Regional event highlights include An Evening with Chevy Chase, Steve-O, “Hansel and Gretel” and Tonya Lynette


An Evening with Chevy Chase is set for Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Santander Performing Arts Center in Reading. The event celebrates the timeless classic “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” with a special 35th anniversary screening of the film followed by a live conversation and Q&A with Chase, and his wife, Jayni. Chevy and Jayni will share their behind-the-scenes stories and personal anecdotes about the making of the movie that has become a Christmas tradition. Questions will be taken from the audience, giving you the chance to hear firsthand from Chevy about his storied career, including “SNL,” “Caddyshack” and so much more. For those looking for a special experience, a limited number of VIP tickets will be available that include a personal post-show photo opportunity with Chevy. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply love the holiday spirit, the event promises to be an unforgettable experience. Grab your ugly Christmas sweater and get ready for a night of laughter and holiday cheer. Tickets start at $60. For more information, go to santander-arena.com/events/.

• Steve-O, who puts his body on the line every chance he gets, is set to perform Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Santander Performing Arts Center in Reading. In 2000, MTV aired the first season of “Jackass” and the rest, as they say, is history. Since then, he’s had continued success, as a New York Times best-selling author with the release of his memoir, “Professional Idiot,” as well as establishing himself in the world of stand-up comedy. With 14 years of sobriety under his belt, Steve-O shows no signs of slowing down. He can be found selling out theaters across the U.S. and Canada on The Bucket List tour, a multimedia stand-up comedy show like no other. Steve-O regularly produces content for his YouTube channel, which routinely racks up millions of views, and his “Wild Ride with Steve-O” podcast has proved to be a fan favorite with guests like Post Malone, Demi Lovato, Shaquille O’Neal, Tom Delonge from Blink 182 and more. He resides in Los Angeles with his fiancé, Lux. With their shared love of animals — they have four dogs and two cats — they plan to start their own animal sanctuary. Tickets start at $32. For more information, visit santander-arena.com/events/.

Steve-O brings his crazy stunts to Reading (courtesy of the Santander Performing Arts Center)
Steve-O brings his crazy stunts to Reading. (Courtesy of the Santander Performing Arts Center)

• “Hansel & Gretel,” a musical that is able to captivate audiences while perfectly telling the classic story, will be performed Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. in the Miller Center for the Arts in Reading. Presented by Berks Opera Company in collaboration with Albright College, “Hansel & Gretel” is the ultimate musical story for children of all ages. A pair of unruly siblings overcome deprivation and questionable parenting decisions, narrowly escape being eaten and by courage and wit defeat the evil witch’s supernatural powers. Delightful visuals: a candy and gingerbread house and a witch-sized oven. Plenty of action to keep a kid’s attention. With a live orchestra, Engelbert Humperdinck’s unforgettable music ranges magically from simple folk songs and hymns to rich harmonies and textures. In the lobby, art created around “Hansel & Gretel” by kids at the Olivet Boys and Girls Club this summer will be on display, and gingerbread and other sweets will be available. Tickets start at $25 and children are free with an adult ticket. Students get in free with a valid college ID. For more information, see millercenter.racc.edu/hansel-gretel.

A cartoon depiction of Hänsel & Gretel (courtesy of the Miller Center for the Arts)
A cartoon depiction of “Hansel and Gretel.” (courtesy of the Miller Center for the Arts)

• Tonya Lynette, a musical performer who has made it her mission to bring joy to her fans, is set to perform Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center in West Chester. Lynette was born and raised in Philadelphia, where music was an integral part of her formative years. Immersed in a family where everyone sang or played an instrument, she developed a deep love for music through a process akin to osmosis. This rich, musical upbringing laid the foundation for her lifelong passion and eventual career in music. Lynette’s journey into the world of music wasn’t driven by formal education but rather by years of self-study and an insatiable curiosity. She spent countless hours honing her skills, diving deep into the fundamentals of various genres, including jazz, blues, soul, R&B, country and pop. This diverse exploration allowed her to cultivate a unique sound and versatility that sets her apart in the music industry. As an adult, her dedication to her craft paid off, leading to opportunities to perform both locally and internationally. Her dynamic performances have graced stages across the U.S. and beyond, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and soulful interpretations. Each performance is a testament to her deep understanding of and connection to the music she performs. In addition to performing, Lynette is a prolific writer and composer. Her original compositions reflect her broad musical influences and personal experiences, weaving together intricate melodies and heartfelt lyrics that resonate with listeners. Her ability to blend different genres seamlessly is a hallmark of her work, showcasing her versatility and deep appreciation for the art of music. Her commitment to her music extends beyond the stage and studio. She is continually evolving, always seeking new ways to express her artistry and connect with her audience. Whether through live performances, recorded albums or her original compositions, Lynette remains a vibrant and influential figure in the music world. Ticket prices are $35. For more information, go to uptownwestchester.org/.

Tonya Lynette is bringing her talent to West Chester (courtesy of the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center)
Tonya Lynette is bringing her talent to West Chester. (Courtesy of the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center)

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