MTG performs holiday carols
The Christmas spirit was palpable Saturday, Dec. 9, at Vintage Coffeehouse on Main Street in Butler, as nearly 100 people packed the fragrant shop to hear carolers from the Musical Theatre Guild belt out an array of holiday favorites.
With guild member and event organizer Jessica Sanzotti at the piano, the 15 carolers started off with “Holly Jolly Christmas” and soon saw one singer acting out all 12 days of Christmas during that selection.
Those in the long line for specialty coffee, hot chocolate and confections at the cozy coffee shop had the best vantage point, as it snaked right in front of the singers as they provided their solos or on-point harmonies.
Many were dressed in red and green or clothing made of holiday fabrics, and many a Santa hat was perched on the heads of singers and revelers alike.
Even Mrs. Claus took time out from her busy schedule at the North Pole to sing with the MTG carolers.
“I love ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town,’ obviously,” she said of her favorite carol. “And I love all the old fashioned Christmas carols.”
She said she is able to magically make the time she needs to participate in events like the caroling event in Butler, which is almost 3,400 miles south of her cookie oven in the North Pole.
“It’s something anyone can do, to find the time for the people you love,” said Mrs. Claus, who many say strongly resembles Chicora resident Amy Cannard.
Casey Hoolahan, of Butler, was excited to sing with the MTG members for the first time.
“It was on Instagram that they were looking for volunteer carolers, so I messaged them and they said ‘Come to rehearsal,’” she said.
Hoolahan was involved with musical theater in high school and college, and has sung since she was a child.
“I haven’t done it in years, so this is kind of my way back into performing,” she said. “I just hope people enjoy it and I hope it puts them in the Christmas spirit.”
Holly Hegadorn, of Connoquenessing Township, came with her mother, Virginia Ketterer, of Butler Township, to grab some coffee before doing a little Christmas shopping downtown.
“We were here last weekend and it was so enjoyable, we came back,” Hegadorn said. “We didn’t even know there would be carolers.”
Nicole Nevel-Steighner sat with a group of friends and family and sang along to all the old Christmas chestnuts so ably performed by the MTG singers.
“I love Christmas carols,” Nevel-Steighner said. “My best friend told me about it.”
The event reminded her of Butler’s Main Street when she was a child, when everyone shopped downtown and the Christmas vibe filled every heart.
“I was born and raised here and I always have loved Main Street,” Nevel-Steighner said. “I am so grateful to see this revitalization of our downtown area. Now we have the Penn Theater coming back. I’m thrilled.”
Sanzotti said the MTG members also will sing carols at the South Butler Community Library and a law firm’s Christmas party this year.
“This is part of our outreach,” she said. “We just want to spread some holiday cheer.”
Sanzotti said MTG members wanted to do something to support the community that has supported them for 61 years.
Angela Kupas, who co-owns Vintage Coffeehouse with her husband, Peter, said Saturday’s performance marked the second year for the MTG performers singing carols at the shop.
“People like to sing Christmas carols,” Kupas said. “It gives them an opportunity to showcase what they have, and it’s a community thing.”
She hopes to continue having the MTG carolers in each holiday season.
“I love it,” Kupas said. “I feel like people have been excited about it.”
