- This event has passed.
Sights & Sounds of Christmas Dec. 19, 20, 21
Franco Center’s Beloved ‘Sights and Sounds of Christmas’ Returns for 2025 Holiday Season
The Franco Center is thrilled to announce its annual Christmas extravaganza — “Sights and Sounds of Christmas” — a holiday tradition that brings families together to celebrate the season. This year’s performances will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19, and Saturday, Dec. 20, with a special late-afternoon show at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Franco Center in Lewiston.
A cash bar in the Lower Level Bar & Lounge will be open for a pre-show holiday cocktail an hour before each performance.
The Performance Hall stage will be filled with holiday magic, featuring a wide array of acts — from ballet dancers and vocal ensembles to dramatic readings, poetry, and duets — all capturing the warmth and joy of the Christmas season. Many performances will be highlighted by a synchronized Christmas light show, adding a spectacular visual element to the festivities.
TICKETS: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=278561
“This show is all about creating memories,” said Theresa Shanahan, Executive Director of the Franco Center. “Each year, families come together here to experience the sights, sounds, and stories that make the holidays so special. It’s truly a celebration for everyone.”
Cast and production crew to be announced soon.
Curated by Production Director Jake Hodgkin, the show features a diverse lineup of performers. Hodgkin has designed the production to evoke a nostalgic, old-fashioned Christmas, where audience members can fully immerse themselves in the holiday spirit.
“Every corner of the Center will be sparkling this season,” said Hodgkin. “From twinkling lights and decorated trees to the music and performances, we’ve built a show that really captures the joy and magic of the holidays.”
Hodgkin brings a wealth of experience to the production, having worked in theater, live events, and entrepreneurial ventures. His passion for lighting and special effects began at age 12 with synchronized music and light systems — a technology now featured prominently in the show. Hodgkin’s extensive background includes lighting design, directing, and producing for local theaters, alongside operating a DJ business and organizing the annual “Chaos on Cobb Road” spooky walk, which attracts hundreds of visitors each year.
Tickets range from $10 to $30 and are AVAILABLE online at https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=278561
Prices include fees:
Advance Tickets (before noon on performance day.)
Adults: $25
Youth (<18): $10
At Door Tickets
Adults: $30
Youth (<18): $15
Show sponsors:
Crew:
Jake Hodgkin – Director
Jackie McDonald – Assistant director
Astrea Charlett – Costume designer
Bette Fecteau – Production assistant
Sarah Greaton – Light board operator
Theresa Shanahan – Spot light
Brando Morin – Sound designer
Michael Breton – Microphone manager
Missy Hodgkin – Stage manager
Basilio Charlett – Christmas lights operator
Spencer Cramp, Allison Marston, Larry Hodgkin – Stage Crew
Cast:
Stephen Michaels
Torrey Gimpel
Jim Hodgkin
River Charlett
Mary Jo Hodgkin
Cassie Asselin
Nexx Marcoux
Avery Thibodeau
Elijah Middleton
Michelle Breton
Jacob Hodgkin
Jackie Preston
Theresa Cormier
Adrian Morneau
Jenn Leblanc
Stephen Miller
Preston Marston
Meg Thibodeau
Noel Cramp
Lorraine Giasson
Allen Brann
Kai DeSilva
Leeanne Weston
Kathy Haley
Alexis Dascoulias
Tom Marston
Graton Weston
Jake Hodgkin – Director – is a dynamic force in the world of entertainment, both on stage and behind the scenes. With a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, Jake has carved out a diverse career that spans theater, live events, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Jake’s love for lighting and special effects started at the young age of twelve, when he first, while searching the web, found a system which synchronized lights to music, which he currently uses in his Sights and Sounds of Christmas production. The years to follow took him in many different directions not only with his lighting skills but also directing and producing most of his own shows.
As Director, Jake’s enthusiasm for entertainment is evident in every project he takes on. An example of this is the show you are about to experience tonight! The immersive lights and special effects such as, but not limited to computerized Christmas lights, haze, low flying fog, sparklers, and yes even snow. His numerous works at local theaters, including CLT, Public Theater, Lyric Theater, and Portland Players, have honed his expertise in storytelling and stagecraft.
Jake is the owner of a successful DJ business along with an annual spook walk called “Chaos on Cobb Road” that every year for the past eight years has brought as many as 800 visitors per year to the walk. Jake contributes his expertise to East Auburn Baptist Church, where he introduced them to the same lighting system he had found as a child, and that they have been using for the past 3 years.
Kai DeSilva – is a sixth-grade student at Sherwood Heights Elementary School. He loves playing football and basketball and, of course, is a big Patriots fan. He is learning to play the trumpet and loves it. Kai has three brothers, of which he is the second oldest. Kai is thrilled to be a part of this performance with his Memere.
Adrian Morneau – is thrilled to be returning to the Franco Center for her second Sights and Sounds! She enjoyed Hooray for Hollywood! and Best of Broadway and is a member of the Maine Music Society Chorale. She thanks Jake and Jackie for their trust in her for bringing these songs to life. All her love to Jared and Sawyer Ezra for their support and enthusiasm with her being back on stage.
River Charlett – a 6th grader at Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences. has performed with CLT in James and The Giant Peach, Aristocats KIDS, A New Home, with The Dance Center, Bates Youth Arts Program, in The Neverending Story – Maddy’s Theatre; Into the Woods – Stages Youth Theatre; and Hooray for Hollywood at The Franco Center. River is excited for his next performance in The Sights and Sounds of Christmas with The Franco Center!
Cassie Asselin – a 12-year-old, talented young performer with a passion for both dance and song. Training in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and acro for 10 years, she has had a natural stage presence and has recently started vocal lessons. Cassie has performed with Grace Center for Movement, The Franco, and other local businesses and theaters in the Lewiston Auburn area. She really enjoyed working with the cast of this wonderful show.
Elijah I. Middleton – an actor in the Christmas show is also a choreographer in high school and for Lewiston Middle School. Past credits include Mean Girls Jr., The Prom, Beauty and the Beast, 1776, Mean Girls: High School Edition, Tattercoats, SpongeBob the Musical, Beetlejuice the Musical, A New Home, and Opening Up the Musical Showcase.
Lorraine Giasson – is very excited to be a part of this show, performing with “Just Us Entertainers” for many years and in shows at CLT. She loved teaching French at Lisbon Community School and taught Advanced Conversational French at Community College. Music has always been a big part of her life. Lorraine is pleased to be a part of this production with her grandson, Kai. She hopes you enjoy this fabulous Christmas show.
Alexis Dascoulias – is honored to be a part of this celebration of the season. She has performed regionally and professionally in; Annie – Annie Get Your Gun; Maria – The Sound of Music; Agnes – I Do! I Do! and Narrator – Joseph…Dreamcoat. Alexis and her husband founded Camp CenterStage in 2009 and now enjoy sharing their 65-acre Livermore property with artists and campers of all ages. She is currently Dean of Students at Winthrop High School.
Mary Jo Hodgkin – was recruited by her nephew Jacob, joining the crew for “Hooray for Hollywood.” Mary Jo thoroughly enjoyed the experience and is making her onstage debut in “Sights and Sound of Christmas.” It has been her pleasure to work with this talented group of performers. Mary Jo thanks her family, friends and most importantly she thanks her husband Jim for encouraging her to go from behind the scenes into the light.
Avery Thibodeau – is 8 years old and has a strong passion for acting and singing and enjoying her first show! She has loved learning what it takes to put a show together, which has grown her passion. Avery currently takes weekly singing lessons and will be attending theater camps in the future. “The Sights and Sounds of Christmas” has been a great experience for her and she’s excited to be in future shows!
Stephen Miller – living in the L/A area since 1996, a realtor for 20 years with Fontaine Family-The Real Estate leader in Auburn. After enjoying his son’s theater experience, Steve performed in Shrek the Musical, Come Out Singing, Evening at, and Another evening, at Dave’s Sauna, haunted woods and Halloween graveyard walks, and Christmas cabaret. Steve also enjoys motorcycles and teaching a basic rider course class. Thank you for coming to see this show!
Allen Brann – Lives in Lewiston with his wife Jackie. He has performed in the Easter and Christmas productions at EABC, and this is Allen’s second production at The Franco. Merry Christmas and enjoy the show!
Michelle Breton – is excited to be returning for her fourth Sight and Sounds production. She previously also appeared in the Best of Broadway and Hooray for Hollywood. Michelle lives in Auburn with her husband Michael and works as a school counselor at Auburn Middle School. She hopes that you enjoy the show and that you remember the Reason for the Season.
Nexxus Marcoux – a 17-year-old Junior at LHS, this is his second production with the Franco center as you may have recently seen him in Hooray for Hollywood. You may also recognize him from the recent production of CLTs A New Home as Mikey/Alex. Nex is super excited to be a part of this and wishes everyone a happy holiday!
Jackie Preston – a wife, mother, grandmother – of the Director, and great-grandmother, known for her unwavering love for family. Jackie has performed in The Best of Broadway and is performing in her third S&S of Christmas show. Jackie is a dedicated singer at her church, where her beautiful voice and deep faith inspire those around her. Jackie’s life is a testament to the power of faith, family, music, and a lifelong devotion to spreading joy.
Jim Hodgkin – joined the cast of the Sights and Sounds of Christmas for the first time last year and is happy to be returning this year. Jim has also performed in the Best of Broadway. He has performed with the Monmouth Community Players and at Johnson Hall, among other places. However, his favorite current role is Papi to Jack and Tatyana.
Meagan Thibodeau – joined the show to meet new people and share the experience with her daughter, Avery. This is the first show she has been a part of as she has no singing or theater experience. She has enjoyed dedicating her time to help put on this amazing event for the community.
Torrey Gimpel – has a bachelor’s degree – Vocal Performance, master’s degrees from Westminster Choir College emphasis – Vocal Pedagogy; Music Therapy and Counseling from Drexel University. She has performed under the direction of Christoph Eschenbach, Franz Welser-Möst, Neeme Järvi. Torrey was a guest soloist for the Maine Music Society performance of Judas Maccabeus. Torrey has been a member of the Opera Maine chorus since 2022 under the direction of Maestro Israel Gursky.
Noelle Cramp – is delighted to be a part of this year’s Christmas production! This is her first year performing at the Franco Center. Noelle previously appeared in “Charlotte’s Web”, “The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe”, and “The Death and Life of Sherlock Holmes”. She is grateful for the chance to bring joy to the audience and thanks her family, friends, and fellow cast members for their support. Merry Christmas and enjoy the show!
Jennifer LaBlanc – is a singer with a passion for spreading joy through music. Jennifer has been singing in and out of church for several years; her gift inspires and uplifts her community. A lover of Christmas, she cherishes the season for the hope and warmth it brings to everyone. This Christmas, Jennifer is thrilled to share her love for the holiday with audiences, bringing festive cheer and a sense of togetherness through her uplifting vocals.
Theresa Cormier has been playing guitar and singing since she was 9. 1990s Female Vocalist of Maine, Theresa is currently an operations Manager for a small HVAC company, has three children, one grand-daughter and a dog. In the past few years, she has found herself singing for the EABC and in the past Christmas shows here at the Franco Center. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Larry Hodgkin – in his fourth Christmas show, once again contributing both on stage and off stage. Married for 33 years to his wonderful wife, Melissa, Larry is the proud father of Jacob Hodgkin, a devoted dad and grandfather to his favorite little guy in the whole wide world. Larry is excited to help bring the magic of the season to life and share the holiday cheer with his family, friends, and the audience.
Preston Marston – a joyful and energetic almost three-year-old, marks his third appearance in a Christmas show. The beloved nephew of director Jacob Hodgkin. With his infectious smile and boundless enthusiasm, he brings a special touch of magic to the stage, delighting audiences with his adorable presence. Though young, Preston is already showing an early love for the arts, and he’s excited to be part of the holiday tradition once again!
Tom Marston – loving husband and father to Allison and Preston, he is pleased to be returning to his role in the Holy Family again this year. Joseph hopes that you all enjoy the show and have a Merry Christmas.
Leeann Weston – dances with EABC and is happy to be sharing the joy of this season with you all through dance.
Grafton Weston- Happy to be a part of this year’s show!
Steven Michaels – is happy to be joining the cast at the Franco Center! Credits: “Javert” in Les Misérables – Hackmatack Playhouse. “Steven Kodaly” – She Loves Me, Lyric Stage, Boston. “Murray” – The Odd Couple (with Pat Morita and Sherman Hemsley) Stoneham Theater, Stoneham, MA. Winner – two “Spotlight on the Arts” (NH) awards – “Best actor in a Comedy” – “Lenny” in Rumors & “Best Actor in a Musical” – “Albin” – La Cage aux Folles. Amazon Prime – “Chad Blake” in Kuleana. Merry Christmas!
Basilio Charlett – was born on Mount Desert Island, Maine. He enjoys hiking, biking, snowboarding, and working on his vintage car. Basilio is a software developer and tech specialist and works at Central Maine Community College.
CREW
Jackie McDonald/Assistant director – is thrilled to be part of The Sights and Sounds of Christmas! She has been involved both on and off stage at CLT, OHMPAA, Kingsbridge Theater, MCP, and the Moss Hart Award winning OOTB, but this is the first time she has been at the Franco. Jackie wants to thank the cast and crew for sharing their art, and the patrons for their visible support of this program.
Bette Sandborn Fecteau/Production assistant – a musical fixture in this community for over 40 years, having sung with many local groups including The Girls of L.A. Bette has performed many times at the Franco Center, this is her third year participating in the Sights and Sounds of Christmas. She hopes you all enjoy the show and wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas!
Kathy Haley – pianist
Astrea Charlett/Costume designer – is an artist from an island in Maine. Her costume creations have been featured in music videos, fashion shows, magazines, as well as many stages and festivals from near and far. Astrea is delighted to collaborate with the Franco Center for The Sights and Sounds of Christmas.
Sarah Greaton/Co-Lighting Designer/Operator – Sarah is glad to be back at the Franco! Most recently, she served as Stage Manager for Hollywood. Some of her recent productions include A New Home, SpongeBob, The Little Prince, and Nunsense (CLT), as well as lighting design for Best of Broadway and Sights and Sounds of Christmas (Franco). She would like to thank her parents and her partner for their endless love and support.
Melissa Hodgkin/Stage crew – has been a devoted member of the stage crew for all of Jacob’s productions. As his mother, she brings both dedication and love, always ready to lend a hand and ensure his work shines.
Larry Hodgkin/Stage crew – has been part of almost every one of Jake’s productions since his son first began creating. As a devoted stage crew member and father, Larry’s steady hands and quiet dedication have helped bring Jake’s visions to life from childhood projects to full productions.
Spencer Cramp/Stage crew is a proud member of this year’s stage crew, helping bring the magic of Christmas to life from behind the scenes. Whether it’s setting up props, managing scene changes, or keeping everything running smoothly, Spencer ensures the show looks its best. He enjoys working as part of the backstage team and is excited to help make this year’s production one to remember.
Micheal Breton/Microphone manager – has been a part of a few productions, but behind the scenes. Normally, Michael is behind a desk, designing technical computer networks. He enjoys spending time with his family, especially his wife, Michelle. 🙂
Allison Marston/Stage manager – is the proud older sister of Jacob Hodgkin, a devoted mom to an amazing little boy, and loving wife to an awesome guy who supports her in everything she does. Allison is a science teacher, inspiring her students with the wonders of science. This is her fourth Christmas show, and she couldn’t be more excited to share the magic of the season with her family, friends, and the audience.
Theresa Shanahan/Spotlight operator– a resident of Auburn, has experience in the non-profit sector as well as experience in event coordinating, including as Executive & Development Director, Maine Ski and Snowboard Museum and Event Coordinator and Catering Chef at a venue in Southern Maine. Originally from Connecticut, Theresa became a Mainer in 1988 residing in the western mountains of Maine where she raised her two adult children. She shares her home with a cat and a dog.
FYM Entertainment & Sound Productions
With more than 20 years of experience, Brando Morin and FYM Entertainment & Sound Productions are trusted leaders in professional audio and event production across New England. From weddings, DJ services, and private celebrations to theater, concerts, and large-scale venue productions, we craft immersive experiences with precision and energy. Trusted by institutions like Colby College and Bates College, we bring passion, reliability, and exceptional sound to every event—ensuring moments that are seamless, memorable, and truly unforgettable.
Act 1
- Speech/Dancing logo
- Christmas Day
- Light Show
- Let It Snow, Let It Snow
- Narration 1
- The Christmas Song
- Bedroom Storytime
- I’ll Be Home for Christmas
- Projection
- Music of Christmas
- You Make It Feel Like Christmas
- Narration 2
- Oh, Holy Night
- All I want for Christmas is You
- Don’t Be a Jerk, It’s Christmas
- Jingle Bell Rock
- What Child is This
- Reindeer Song
- Let it Go
Act 2
- Projection
- Christmas Town
- Light Show/Magic
- Mary Did You Know
- Narration 3 – Maine Christmas Song
- Projection/Flying Santa
- What Christmas Means to You
- Christmas Wishes
- Somewhere in My Memory
- Believe
- Narration 4
- Silent Night
- Woodshop Narration
- Nutcracker Dance
- God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
- Christmas Candles Monologue
- Christmas Candles
- Narration 5
- Just Sing a Christmas Song