GREENFIELD — Ringers were ringing and singers were singing at the Christmas at the Ricks talent show Dec. 16 at the H.J. Ricks Centre for the Arts in Greenfield.
The annual holiday show — hosted by the Friends of the Theater — showcases a variety of talent from Hancock County performers each December.
This year only the top three took to the stage after a field competitors were whittled down through voting on Facebook, where their performances could be viewed and “liked” online.
Nationally renowned electric violinist Cathy Morris headlined Saturday’s show, performing three different sets throughout the night, including an audience sing along to round out the evening.
Vocalist Alex Ross’ rendition of “Hard Candy Christmas” won the $100 third place prize at the Christmas at the Ricks holiday show Dec. 16.
Coy Hutcherson and his kids performed “Snow Miser/Heat Miser” at the Christmas at the Ricks show Dec. 16, taking home the $250 second place prize.
The New Pal Ring Ensemble played a holiday medley of songs at the Christmas at the Ricks show Dec. 16, taking home the $500 first place prize based on audience votes.
The three hometown competitors also performed to compete for cash prizes. Audience members were then encouraged to vote for their favorite act by sending cash votes through their cell phones at $1 per vote.
More than $1,600 was raised through mobile voting and much more collected through sponsorships, all of which will benefit the historic theater. Final numbers were not yet available by press time Monday.
“The support from our local talent and community was amazing to see. I was rooting for all the groups to win,” said Amy Studabaker, secretary of the Friends of the Theater board.
In the end, the New Palestine Intermediate Ring Ensemble of fifth- and sixth-graders garnered the most votes to claim the $500 first place prize.
“My students had an absolute blast performing on a stage in such a beautiful theater,” New Palestine music director Kathryn Ray posted online following the performance. “Thank you all for such a wonderful performance opportunity.”
The Hutcherson Family — local stage veteran Coy Hutcherson and his three children — won the $250 second place prize for their rendition of “Snow Miser/Heat Miser.”
Vocalist Alex Ross came away with the $100 third place prize for her soulful performance of “Hard Candy Christmas.”
It was a magical evening showcasing both local and national talent, said Noelle Russell, a Friends of the Theater board member who is no stranger to performing on the Ricks stage.
The performer was among a band of supporters who founded Friends of the Theater in 2017 after the theater lost its long-held county funding.
Since then, its members have raised funds to pay for a number of enhancements to the theater, including refurbishing and relighting the historic marquee, replacing the worn curtains with plush new replacements, and adding lighting both inside and out.
In 2023, the nonprofit installed all-new seating and carpet thanks to a fundraiser in which supporters could sponsor a seat.
“The best part (of Saturday’s show) was inviting all our patrons to enjoy those brand new seats. It’s the Friends’ biggest project to date, and it makes all the difference when you tell people to sit back and enjoy the show,” said Russell, who helped host a champagne reception for seat sponsors prior to the performance.
Friends of the Theater president Sandy Miller, who chaired the seat campaign, was also thrilled to see the theater filled with supporters at Saturday’s show.
“We were delighted to show off our new flooring and seats to an enthusiastic crowd,” she said.
For more information on Friends of the Theater and the Ricks, visit HCtheaterfriends.org.
