J.R. Sullivan’s Hometown Holiday will be back again this December in Rockford

Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A local holiday tradition returns for its second-straight year after a four-year hiatus.

J.R. Sullivan’s Hometown Holiday will be back again this year with shows on Dec. 13 and Dec. 15 at the Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., in downtown. The seasonal variety show ran for 25 years before halting in 2019. Its blend of holiday and popular songs, comedy and storytelling returned for a one-night only show last year.

“We were happily surprised with the overwhelming response last December,” Sullivan said in a news release. “This special show — in my hometown — has been a great joy to prepare and perform just about every year since 1994. Rockford gave me my start in theater, and this show is my thanks to this great town. After last year’s success, it wasn’t hard to say yes and come home to a new Hometown Holiday in 2024. We hope to add zest and fun to another holiday season.”

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This year’s shows are on 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 and a 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 matinee. In lieu of a Saturday performance, a memorial celebration will be held at 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at the theater to honor Linda Abronski.

Abronski, a former New American Theater, Artists’ Ensemble and Hometown Holiday performer, died Aug. 17 at age 71.

“Linda Abronski was center stage during all of New American Theater’s best seasons,” Sullivan said. “She was dearly loved by NAT audiences, and most certainly Artists’ Ensemble audiences and Hometown Holiday fans as well. Linda lives in our hearts and minds and she will be celebrated at the center of our Hometown Holiday weekend in December.”

Tickets will be available later this month.

Before you go | Hometown Holiday

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15

Where: RPL Nordlof Center in the Sullivan Theater, 118 N. Main St., Rockford

Tickets and info: (Coming soon) HERE