OGDEN – “Five Carols for Christmas and JingleJacks” has become a local favorite in recent years and is returning to Weber State University.

This year, the Ogden Symphony Ballet (OSBA) is bringing the show to WSU’s Browning Center, 1019 University Circle, in the Allred Theater.

While “Five Carols for Christmas and JingleJacks” are presented together, they are two separate shows.

“Five Carols for Christmas” is a story of five women named Carol who are 1950s housewives rehearsing and presenting their annual Christmas PTA program. A blizzard leads to complications and laughter ensues, along with some great melodies.

In “JingleJacks,” four lumberjacks isolated in the Canadian wilderness are living out their dream of becoming YouTube stars. The audience gets a glimpse of their webcast and is treated to a wide variety of musical styles including opera, hip-hop, barbershop, smooth jazz and new spins on yuletide classics.

Music and lyrics for each are written by well-loved locals Jim Christian and Kenneth Plain.

“You can’t go wrong when those two are involved,” said Melissa Seamons, OSBA’s marketing director. The OSBA found itself without a Christmas show this year and approached Christian about his production. He was quickly on board and things went forward, Seamons said.

“He was gracious enough to put it together for us,” Seamons said. The show has been at Weber State before, but never sponsored by the OSBA.

Both WSU students and acting professionals will perform.

“Plain and Christian’s original shows are just awesome and amazing,” Seamons said, noting the night will include new music along with old classics people will love. “They are a great team and we are excited to work with them and see what they can do.”

Seamons noted the show is in the Allred Theater at the Browning Center rather than the larger Austad Auditorium, which will provide for a more intimate setting.

The suggested age limit is 8 and over, but Seamons thinks a little younger crowd could handle the show. “It’s a great date night and a great family night. Jim and Ken can really do no wrong,” she said.

Seamons said lovers of Christmas and the theater will see why the show is back at WSU this year by popular demand.

“Five Carols for Christmas and JingleJacks” will play at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18. A 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Dec. 19 is then followed by the final performance at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 and $10 and can be purchased on OSBA’s website. 

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