Virtual Christmas Show Returns to Elliott Hall of Music

Community member Onyx Uzomah performs a solo during the virtual Purdue Christmas Show.

Community member Onyx Uzomah performs a solo during the virtual Purdue Christmas Show.

After a two-year absence, PMO students took to the Elliott Hall of Music stage once again.

In December 2021, the 88th annual Purdue Christmas Show was produced virtually due to health and safety concerns caused by COVID-19. However, the pandemic precautions could not stop the students and staff from sharing the spirit of the holiday season with thousands of viewers via PMO’s new broadcasting network: PMOBroadcasting.com.

“As an out-of-state student, I am excited to be able to share this year’s virtual Christmas Show with my entire family, even those who typically would be unable to attend the show in person,” said Jennifer Ascher, a Purduette senior studying mechanical engineering from South Lyon, Mich.

More than 250 students and community members filled the stage of Elliott Hall to film PMO’s virtual production the week after Thanksgiving. In accordance with the University’s Protect Purdue guidelines, the PMO staff developed a customized COVID-19 testing program that allowed students to perform last year’s Christmas Show without masks.

“PMO is grateful for the assistance of the Protect Purdue Health Center and medical advisory team, which were integral in developing our surveillance testing protocol” said Colton Withers, PMO Associate Director and Director of Administration & External Relations. “As you see our students’ smiling faces, please be grateful for these partners!”

Over the course of a week, the PMO staff worked together with members of the professional orchestra, who were thrilled to be back in the pit, and the Elliott Hall of Music staff to organize a rehearsal and recording schedule for each individual ensemble.

PMO thanks Gary Higgins, videographer and owner of Indiana Motion Pictures, and Michael Graham, chief audio engineer and president of The Lodge Studios, for their partnership in making last year’s virtual production possible. Of course, the PMO students and community performers deserve all the credit for bringing the Christmas Show magic back to the Elliott Hall stage.

“As a senior, it is incredible to be part of a large production filled with students, none of whom are music majors,” said Ascher, who serves as manager of the Purduettes. “I am so grateful to be part of PMO and the virtual Christmas Show, and I hope this show brings everyone a little holiday cheer.”

The 88th annual Purdue Christmas Show is available indefinitely for PMO subscribers. To learn more and to view the virtual production, visit PMOBroadcasting.com.