Dear Patrons,

My family and I experienced the Ultimate Christmas Story Abridged this past weekend. I got a big kick at hearing my wife and daughters guffawing at the jokes. Personally I am amazed at the  actors (Kris Shaw, Robert Facio and Bob Murrell) who can improv so confidently and work a crowd so effectively. The material is clever, witty, a little naughty (and nice), and like a good Mel Brooks movie, no subject is safe from their jibes. They sing, they dance and they change costumes a million times. For a rip roaring, belly aching good time don't miss the show. We have added a Thursday night show this week and don't forget Benny Grunch is doing his hilarious material starting 30 minutes before the show (except Friday). See ya there.

There is a reason The Nutcracker is performed every year by a gazillion ballet companies around the globe. It is simply one of the greatest gifts to mankind from the mind and vision of one of the greatest composers of all time. When you combine this with the Choreography of New Orleans Legend Harvey Hysell, the tutelage and passion of Ballet Mistress Diane Carney, the marvelous JPAS Symphony Orchestra and the ambiance of the gorgeous Jefferson Performing Arts Center you have the makings of the "Best Ballet of 2015" Award from the Gambit Big Easy Award Committee. Oh, I forgot to mention that we have the only "Flying Clara" with flying effects by ZFX Flying. Check it out!

Our director for Tarzan,The Musical is none other than Nancy Gregory who just happens to be in town producing and presenting her marvelous new musical Jambalaya,the Musical at the Orpheum theatre. This is an amazing new musical on Cajun culture and heritage and boasts a creative team to die for. Google it and Nancy! But above all, see below for information on Jambalaya the Musical. Don't miss it

We are so blessed that our founding institution the Jefferson Chorale continues to enrich our community.  JPAS began as a community chorus in 1978 made up of area church choirs to become the outstanding choral representative of Jefferson Parish. Led by my college friend and colleague Dr. Louise Labruyere, the Jefferson Chorale always presents concerts of the highest artistic order and enjoyment. Bring the family to experience this wonderful asset to our cultural life.  

Still looking for a unique Christmas Gift? Why not introduce some of your dearest friends and frankly some of those poor souls you pity who have never witnessed a live performance at a real theatre? Give them a gift certificate to a future JPAS production. It's fast, easy and you are blessing the life of those you care for and those who need the enriching balm of a night out of live theatre.  Please call the office for a JPAS Gift Certificate.

We just finished Thanksgiving and now enter the season of love, joy and fellowship otherwise known as Christmas, Hanukkah, Happy Holidays etc... I ask that each of us remember the meaning of this time of year and reflect on just what it means to be an American. We are free! Free to express ourselves in matters just or unjust. Free to worship and love who we want and free to make art because we have someone watching out for us - The American Armed Forces. At this special time of year I ask that if you spot someone in uniform buy them dinner or lunch and at the least, stop and shake their hands for their service.

Finally, as a responsibility of all freedom loving Americans we have the duty to be voters. So many heroes have died to keep this right for us.  Jefferson Parish has a very important millage referendum coming up this Saturday. These are important issues facing our community. Please consider them as you should and whatever your decision go out and VOTE!