Christmas on Lake Takes the Stage Friday and Saturday

In a year when celebrating its 25th anniversary, Fort Wayne Summer Music Theatre – now under the umbrella of the larger organization Indiana Musical Theatre Foundation – is bringing its 10th Christmas on Lake holiday cabaret to the stage. Featuring some of its finest students and alums, this weekend’s performances will once again be directed by executive director Andrew Sherman.

“Any students who were part of the summer show are eligible to be in the Christmas show,” Sherman said. “We also have four from the staff and some alumni. A few of them are taking finals this week and will come home Friday, do a quick rehearsal, and then perform that night. This show really requires the least amount of work from me.”

Sherman’s dedication to these shows comes from more than just his current status with the organization. He is in fact one of those alums, having participated in the summer productions when his mentor Kirby Volz oversaw the performances while Sherman was a student at North Side High School. He still enjoys the diversity of the performances which are part of Christmas on Lake.

“The music is always wonderful,” he said. “There are always more slow than fast songs, but you get to hear everything from ‘Mary Did You Know?’ to ‘You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch. The songs are fun and make you feel good.”

The show features 17 current members of Fort Wayne Summer Music Theatre as well as a few former members like Darby LeClear who directed the Halloween cabaret. In addition to the performances, which will take place at the IMTF studio at 2446 Lake Avenue, the Friday, December 16 performance will feature the much-anticipated announcement of their 2023 season, which Sherman promises will also feature three cabaret performances. Given their recent successes with shows like Les Miserables and American Idiot, next season should be one worthy of anticipation. Check back on Fort Wayne Currents this weekend for a full rundown of that announcement.

Tickets for Christmas on Lake 2022, which runs December 16-17, are first-come, first-served and only at the door. Tickets are $12. Doors open at 6:45 p.m., and the performance begins at 7:30.

Andrew Sherman