TACOMA, Wash. — It's that time of year when Life Center church brings back a Tacoma tradition that's been going on for fifty-seven years.
“Everybody gets excited about it for sure, it's all hands on deck. It's a big deal,” said Senior Pastor Tyler Sollie.
The Life Center’s Singing Christmas Tree is back with a whole new show for 2019: Vinny Vindaloo’s Joy of Christmas. And this year, the action doesn't just take place up on the stage. The main character, Vinnie Vindaloo, arrives via a bright red vintage automobile, and makes his entrance just like the audience does, through Life Center Tacoma’s lobby, with handlers and paparazzi following his every move.
“It's set in the golden age of Hollywood and the studio audience is pulled in so instead of just watching it from the seats, you're part of the production this year,” explains Pastor Sollie.
We're not going to give away the plot, but we think bombastic TV host Vinny Vindaloo probably learns a lesson about the true meaning of the holiday. And there is a number involving fruitcake. And Elvis.
Staging this spectacular show is also a holiday tradition for church members who become cast and crew, with rehearsals starting in the summer.
“I've been doing the show for, I think this is my 25th year. And it's just part of life. It's just the Christmas season, it's what you do." said Jessie Kay, sporting cat-eye glasses and a late 50’s costume.
"This is my second year, last year was my first year, and it's kind of cool because it's a totally new play so it feels new all over again,” added Chelsea Lawyer, who plays a production assistant.
The towering tree itself has 85 singers in it, and it takes more than 200 people total to put on this show.
Kenton Lee, Minister of Worship and Creative Arts, has been the creative force behind the scenes for decades. You can see him conducting the 50-piece live orchestra during performances, and he says this is the first year Life Center has done a 60's vintage television special for the Singing Christmas Tree production, and that he's especially proud of this because it was his idea to try it. But he gives the credit for this show’s continuing success to all of the people who work so hard on it:
"Oh I’m very proud of my crew, yes, this is my 39th year doing it, so that means that I’ve got a lot of people I can count on. I love them, they love me, and it shows,” beamed Lee.
The Singing Christmas Tree might be a tradition. But it's one that never gets old.
“Christmas is new every year for all of us, and we realize once again how special the holidays are,” said Lee.
"For me, growing up around here I remember coming to The Tree when I was little and being with my parents and seeing all the lights and the songs and the actors and the dance. So to see that excitement come back to new kids and new generations is a lot of fun,” said Pastor Sollie.
The 2019 Singing Christmas Tree is Saturday Dec. 7 – Sunday Dec. 22 at Life Center Central 1717 S. Union Ave, Tacoma, Wa 98405
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