The Theatre of Western Springs was bursting with applause, laughter, and holiday cheer on December 20 for SEASPAR’s 13th annual Holiday Spectacular, a showcase of talents by SEASPAR participants with disabilities.

 

Over 100 performers took the stage in 15 performances, including participants in SEASPAR’s Voice and Music Lessons, Glee Club, Actors Guild, EAGLES adult day program, and Adapted Music Lessons, as well as independent performers.

 

Most of the performers were familiar with the stage, including 15-year-old Aidan Hincks of Western Springs, who opened the show by singing “Feliz Navidad.” Jackson Beatty of Brookfield, performed a crowd-pleasing performance of “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” that involved style showmanship worthy of Broadway. Many performers graced the stage on several occasions. Becky Berman of Darien treated the audience with a vocal performance of “Home For the Holidays,” a drum solo rendition of “Jingle Bell Rock,” and accompanied the EAGLES and Glee Club in their sets.

 

“The Holiday Spectacular is important to me because SEASPAR is another home to me, a safe place where I can express myself,” said Glee Club and Actors Guide performer, Bryal Peterson of Clarendon Hills. “[at SEASPAR] you always have a supporting hand that care about you and will help you find your courage to try new things. And for me, it’s important and good to have courage,”

 

You may view videos of the night’s performances on SEASPAR’s YouTube channel.