OGDENSBURG – Two new encore stage presentations from Ogdensburg Command Performances have been booked for North Country audiences during the coming year.

The first show “Christmas in the Air” will take place Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. at George Hall Auditorium at Ogdensburg Free Academy. The performance is a family friendly, Radio-City-Music-Hall style song and dance review wrapped in a feel-good holiday storyline, according to reviewers.

The production’s narrative is told by Santa’s favorite elves and features dazzling precision dancers known as the Tinsel-Toes.

Ogdensburg Command Performances Administrator Sally F. Palao predicts “Christmas in the Air” will deliver North Country patrons a perfect mix of original music, modern-day favorites, and classic holiday melodies.

“It’s a Christmas and holiday show not to be missed as we continue efforts to bring special performances to the region whenever possible,” Mrs. Palao said.

In May OCP will also bring another professional tour, this one highlighting the music of the popular 70s and 80s super groups ABBA and the Bee Gees.

The May 2 performance of “ABBAmania and Night Fever/The Bee Gees” will take place at 3 p.m. at the George Hall Auditorium.

Mrs. Palao said the show continues to receive rave reviews and is described as a captivating stage performance displaying dazzling lights and settings, and the unmistakable tunes of two of the most successful music groups of all time - ABBA and the Bee Gees.

Songs will of course include timeless hits from ABBA such as “Dancing Queen” and Mama Mia,” while the Bee Gees rendition includes “Night Fever,” “Stayin’ Alive” and “How Deep Is Your Love.”

“It will be a great opportunity for people in the region to relive some of the greatest pop and dance music from that era and to introduce young audience members to songs that used to make their parents and grandparents get up and hit the dance floor,” she said.

In 2024 OCP announced it was ending its 62-year run of booking full seasons of professional live theater to the region and since then has only presented special encore presentations twice each year.

                                Youtheatre: Class Acts

In addition to bringing special shows to the region for the general public, OCP is continuing its mission of bringing stage performances directly to area school children through its coveted Youtheatre: Class Acts program.

The program’s 2025-26 lineup includes:

The Spirit of Harriet Tubman – Created for grades 9 through 12 the performance will be presented at OFA on Oct. 28 and at Gouverneur Central School District Oct. 29.

“On a barren stage with only a trunk of costumes, Leslie McCurdy thrills her audience with her enthusiastic portrayal of Harriet Tubman, according to the show’s synopsis. “For a breathtaking hour, she embodies Harriet’s spirit from early childhood to her elder years, often bringing audiences to their feet with standing ovations, cheers and tears.”

The Stinky Cheese Man – Also included in the Youtheatre lineup for grades prekindergarten through third will be “The Stinky Cheeseman.” The performance will take place at OFA on Feb. 26 and at Gouverneur Feb. 27.

“Jack has a problem. He has successfully grown an enormous beanstalk, stolen a golden harp, and a gold laying goose from the sleeping giant. However, the terrible giant is now awake, and he’s got to use his wits to save himself as a host of characters keep messing up his plan – including that annoying “Stinky Cheese Man.”

Wind in the Willows – Finally, Youtheatre: Class Acts will present the classic “Wind in the Willows.” Based on the beloved children’s novel by Kenneth Grahame. The show, for grades four through eighth, will take place in Ogdensburg on Feb. 12 and again in Gouverneur on Feb. 13.

“Wind in the Willows” mixes classic story telling with projected illustrations to tell of the trials of Mole and Rat as they journey into the Wild Wood and struggle through the hidden wonders of the forest to find the young Otter.

For more information on Ogdensburg Command Performances visit www.ILoveTheatre.org