun Valley Opera House.
This year the show is titled “A Sun Valley Story.” The show is a one-hour experience that follows a loose narrative that serves as a fictional retelling of the first holiday season in the valley.
It’s illustrated through simple storytelling and music with both original compositions and familiar holiday songs. The show primarily features local artists, including musicians Brooks Hartell, Brad Hershey, and Jason Vontver, but was co-developed by Los Angeles-based musician Colin Martin and Sun Valley Resort’s Entertainment Manager Anthony Schneider.
“The intent is to bring the community together to celebrate all of the things we love about this season,” said Schneider. “The show is completely original in the sense that the entire production has been created from scratch. It’s never been done before.
“We’ve taken inspiration from the Sun Valley holiday concerts of the past and have put our own spin on it. It will be a little silly, a little serious, a little fictional, and a little real. The music will be epic, and the vibes will be super magical!”
The show will include a rendition of “Carol of the Bells” that Colin Martin will be performing on saxophone and a loop pedal. The Wood River Jewish Community will be featured in the show on Friday evening; members of Our Lady of Snows Catholic Church and regional Latin artist Damian Rodriguez will be performing on both Thursday and Friday.
“There will be a few really special moments, one of which I want to keep a secret! We’ve weaved a couple things in just for the kids,” said Schneider.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. both nights, and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available in advance by calling 208-622-2135 or clicking on https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-sun-valley-story-tickets-737552398077. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door.