(Van Wezel, Sarasota FL) The success of A Very Broadway Christmas was firmly rooted in the extraordinary Broadway pedigrees of its seven featured vocalists, each of whom brought a distinct theatrical background and performance style to the stage as the group performed holiday classics for the span of nearly 2 magical hours.
Felicia Boswell, an Emmy Award winner and Grammy nominee, anchored the evening with powerhouse vocals shaped by leading roles in Jesus Christ Superstar Live, Motown, Memphis, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Dreamgirls. Her Broadway and national tour experience translated into performances that balanced technical precision with emotional depth and commanding presence.
Geoff Packard contributed a wealth of classic Broadway experience, having appeared in productions such as Bandstand, Matilda, Rock of Ages, Phantom of the Opera, and the First National Tour of Wicked. His versatility as both a performer and educator was evident in his polished delivery, informed by years of work on Broadway stages and in leading regional theaters.
Equally accomplished was Chelsea Packard, whose Broadway credits included Wicked, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and the original Broadway cast of Promises, Promises. Her refined storytelling and vocal warmth reflected a deep understanding of Broadway tradition and musical nuance.
Jillian Mueller brought a contemporary Broadway edge to the concert, having starred as Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman: The Musical on Broadway, along with appearances in Flashdance and Memphis. Her film and television experience added a modern, cinematic quality to her stage presence that resonated strongly with the audience.
Scott Difford infused the evening with infectious energy, drawing on his Broadway experience in The Book of Mormon and Matilda. His extensive national tour and regional theatre background—particularly in works such as Ragtime and A Christmas Carol—made him a natural fit for the holiday repertoire.
Heather Tepe showcased the strength of her Broadway foundation through performances informed by credits including Gypsy, Matilda, and Billy Elliot. Her expressive phrasing and confident musical instincts shone especially in ensemble numbers supported by the choir.
Serving as both performer and host for the evening was Justin Gomlak Greer, a Broadway veteran of nine productions, including Anything Goes, The Producers, Shrek the Musical, Annie, and Annie Get Your Gun. As host, Greer anchored the evening with charm, humor, and a clear sense of theatrical flow, guiding the audience effortlessly from number to number while also delivering standout vocal performances of his own.
Taken together, these seven artists transformed A Very Broadway Christmas into far more than a seasonal concert—it emerged as a fully realized holiday event with the hallmarks of a lasting tradition. The combination of elite Broadway talent, festive storytelling, choral and dance enhancements, and genuine seasonal warmth created an experience that felt essential rather than optional. This was a show that deserved a permanent place on the Van Wezel’s holiday calendar, one audiences should anticipate each December, and one I would eagerly make a personal holiday tradition to attend year after year.
Felicia Boswell, an Emmy Award winner and Grammy nominee, anchored the evening with powerhouse vocals shaped by leading roles in Jesus Christ Superstar Live, Motown, Memphis, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Dreamgirls. Her Broadway and national tour experience translated into performances that balanced technical precision with emotional depth and commanding presence.
Geoff Packard contributed a wealth of classic Broadway experience, having appeared in productions such as Bandstand, Matilda, Rock of Ages, Phantom of the Opera, and the First National Tour of Wicked. His versatility as both a performer and educator was evident in his polished delivery, informed by years of work on Broadway stages and in leading regional theaters.
Equally accomplished was Chelsea Packard, whose Broadway credits included Wicked, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and the original Broadway cast of Promises, Promises. Her refined storytelling and vocal warmth reflected a deep understanding of Broadway tradition and musical nuance.
Jillian Mueller brought a contemporary Broadway edge to the concert, having starred as Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman: The Musical on Broadway, along with appearances in Flashdance and Memphis. Her film and television experience added a modern, cinematic quality to her stage presence that resonated strongly with the audience.
Scott Difford infused the evening with infectious energy, drawing on his Broadway experience in The Book of Mormon and Matilda. His extensive national tour and regional theatre background—particularly in works such as Ragtime and A Christmas Carol—made him a natural fit for the holiday repertoire.
Heather Tepe showcased the strength of her Broadway foundation through performances informed by credits including Gypsy, Matilda, and Billy Elliot. Her expressive phrasing and confident musical instincts shone especially in ensemble numbers supported by the choir.
Serving as both performer and host for the evening was Justin Gomlak Greer, a Broadway veteran of nine productions, including Anything Goes, The Producers, Shrek the Musical, Annie, and Annie Get Your Gun. As host, Greer anchored the evening with charm, humor, and a clear sense of theatrical flow, guiding the audience effortlessly from number to number while also delivering standout vocal performances of his own.
Taken together, these seven artists transformed A Very Broadway Christmas into far more than a seasonal concert—it emerged as a fully realized holiday event with the hallmarks of a lasting tradition. The combination of elite Broadway talent, festive storytelling, choral and dance enhancements, and genuine seasonal warmth created an experience that felt essential rather than optional. This was a show that deserved a permanent place on the Van Wezel’s holiday calendar, one audiences should anticipate each December, and one I would eagerly make a personal holiday tradition to attend year after year.
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