How to go
What: The TEN Tenors — Home for the Holidays
Where: Clark State Performing Arts Center, Kuss Auditorium, 300 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9
Admission: $38, $43, $58, $78
More info: Call 937-328-3874 or go online to http://pac.clarkstate.edu
A little bit of Down Under is about to add to Springfield’s holiday cheer.
Direct from Australia, 10 completely different but similarly powerful voices will come together. Although they’re far away from their home, they intend to make it feel like home through song.
The TEN Tenors — Home for the Holidays will be 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at the Clark State Performing Arts Center.
The show is presented by the Clark State Performing Arts Center and appropriate for all audiences.
TEN Tenors member Sam Roberts-Smith said this show is for everybody.
“If you’re a fan of amazing singing, our Christmas show is for you. If you love Christmas, our show is for you. If you want to have a night to remember with your family and friends, our show is for you,” Roberts-Smith said. “I love Christmas and am so excited to be a part of this show.”
The audience can expect holiday standards, but also classic Aussie songs, chats from the Tenors between songs and a stuffed koala to appear at some point. It’s what he calls “mateship.”
“It’s a way of sharing a bit of our culture with everyone. These songs give an insight into where we come from and what’s important to our country,” said Roberts-Smith.
Roberts-Smith said it can be difficult touring the world for long periods and being away from loved ones, but each member finds a way to deal with it.
He’s excited to return to America for the holiday season, as it feels like a home away from home.
“America as a nation is spectacular,” he said. “The audience members we meet at our shows and on the road are always full of energy, warm and welcoming. We have been able to build relationships with people and venues across the nation over many years of touring, and love having the opportunity to perform in the U.S. at this time of year.”
Roberts-Smith said a popular misconception is the TEN Tenors are a bunch of older gentlemen singing opera. They actually rock out to tunes from Queen, David Bowie and Meatloaf, power ballads and rock anthems.
“We don’t really have a target audience, but rather try to focus on performing the best, most diverse and entertaining show we can. It is always such a thrill turning an initially skeptical audience member into a committed fan.”
And there are various ways to experience the show. It’s up to the audience member.
“A TEN Tenors show is not just about quietly sitting and watching a performance. It is an immersive experience where we encourage the audience to be involved. You can dance and clap along or can simply relax allowing the music and singing to wash over you. We want everyone to leave feeling better than when they arrive. We are here to brighten up your holiday season.”
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