Jake Hodgkin, with his back to the camera, directs some of the cast in a rehearsal of “Sights and Sounds of Christmas” production at the Franco Center in Lewiston. Submitted photo

The Franco Center’s annual Christmas show — “Sights and Sounds of Christmas” — features a variety of performances, music, and a dazzling light show with evening shows at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, and Saturday, Dec. 21, and a special late afternoon performance at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22, at the Franco Center in Lewiston. The Performance Hall stage will come alive with holiday-themed acts, from ballet dancers to singers, duets, quartets, dramatic readings, and poetry — all evoking the warmth and joy of Christmas. Several performances will be enhanced by a synchronized Christmas light show that adds an extra layer of sparkle to the festivities.

“Make it a holiday tradition to visit the Franco Center each year for our spectacular Christmas show,” said Theresa Shanahan, the Center’s executive director. “Our show brings together all the best sights and sounds of the season, rolled into one magical live production.”

The cast for Sights and Sounds of Christmas include: Jake Hodgkin, Bette Sanborn Fecteau, Elise Pierson, Wesley Pierson, Maggie Bristol, Jackie Preston, Jim Hodgkin, Bella Hartman, Lucy Reynolds, Michelle Breton, Larry Hodgkin, Preston Marston, Isabelle McCormick, Ashleigh St. Pierre, Karen Flynn, Adrian Morneau, Delaney Giroux, Theresa Cormier, Rapture Waters, Jim McKinley, Eden Bauer, Jennifer LeBlanc, Emma Carmichael, Kathy Amsden, Edith Bambakakis, Shaun Arndt, Lauren Hodgkins, and John Pulsifer.

Jake Hodgkin, the Franco Center’s production and creative director, has designed the “Sights and Sounds of Christmas” show to evoke a nostalgic, old-fashioned homestyle Christmas, where attendees can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. Submitted photo by Emily Jancauskas

The tech team, stage crew, and dance instructor include: Joseph Strout, Sarah Greaton, Brandon Chaloux, Theresa Shanahan, Jake Hodgkin, Michael Breton, Denise Scammon, Melissa Hodgkin, Allison Marston, Rick Osgood, Larry Hodgkin, and Jennifer Bement.

Curated by the Franco Center’s Production Director, Jake Hodgkin, the show features a diverse lineup of performers, including ballet dancers from the Grace Center. Hodgkin has designed the show to evoke a nostalgic, old-fashioned homestyle Christmas, where attendees can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit.

“If you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit, don’t miss this show,” said Hodgkin. “The Franco Center will be decked out with festive decorations, including over a dozen beautifully lit Christmas trees, twinkling holiday lights, and seasonal music playing throughout the building.”

Hodgkin is a dynamic figure in the world of entertainment, with a career spanning theater, live events, and entrepreneurial ventures. His passion for lighting and special effects started at age 12 when he first discovered a system that synchronized lights to music — a technology he now uses in the “Sights and Sounds of Christmas” production. Over the years, his experience has included lighting design, directing, and producing, making him a versatile force in the world of live performances. Hodgkin’s expertise in storytelling and stagecraft has been shaped by his work with local theaters such as Community Little Theatre, The Public Theater, Lyric Theater, and Portland Players. He is also the owner of a DJ business and runs an annual spooky walk called “Chaos on Cobb Road,” which attracts up to 800 visitors every year. In addition to his work in entertainment, Hodgkin serves as a high school basketball and boys’ lacrosse referee, demonstrating his commitment to teamwork and youth development.

A new addition to this year’s show will be the presence of a group of Victorian Christmas carolers. This group of carolers will be performing prior to the show and during the show’s intermission. The carolers include Sharon Patrick, Cassie Gendron, Karen McArthur, Don Dostie, and John Howard.

Tickets range from $10 to $30 and can be purchased online at francocenter.org/shows, by phone at 207-689-2000, or in person at the Franco Center box office, open between 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The Franco Center is located at 46 Cedar St., Lewiston, with parking available in the mill lot. The building is fully handicap accessible via the Lincoln St. Alley side.