By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

From Gee Whiz, It’s Christmas, to Santa Baby, the Orange Train Depot will resonate with rhythm and blues and soul music otherwise known as the Motown sound at A Very Motown Christmas at the Depot Saturday, Nov. 30 and Sunday, Dec. 1.

With solos and full choir, the selections are sure to get one into the holiday spirit while also assisting a well-known and appreciated theater group renovate it’s newest location.

Orange Community Players (OCP) will hold two holiday performances which include Horsd’oeuvres, wine, and desserts. On Saturday, Nov. 30 the social will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:37 p.m. On Sunday, Dec. 1, the social will begin at 2:30 p.m. and showtime will be at 3:37 p.m.

Natasha Franks has volunteered with OCP since 2009 and will sing Gee Whiz, It’s Christmas during the show.

“We are able to hold a fundraiser that’s fun,” Franks said. “We are able to entertain the community and that is what we are all about. Without our building, we cannot serve our community.”

Franks joined the group after performing as Motormouth in Hairspray. 

Gee Whiz, It’s Christmas, a song by Carla Thomas from The Complete Stax/Volt Singles, 1959-1968 album is just a small sample of the music selected for the special concert. Another song is Santa Baby, a 1953 Christmas song written by Joan Javits and Philip Springer, sung originally by Eartha Kitt.

Meg Baertl-Brown, also an OCP volunteer, will perform the Eartha Kitt hit during the production.

Also, on the program are Milton Hardin and Roderick Robertson. 

All funding will help provide renovations to the Orange Community Players facility.

The show is directed by Codie Vasquez and Paul Burch.