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Performers share memories

Twenty eight years is a lot of miracles. It’s also a lot of memories.

For the 28th edition of “Miracle on Easy Street,” some of its longtime performers were asked to share their favorite memories of the show:

Maureen Collins, Easy Street co-founder:

“Sharing the stage with family members over the years has been the most cherished memories for me. This will be my brother Doug’s 28th year as Frosty, and my niece Katy began performing ‘Christmas Everyday’ at the age of 5. Three of my nephews — Mickey, Evan and Jack — were featured over the decades alongside Todd (Hancock) in his Charlie Chaplin routine, and watching the latest generation of my family experience the ‘Miracle’ for the first time are among my favorite moments.

“I also find so much pride knowing how many past dancers and rascals have gone on to perform on stages everywhere from New York to L.A., pursuing the dreams they started right here on this amazing Powers stage.”

Rick Blackson, an original musician and cast member from 1989 until 1994 who is returning this year:

“My favorite moment back in the late ’80s / early ’90s was when Todd (Hancock) would come out as a chubby Elvis / Santa and sing and dance around with exaggerated, hysterical Elvis moves. I would be laughing out loud during the song!

“Since (wife and musical partner) Mary Jo and I perform our own cabaret concerts every holiday season, this will be the first ‘Miracle On Easy Street’ for me since I music directed back in the Uptown Theater days. I look forward to seeing many of my voice students on stage, and especially look forward to working with my old friend from the Uptown Little Big Band, Jeff Sanders, who serves as the show’s music director. It’ll be a privilege to be back on stage with some of the finest musicians in our area backing Maureen and Todd, two of the most talented performers around.”

James McClellan, featured vocalist:

“I feel like Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without this show. Right at the time when I might have permanently lost the kind of excitement a kid feels about the holidays, ‘Miracle on Easy Street’ came along, and it’s kept that childlike spirit in me alive all through adulthood.”

Janeen Williams,

featured vocalist:

“I love walking into dress rehearsal at DeYor through the front doors. The theater is empty, quiet and beautiful. Then I enter the auditorium to see the stage, bright, colorful and buzzing with children, dancers and musicians! It’s a ‘Feeling of Christmas’ moment for me.”

• Eric McClellan, featured vocalist: “My favorite part of the show is singing ‘O Holy Night.’ The words, melody and watching the ladies dance warms my heart every year. (Oh, and the gal that sings with me is pretty good too!)”

• Colleen Chance, dancer and singer: “This show has been a tradition in my family since the very first show at The Uptown Theater. I love to be able to share the stage with my friends and some of my dance students. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without “Miracle on Easy Street.’

“I love that my entire family, at one time or another, has been involved in ‘Miracle on Easy Street.’ I started as an Easy Street Dancer in 1999 and got to share the stage with my brother, who was also a dancer, until 2007, when he graduated. I became a singer in the show in 2005, and my parents have been helping decorate the stage since 1999. It truly is a family affair!”

• Megan Cleland, “Miracle” choreographer for six years and Easy Street Dancer for 11 years: “I love watching all these talented kids grow as performers throughout the rehearsal process. They dance and sing with such heart and soul. They love it as much as we do.”

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