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Every once in a while, a project breaks through in a way that confirms everything you believed about its potential—but still manages to surprise you.
That’s exactly what happened with The Holiday Songbook.
After more than a decade of refining the Songbook format, this production became the first nationally released edition of the newly rebranded Songbook Series—and the response has been immediate, enthusiastic, and deeply affirming. Across venues large and small, audiences showed up, leaned in, and left wanting more.
And now, theatres nationwide are paying attention.
Where the Songbook Series Began
For more than a decade, The Songbook Series (formerly Broadway Songbook) has been one of the most consistent audience-development tools I’ve ever created. The early seeds were planted during explorations at Paper Mill Playhouse and Stage One in Wichita, but it was at The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts where the concept truly found its identity.
Over its seven-year run at the Ordway, the Series became a powerful driver of audience growth—building deep enthusiasm for popular music, Broadway classics, and the American Songbook as a whole. Performances sold out. Community formed. Loyalty followed.
And the guiding principle was always simple:
Give audiences the music they love.
Give them the stories behind it.
Deliver it with knockout performances.
Why This Format Works So Well for Theatres
Producing organizations face the same core challenges year after year:
- Delivering artistically satisfying content
- Attracting new audiences
- Staying within budget
- Offering multi-generational programming
- Filling seasons with recognizable titles
- Reducing technical stress and rehearsal time
The Songbook Series was built to meet every one of those needs.
Successful shows deliver both recognition and discovery—and that’s the sweet spot of every Songbook production:
- Audiences instantly connect with music they already love.
- The storytelling draws them into something new.
- Each production is scalable, flexible, and budget-smart.
- The format thrives in intimate rooms or large houses alike.
- And it builds not just ticket buyers—but loyal audiences deeply invested in your mission.
Why The Holiday Songbook Hit First
Holiday programming carries unique pressures: tight schedules, high expectations, broad appeal, and zero margin for error. The Holiday Songbook meets every one of those demands.
It’s festive and familiar, joyful and informative, easy to rehearse, budget-friendly, and equally effective in intimate venues or large homes.
Early reviews say it best:
“A warm and cozy tonic… a fun and festive celebration of holiday music.”
— Cherry & Spoon
“A masterwork anthology… audiences are transported.”
— Lucas Chase, Mabel Tainter Theatre
Confirmed bookings for 2025 included:
- Historic Holmes Theatre (MN)
- Cinnabar Theatre (CA — original production)
- Class Act Productions (TX — original production)
- Mabel Tainter Theatre (WI)
- Crooners Supper Club (MN)
The Rebranding: From Broadway Songbook to The Songbook Series
When the project launched at the Ordway, the focus was exclusively Broadway. Over time, audience response revealed something powerful: people wanted a wider musical landscape—still rooted in Broadway but not limited to it.
The rebrand to The Songbook Series reflects a richer, more inclusive musical conversation—honoring Broadway’s influence while expanding into pop, standards, iconic eras, and cultural song cycles.
And Now, the Next Chapter Begins
With The Holiday Songbook establishing a strong national foundation, new editions of the Series are already in development for release in 2026 and 2027:
- Broadway in Love
- The Women Who Wrote the Songs
- Yankee Doodle Boy
If you’d like to explore presenting The Holiday Songbook or licensing a future edition of the Songbook Series, I’d love to start the conversation.
📩 info@thirtysaintsproductions.com
Thirty Saints Productions
