Hello, and welcome to the show! We are absolutely delighted that you’re here to celebrate the season with us at the beautiful Simpsonville Arts Center. This marks our second Christmas concert here in Simpsonville—and our second officially produced through Hartworks—and we couldn't be happier to return to this wonderful venue.

We realize that our little show is taking place a little earlier this season. Since our very first Christmas concert in 2017, we’ve typically held these events closer to Christmas in late December. We know how busy the holiday season can be, especially this Thanksgiving weekend, so the fact that you’ve chosen to spend your evening with us truly means the world.

I’m thrilled to share that we’ll be back here at the Simpsonville Arts Center next Christmas on Friday, December 19th, 2025! Be sure to mark your calendars for that weekend and plan to join us again. Also, don’t forget to follow us on social media (linked above) to stay updated on all things Hartworks—we have exciting plans ahead, including more productions beyond Christmas!

We always love hearing from our patrons. If you enjoyed tonight’s performance, please send us an email through our website at hartworks.org or connect with us on social media. Your feedback and support mean everything to us.

THANK YOU so much for taking time out of your busy holiday schedules to celebrate the Christmas season with us in this special way! I know it’s a cliché, but it still rings true: your "presence" really is the best "present" this time of year. We sincerely hope you enjoy this intimate evening of heartfelt carols—cabaret style!

To borrow a line from Sammy Davis Jr., "We're about to lay some Christmas on ya."

Happy Christmas,
Neel Patrick & Hartworks

ONSTAGE

Leading Vocalist
Neel Patrick Edwards

Accompanist
Lance Bastian

Bass
Wil Johnson

Percussion
Lucas

Guest Soloists
Celia Blitzer
DeAna Earl
Jonathan Kilpatrick

Comedy
Mollie Wheeler
Lauren Vaughn

Guest Cellist
Jeremiah Bastian

COLLABORATORS

Sound Design
Josef Wehunt

Lighting Design
Paul Kwok

Lighting Operator
Kaitlyn Grace

Hartworks Theatrics Executive Producer
Neel Patrick Edwards

SPECIAL THANKS

Hartworks Theatrics would like to say a special thanks to Mandy Edwards, Susan Hawkins, Neel Edwards, and Kate Johnson for setting up and decorating our beautiful, festive stage!

Keyboard supplied by Kilpatrick Music Studio.

A very special thank you to Lance Bastian (aka "The Muscle") for doing these with me since 2017... and putting up with me in the rehearsal room. And, thank you to my lifelong friend Wil Johnson for joining me the past two years and for bringing his wonderfully talented student, Lucas Wiley, on board.

IN MEMORIUM

In Loving Memory of Clifton Edwards (1935–2024)