OSHKOSH, Wis. — The Grand in Oshkosh will host a virtual Christmas variety show on Sunday night with acts performing from across the county. They want to entertain families who aren’t able to experience all of their normal holiday traditions. Joseph Ferlo, Director of The Grand Oshkosh thinks of it as way to give thanks to the community that’s supported The Grand for 137 years.
“Extravagrandza is a two hour Christmas special starring people who have been on the Grand stage before locally and nationally. We have artists who are appearing literally from the four corners of the United States,” said Ferlo.
The group Sundae + Mr. Goessl made up of husband and wife Kate Voss and Jason Goessl, will perform from Holcombe, Wisconsin. They’ve adjusted their performances since the start of the Pandemic. They performed around 60 drive-up concerts this summer with their motor home and quickly jumped onboard for the holiday show.
“He was like, we’re doing this holiday thing and I was like, holiday! You don’t have to tell me twice,” said Voss.
The Grand hopes those who login on Sunday will experience and old fashioned Christmas variety show.
“I’ve always wanted to do a Christmas special. I used to watch them. I’m of that generation. I always wanted to be Dean Martin in the center of the stage or Andy Williams,” said Ferlo.
Sundae + Mr. Goessl, a jazz guitar duo, take inspiration from Les Paul and Mary Ford.
“Our show, we kind of fashioned after basically a melding of Hee-Haw and the Carol Burnett show so we’re super into the retro vintage vibe,” said Voss.
Voss and Goessl will perform two songs on Sunday. Staff from The Grand will also perform.
“So the staff and I are actually doing the opening number, which will be fun. Then we’re going to turn It over to the professionals.”
One of those professionals, Jeff Daniels, who’s known more for his acting, has performed on The Grand stage in the past and is a big supporter of small theaters. On Sunday, he’ll go off-script and pick up his guitar.
“He’s the last act in the show. He brings it home for us,” said Ferlo.
The Grand is the oldest theater in Wisconsin. Artist performances will come in virtually from across the country. The seats will be empty but the online reach of the event has some benefits as well.
“We’ve got people registered to view from Hawaii to England and everything in between,” said Ferlo.
For Ferlo, a Christmas show seemed fitting for everyone heading toward the holidays during a Pandemic. It was also a way for The Grand to flex it’s newly found virtual video capabilities.
“I wanted to do a thank you because the community has been great…just outstanding us and supporting us and keeping us going,” said Ferlo.
To view the concert, you must register at The Grand’s website in advance.