By Casey Neill
“This year, Santa sings.”
That’s not all this year’s Carols in Harmony Square has in store on Friday 15 December, says master of ceremonies Chris McKenna.
“We’ve really pulled out the A-team for the Dandenong carols,” he said.
He said the cast of Shrek the Musical would be making an appearance, as would the City of Greater Dandenong Band.
“It’s going to be a great family-fun night,” he said.
“I get the joy of telling the audience and crowd about all the wonderful acts that are on and doing all the intros and outros and maybe leading the odd congregational singing.
“I really enjoy that.
“Roy is our star tenor.”
Roy Best chimed in: “I sing a lot.”
Chris said: “He’s one of the best tenors in Australia today.”
“Roy will be joined by Michelle Fitzmaurice.
“She’s an award-winning singer/actress from the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts and a great versatile-type performer.
“Our musical director for Roy and Michelle is David Cameron, who is currently Marina Prior’s musical director.”
Roy will sing The Holy City, Oh Holy Night, The Christmas Song, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, Mary’s Boy Child and more.
“There’s a beautiful Nat King Cole song that Michelle sings called Cradle in Bethlehem,” Chris said.
“There’s a great mix of songs.”
The 70th annual Greater Dandenong carols event will feature free activities for kids from 6pm, including a story time session, face painting, arts and crafts and balloon animals.
The carols start at 6.30pm and also include performances from Bethany Fisher and dancers, the Dandenong Primary School choir and the Tongan Upper Room Worship Team.
There’ll be food for sale and market stalls for last-minute Christmas gifts.
On-street and multi-deck car parking is free after 6pm. The Salvation Army will be selling LED candles for a gold coin donation.
Guests can bring along picnic rugs and deck chairs.
