Glowing crowns lit up Morristown as the Mayo Performing Arts Center presented its fifth annual Theatre of Light on Sunday. The Vail Mansion’s plaza and reflecting pool became a starry wonderland of crafts, decorations, dance, music and giant puppets — with an ice sculpture thrown in as a reminder that winter is just around the corner.
“We started this as a way to bring the community together in a non-holiday way,” for a “fun night of joy and happiness,” said Ed Kirchdoerffer, chief operating officer of MPAC.
Kadie Dempsey, who created the event, described it as “a celebration of light, and how it has been represented in almost every culture as something positive and uplifting.”
“It’s grown until it’s become another Morristown tradition, kicking off the holiday season in a joyful, uplifting way,” she said, estimating Sunday’s crowd at 1,000.
The Unity Steppers started things off with their own brand of high-energy synchronized dancing. Next, MPAC’s Performing Arts School did ABC (1-2-3) and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, plus a Greatest Showman medley and Defying Gravity from Wicked, saving We are the World for the finale. DJ Lingo supplied much of the evening’s soundtrack.
A Light Parade, led by the dazzling Fluxion LED Dancers and gigantic puppets designed by Morristown artist Dan Fenelon, undulated around the reflecting pool. The colorful procession snaked past a display by OKAMOTO Studios, which chiseled a glistening ice sculpture on the spot. Kids and adults alike seemed delighted by the spectacle.
“I love to be a part of the community, and attending events such as this really gives a good visual of how beautiful and welcoming this town is,” said town resident Christy Lamagna.
Asked for his favorite part of the event, 12-year-old Luke Cheplic didn’t hesitate.
“Definitely the ice sculpting!”
Article courtesy of Kevin Coughlin with the Morristown Green.