From Elphaba to Evergreen: Former Wicked Star Brings Vintage Holiday Cheer Home
APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — This December 13, Apple Valley welcomes home one of its own as Chelsea Emma Franko, an award-winning performer best known for her acclaimed portrayal of Elphaba in the Broadway National Tour of Wicked, returns to the stage where her passion for the arts began. Chelsea’s celebrated Tinsel Time Tunes Holiday Concert has been completely redesigned for this special hometown showcase, blending nostalgia with modern flair for an unforgettable evening.
Presented by the Cultural Arts Center of The High Desert in partnership with the Town of Apple Valley, the event takes place Saturday, December 13, at the Singh Center for the Arts. Guests will enjoy a dinner theater experience featuring Chelsea’s “little big band,” Retro Canary Club, performing a festive mix of music spanning the 1940s to today—from swing and big band classics to soulful R&B favorites.
Adding to the vintage charm, the evening includes a special themed swing dance lesson led by Paul Riding, a seasoned Lindy Hop and swing dance veteran and content creator known for his dynamic teaching style and creative approach to dance. His expertise promises to make this interactive segment a highlight of the night.
Chelsea shares her vision:
“I wanted to offer an evening filled with nostalgia and invoke memories of a simpler time. I got stuck on this idea of ‘an old-fashioned Christmas’ and wanted to showcase an era that was filled with tender moments of wonder and love.”
About Chelsea Emma Franko
Chelsea grew up in Apple Valley, CA, with a love of musical theatre instilled from a very young age. She honed her craft working alongside some of the industry’s best across the country. In 2016, Chelsea originated the role of Elsa in the world premiere of FROZEN: Live at the Hyperion at Disney California Adventure and appeared as Elsa in Disneyland Resort’s Summer Dazzles national commercial series. From 2017–2018, she toured the U.S. and Canada in the National Tour of Wicked as the standby for Elphaba.
Chelsea’s professional credits include:
- Company (Marta)
- Damn Yankees (Gloria Thorpe)
- Oklahoma! (Ado Annie)
- Spamalot (Lady of the Lake)
- Chicago (Roxie Hart)
- The Addams Family (Wednesday Addams)
- Hairspray, Sunset Boulevard, and Shrek
Outside of theatre, Chelsea is an award-winning cabaret artist, headlining supper and cabaret clubs in LA and across the U.S.
Guests can also enjoy:
- A sweets buffet
- A no-host adult beverage bar
- Grazing Chacuttary Table
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, December 13
- Location: Singh Center for the Arts, 22311 Bear Valley Rd, Apple Valley, CA 92308
- Doors Open: 6:15 PM
- Tickets: $30 per person (18+ only)
- Availability: Seats are limited; tickets are expected to sell out
Tickets are available this week at Town Hall, 14955 Dale Evans Parkway, Apple Valley, CA 92307, during business hours. To reserve your tickets ASAP, call 760-240-7880.
Former iHeart Radio personality and Apple Valley native Andrew Caravella will serve as the celebrity emcee, adding a familiar voice to this festive hometown celebration.
Celebrate the season with Chelsea Emma Franko and Retro Canary Club for a night of music, dance, and timeless holiday magic, an experience you won’t want to miss!
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