Even though musician Andrew Dost and designer Mike Rizik missed out on the golden era of holiday variety shows in the 1950's starring Jackie Gleason or Bing Crosby, they have teamed up for the second year to bring back the zany feelings of the classic format in “Christmas at the Old Art Building - A Variety Show Spectacular.”
In talking with Dost, IPR Arts & Culture Contributor Joe Beyer previews the upcoming show before it’s sell-out performance (a waiting list is available). they revisit the inspirations of previous iconic holiday specials, while exploring what reinventions the form still holds in the hands of these northern Michigan collaborators.
The fun-filled multimedia performance combining live music and antics will take place again for one night only on December 16, 2023. The duo have pulled in the talents of other artists like A.S. Lutes, Ben Davila, Courtney Kaiser-Sandler, Marc Lacuesta, Josh Hoisington, and SkyeLea Martin to create the sonic landscape of holiday oldies and new takes.
Tilt Think Improv Comedy members will also jump in for laughs, and artist Chrissie Reitmeyer provides dance sprinkled in for good measure. And there will be other surprises you can only catch in person, a key ingredient of the Variety Show genre.
For updates and tickets visit the Old Art Building website or follow Andrew Dost on Instagram who suggests watching this Lawrence Welk or The Muppets holiday specials to get into the mood.
