Managing Editor

The weather outside may be frightful, but a seat inside the Ritz will be delightful on the evening of Dec. 9.

The Ritz Theatre is presenting a spectacular live Christmas show.

“Let it Snow; Elvis Sings Gospel” stars Todd Allen Herendeen from Panama City Beach with his Follow that Dream Band.

“Elvis had a truly gospel music upbringing,” said Ritz owner Malcolm Neal. “Elvis's only Grammy awards were for inspirational songs.”

Neal said he asked the Elvis impersonator if he would be interested in doing a Christmas themed presentation after Herendeen's last show in Thomaston.

“Because so many people enjoyed Todd's last show, I thought there might be an option for a Christmas show with some of Elvis's holiday and gospel tunes incorporated,” said Neal. “When I presented the idea to Todd, he said he would be more than happy to get something together. Because he was so pleased with the end result, he has decided to do the shows in some other cities where he performs on a regular basis.”

A special added feature will be the appearance of The Thomaston Gospel Singers led by Joan Thomas, a new singing group with some of the best singing voices in the area.

“Joan is the choir director at First United Methodist Church,” said Neal. “She auditioned a group of people specifically for the evening's entertainment. They will be singing some popular carols before Todd takes the stage, and they will also be singing some much loved secular and gospel tunes after the intermission.”

Malcolm has checked the weather for that evening, and it seems it will be OK for a special visitor from the North Pole to make the flight to Thomaston and join in the fun.

Showtime will be 7:30 p.m. and doors will open at 6:45 p.m. Advance tickets are now available at the Ritz Theatre and Cafe during their regular hours. Admission is just $15 for adults and $10 for children and seniors. For further information and credit card bookings please call 706-647-5372 Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. or any evening from 7p.m. - 8:30 p.m.