GUNNISON — The heartwarming melodies of Utah’s cherished holiday tradition, “A Kurt Bestor Christmas,” will once again echo through the historic halls of Casino Star Theatre in Gunnison. The annual concert, a holiday staple for both locals and visitors, is set to enchant audiences on Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Celebrating his 36th year of spreading festive joy throughout Utah, Kurt Bestor, an Emmy-award-winning and Grammy-nominated composer, has become synonymous with the holiday season. His enduring holiday shows and the iconic peace anthem, “Prayer of the Children,” which marks its 30th anniversary this year, continue to captivate audiences.

To honor this milestone, The Prayer of the Children Guest Vocalist Contest was held, and the talented duo of Shae King and Bethany Jessop were selected as the featured soloists for the Gunnison shows. As winners, they will receive four concert tickets and a framed, signed collectible “Prayer of the Children” sheet music page.

Bestor, an Orem High School graduate, began his career in the 1980s, scoring music for TV and films. With over 40 feature film scores, 40 TV program themes, and numerous commercial underscores, his impact on the entertainment industry is immeasurable.

The Christmas concerts at Casino Star Theatre promise an enchanting evening of traditional carols and favorites, featuring guest vocalists and musicians. Bestor will showcase his original arrangements on various instruments, including the treasured 1908 Steinway grand piano housed in the theater.

Adding to the festive ambiance, Casino Star Theatre offers a Christmas Dinner by Sheri Malmgren at $22 per plate. The delectable menu includes Chicken Cordon Bleu, a baked potato, cooked carrots, salad, and a delightful dessert. For those eager to indulge in this culinary treat before or after the show, reservations must be made by Dec. 12. The dinner will be hosted at the nearby Main Street venue, The BLDG 178, starting at 5:45 pm.

Tickets for the holiday extravaganza range from $35 to $50 for the 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. shows and can be purchased in advance at www.casinostartheatre.com, the Casino Star Theatre’s Box Office, or by phone at (435) 979-9235.

Casino Star Theatre, a fixture in the community since 1913, remains committed to its non-profit mission of preserving the historic building and bringing high-quality arts and entertainment to the local area. The Live Performance Season is made possible by local sponsors, including Roland and Julia Christensen, The Miner Foundation, Ensign Engineering, Central Utah Radiology, GV Recreation, Arts, and Parks, Hermansen’s Mill, Richard B. Nay, M.D., Rocky Mountain Power, and Jim and Suzanne Sanders. The next show in the performance season is “History That Doesn’t Suck with Professor Greg Jackson” on Jan. 18.

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