Santa Ynez Valley Online : Solvang Nativity Pageant

Monday, Jan 5, 2009 8:57 PM Home

Solvang Nativity Pageant
By: Laura Kath
Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Solvang, CA - This is the 20th year that the “Christmas Story” has come to life at the outdoor Solvang Festival Theater, accompanied by a choir, performers in traditional costumes, and live animals on stage. [ View Photo Gallery ]. Special thanks to Fossemalle Studio Dancers, the Valley Wind Ensemble, and community volunteers who performed in the pageant.

There were two free performances offered at 5 PM and 7 PM, with capacity audiences (approximately 700 guests at each performance). Prelude performances were given at 4:15 PM by Fossemalle Studio Dancers and at 6:15 PM by the Valley Wind Ensemble. The performers are all community volunteers. Here are the key roles and their actors this year:

Mary: Kristi Pankratz
Baby Jesus: Brixton Pankratz (Kristi's son)
Joseph: Noah Swanson
Angel Gabriel: Christopher Park

Local coordinators of the Pageant are Jeannette Swanson and Steve Battaglia. The program was announced by 90-year old renowned actor and Solvang resident Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. The invocation was given by Pastor Richard Smitley.

The featured singer was operatic baritone Samuel de Palma, giving his time and talent between international engagements. Despite the brisk temperatures, guests were warmed by the spirit of the season.

SYV-Online.COM, Published by Comware International Inc.
P.O. Box 410 Solvang, CA 93464		(805) 686-1262 (for syv-online.com only!) Note: The above phone number is for the syv-online.com website. To reach one of our sponsors, please click on their banner and call their phone number.

Add Your URL: If you're located in the Santa Ynez Valley, you may submit your URL for addition to our links page by contacting our webmaster . Please list your company name, address, phone, e-mail, URL, and a short description of your business/service in your correspondence.