Southeast Missouri State University’s River Campus is providing festive performances for residents and visitors while playing an important role in strengthening the local economy this holiday season. The events offer another reason for visitors to come to Cape Girardeau, enjoy local restaurants, shop area businesses, and experience the #5 Best Small College Town in America during the holiday season.
The holiday lineup brings together visiting professional dancers, SEMO students and faculty, and community partners for performances ranging from “NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet” to Handel's “Messiah.” The season also includes two annual collaborations between SEMO's music and theatre programs, one of which raises funds for cancer care and student opportunities.
The economic contribution of these events extends beyond ticket sales. A 2022 SEMO economic impact study found the River Campus added $33.4 million in income to the Missouri economy and supported more than 500 jobs. The study identified retail, accommodation, and food services among the industries benefiting from the River Campus’ overall economic activity. During the holidays, when communities are working to attract shoppers and visitors, these events are an especially valuable part of the local economy in addition to serving as joyous celebrations and merry traditions.
The Holiday Lineup
The holiday season begins Nov. 11 with “NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet,” a touring production presented by Talmi Entertainment. Featuring international dancers, elaborate costumes, puppetry and acrobatics set to Tchaikovsky’s score, the production takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. in the Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall.
On Dec. 1, the Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra and SEMO choir will present George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah,” a holiday tradition featuring guest oboist Thomas Gallant.
Families can enjoy a different take on holiday favorites during the free “Caribbean Christmas Family Holiday Concert” at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 5 in Bedell Performance Hall. The concert features the SEMO Steel Drum Band performing seasonal music with Caribbean rhythms.
The holiday season will also provide an opportunity for audiences to support local families and SEMO students during “Sounds of the Season” at 3 p.m. Dec. 6 in Bedell Performance Hall.
Presented by Mercy Health Foundation Southeast in partnership with SEMO, the concert benefits the Mercy Health Southeast Cancer Care Fund and supports student opportunities through SEMO’s Department of Music and the Jeanine Larson Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre and Dance.
The performance brings together music, theatre and dance students and faculty for a program of familiar holiday favorites and less traditional selections. Students contribute musical performances, arrangements, accompaniment and theatrical production work, gaining experience collaborating across disciplines.
Dr. Nicholas Kenney, chair of SEMO’s Department of Music, said the event gives students an opportunity to use their talents in service to others.
“They have the ability to serve others and make a difference in their communities,” Kenney said.
Dr. Kenneth Stilson of the Dobbins Conservatory said the concert also supports the annual Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre senior showcase in New York City, an important opportunity for graduating students to perform for industry professionals.
Stilson said he hopes audiences leave the performance with a sense of “Love. Hope. Holiday cheer.”
The holiday series concludes Dec. 11-12 with “Big Band Holiday Jukebox,” an annual collaboration featuring the SEMO Jazz Studio and performers from the Dobbins Conservatory. The production combines live jazz with theatrical performances and holiday music. Both shows begin at 7:30 p.m. in Bedell Performance Hall.
For senior music major Gabriel Brown, who is performing in the production for the fourth and final time, the concert offers audiences a fresh take on familiar holiday favorites.
“Big Band Holiday Jukebox takes a whole new perspective to the stage,” Brown said. “The combination of brass, woodwinds and percussion makes for a totally different take on typical holiday tunes. It makes the audience want to clap their hands, stomp their feet and maybe even get up and dance.”
For performance details, tickets and the complete River Campus events calendar, visit semo.edu/river-campus-events or contact the River Campus Box Office at (573) 651-2265.
