‘Miracle on Easy Street’ will renew the tradition

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Christmas is a time for traditions.

One of the most long-lived entertainment traditions in the Mahoning Valley is “Miracle on Easy Street,” the song-and-dance spectacular. It has been cheering local audiences for the past 27 years.

“Miracle,” presented by Easy Street Productions, will return for four performances at Powers Auditorium – on Friday, Saturday and Dec. 20.

Easy Street co-founders Maureen Collins and Todd Hancock once again will host the glittery musical revue. Returning for this year’s installment are Easy Street alumni and singing siblings Eric McClellan, Janeen Williams and James McClellan, along with featured vocalists Colleen Chance, Candace Campana and Cortney MacKay.

Musical director Jeff Sanders also will return to lead the Easy Street Little Big Band in a mixture of old and new holiday tunes.

Dancers from studios across the Valley will perform in a variety of styles, including tap, jazz and hip- hop, led by choreographer Megan Cleland.

This year’s “Miracle” will have the biggest cast ever, with more than 150 singers, dancers, and Little Rascals – the youngest members of the troupe.

Easy Street varies the program a little bit each year, but keeps it largely intact. In addition to several new numbers added last year, this year’s “Miracle” will include a few new numbers, including “Go Tell It On the Mountain” as well as “Let It Go” from Disney’s “Frozen.”

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 20.

For the first time, tickets can be purchased online at youngstownsymphony.com or by calling the DeYor Performing Arts Center box office at 330-744-0264.

Tickets are $28 ($23 for seniors, veterans and students; $15 for children 12 and under) plus handling. Group discounts and gift certificates are available. Children of active servicemen and women will be admitted free; call the box office for details.