WHBPAC Hosts First 'Arts Academy Holiday Spectacular' Tonight

In celebration of the launch of its Nancy & Frederick DeMatteis Arts Academy, the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center kicks off the holiday season with its first ever Arts Academy Holiday Spectacular tonight, November 28th at 7pm. This festive community event showcases the myriad talents of the WHBPAC's gifted faculty and students! Audience members can also enjoy refreshments and visit with Santa in the PAC's cozy Gallery Lounge during intermission. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by visiting whbpac.org or calling (631) 288-1500.

Hosted by WBAZ's fabulous on-air personality Walker Vreeland, this winter spectacle features beloved holiday classics, newer holiday tunes, iconic dances from the Nutcracker, and some excerpts from classic holiday tales. The cast of students represents the over 200 students enrolled in this fall's Arts Academy classes including the Annie Jr. Cast, Beauty and the Beast Cast, Nutcracker Cast, Melodies and Memories Cast, and Life is a Cabaret Cast, and will also feature Arts Academy Alumni including Marissa Russo and Andrew Jacobs.

The Spectacular not only showcases the Academy's talented students but also introduces some of the PAC's incredible faculty who are all acclaimed performers in their respective fields. Host, Walker Vreeland, is a radio personality and former actor who is passionate about the Arts. Teaching Artist Valerie diLorenzo is a professional Actor, Singer, and Director who is a member of the Actors Equity Association and a MAC award winning vocalist. She's also been singing the National Anthem for the New York Mets for over 15 seasons. Teaching Artist Jenna Mate is a director, actor, and performing arts educator who has worked with numerous children's theater programs both as a director and vocal coach. Music Teaching Artist Kristen Ciemnecki works for the Eastport-South Manor Central School District and is currently performing with local band, Easy Street. Teaching Artist Kristen Poulakis began as a dance instructor at the Dance Centre in Westhampton and Manorville and helped found, run, and direct musical theatre companies: ACT Out East and East End Children's Theatre Company at the Vail Leavitt Music Hall. Musical Director Dr. Peter Pece has been professionally involved in music for over 40 years. He received a doctorate in the field of Neuromusicology and is also an adjunct professor in the School of Professional Development at Stony Brook University where he teaches graduate courses on Music and the Brain, Thesis Writing and Early Adolescent Development. WHBPAC PR & Marketing Manager Jodi Giambrone is a singer who has been performing since the age of 5. And of course, Arts Academy Director Julienne Penza-Boone will reveal her exceptional talents as an actor, director and singer along with other surprise guests. Don't miss this fantastic community event!

All proceeds benefit the Nancy and Frederick DeMatteis Arts Academy!

Purchase Tickets 3 Ways:

· On-Line: www.whbpac.org

· Call Box Office: 631-288-1500

· Visit: 76 Main Street, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978

(Wednesday - Sunday, Noon - 6pm and later on show nights.)