Quick Read
- Chevy Chase and his wife Jayni will appear at the King Center on November 22 for a live Q&A after a screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
- VIP tickets include a personal photo opportunity with Chevy Chase.
- The King Center’s holiday lineup features ballet, symphonic music, and community performances.
- Tower of Power and Cirque Musica headline other major holiday shows at the venue.
- Tickets for Chevy Chase’s event start at $87; VIP experiences are available.
Chevy Chase Headlines a Holiday Tradition at the King Center
In the heart of Florida’s Space Coast, holiday magic comes alive at the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts, where laughter and nostalgia mingle with the shimmer of ballet, the pulse of funk, and the warmth of community song. This year, the buzz starts early—and for fans of iconic comedy, the spotlight shines on Chevy Chase, who, alongside his wife Jayni, brings the kind of laughter that has defined a generation.
On November 22, the King Center transforms into a living room of sorts, inviting audiences to relive the hilarity of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. After the screening, Chase and Jayni step onto the stage for a live conversation, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and personal anecdotes that peel back the curtain on one of America’s favorite holiday films. The laughs are authentic, the memories vivid, and for those lucky enough to snag a VIP ticket, there’s a personal photo opportunity with Chase himself—a rare chance to meet a comedy legend in the flesh.
“Chevy Chase brings that warm, nostalgic feeling,” says Ashley Dillow, director of sales and marketing. And it’s true: for many, Chase’s brand of humor is inseparable from the season, a reminder of family gatherings and the imperfect perfection of holiday celebrations.
From Ballet to Funk: A Diverse Holiday Lineup
But the King Center’s holiday calendar is more than just a trip down memory lane. It’s a tapestry woven from the threads of classical arts, soulful music, and community spirit. The season opens with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra’s “Sounds of the Season” on November 29, featuring live narration by Dolores Hydock. Hydock’s stories, described by the Birmingham News as “funny and touching, smart and insightful, personal and universal,” set the stage for a month of shared moments.
December ushers in the spectacle of ballet, with two of Tchaikovsky’s masterpieces gracing the stage. The Sleeping Beauty, performed on December 28, is the fruit of a partnership between the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra and Classical Arts Entertainment. It’s a feast for the senses: elaborate hand-painted sets, more than 200 exclusive costumes, and an international cast of ballet stars from Italy, Spain, Georgia, Ireland, Turkey, Brazil, Great Britain, Ukraine, Japan, Tajikistan, Moldova, and Kazakhstan. “Their talent is unmatched,” says Aaron Collins, conductor and artistic director. “The music is astounding, bursting with color and drama. Tchaikovsky’s score feels like a grand movie soundtrack, demanding a massive orchestra for a sound of incredible richness and power.”
Not to be outdone, The Nutcracker returns on December 6 and 7, celebrating its 22nd anniversary on the King Center Main Stage. Directed by Joseph Gatti, the show features dazzling sets and costumes from St. Petersburg, Russia, and the Brevard Symphony Orchestra’s vibrant accompaniment. Internationally acclaimed principal dancers join talented locals, creating a holiday spectacle that, as Florida Today notes, rivals any New York City production.
Chevy Chase: Comedy’s Enduring Holiday Star
Chevy Chase’s appearance at the King Center isn’t just a celebrity cameo; it’s a testament to the enduring power of shared laughter. Decades after his breakout roles on Saturday Night Live and in classic films like Caddyshack and Fletch, Chase remains a fixture in American pop culture. His role as Clark Griswold in Christmas Vacation is more than a performance—it’s a ritual, replayed in living rooms across the country every December.
What sets this event apart is its intimacy. Chase and Jayni don’t just retell old stories; they invite the audience into the creative process, revealing the improvisations, challenges, and unexpected joys of making a film that has become a holiday staple. The post-show Q&A offers fans the chance to ask their own burning questions—perhaps about the infamous turkey scene, or the real-life inspirations behind Griswold family chaos.
For those seeking a deeper connection, the VIP experience is unmatched: premium seating, a backstage tour, and a printed photo with Chase. It’s the kind of memory that sticks, as vivid as the twinkle of Christmas lights.
Behind the Scenes: The Art of Holiday Spectacle
While the audience sees effortless magic, the reality is a testament to teamwork and logistics. Productions like Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland, set for December 20, require an intricate ballet behind the curtain—multiple semi-trucks loaded with set pieces, rigging, and costumes, plus buses for artists and crew. Local teams arrive twelve hours before curtain to build the fantasy, and after the final bow, spend hours packing it all away. “By the time the lights come up, we’ve done our job when you forget about all of the trucks, cables, and hours of prep,” explains Rob Adams, director of facilities. “It’s an extraordinary team effort by a lot of hard-working, highly trained crew members.”
Cirque Musica is a dazzling fusion of circus artistry and beloved holiday melodies, promising gravity-defying acrobatics and awe-inspiring spectacle. Tickets start at $63, with a VIP option for those wanting a closer look at the magic.
Funk lovers aren’t left out: Tower of Power’s “Holiday & Hits Tour” storms the King Center on December 2, bringing five decades of window-rattling grooves and collaborations with icons like Elton John, Santana, and the Grateful Dead. Seats start at $51, with platinum and VIP options for those wanting the best spot in the house.
Community, Music, and Shared Joy
Amid the star power and technical brilliance, the King Center’s heart beats strongest in its commitment to community. The Brevard Community Chorus, formed in 1969 and comprising over 100 volunteer voices, performs Bach’s Magnificat and Handel’s Dixit Dominus on December 13. These choral masterpieces, rooted in centuries of tradition, remind audiences of the spiritual dimension of the season—the power of music to unite, uplift, and console.
“The holidays bring people together, and live entertainment is such a big part of that joy,” reflects Bob Papke, King Center general manager. “Whether it’s a laugh, a song or a standing ovation, those shared moments are what make the season special. For more than 37 years, the King Center has been part of those holiday memories here on the Space Coast, and celebrating with our guests each year is truly an honor.”
Tickets for the wide array of shows range from $34 to nearly $300 for premium experiences, ensuring that there’s a way for everyone to join in the celebration.
Chevy Chase’s Visit: More Than Just a Show
As the holiday lights twinkle and the season’s rhythms fill the air, Chevy Chase’s visit stands out as a reminder of what entertainment can achieve. It’s not just about the jokes or the stories—it’s about connection. For longtime fans, meeting Chase is a chance to revisit cherished memories; for new generations, it’s an introduction to a comedic tradition that continues to evolve.
The King Center’s holiday lineup, anchored by Chase’s appearance, is a mosaic of artistry and camaraderie—a celebration of what it means to come together, to laugh, and to be moved by the magic of live performance. Whether through ballet, music, or comedy, the message is clear: the holidays are richer when shared.
For tickets and more information, visit kingcenter.com or call the box office at 321-242-2219.
Chevy Chase’s presence at the King Center this holiday season highlights the enduring appeal of classic comedy and the importance of community-driven live entertainment. The lineup’s diversity—from international ballet stars to local choruses—underscores how the arts can bridge generations and backgrounds, creating shared memories that last far beyond the final curtain.
