“It was just like watching the Rockettes!” was the expression heard throughout the Emma Kelly Theater last year as Averitt STARS, Statesboro’s only non-profit community theater, produced “Emma’s Holiday Follies.” The show is back by popular demand with a few changes to make it even more exciting.

Audiences may expect to hear all the usual holiday songs that will have you humming and tapping your feet.

Director Lisa Muldrew, assisted by Tiffany Todd, has organized a plethora of songs, dances and skits to delight audiences of all ages. Helen Redding, choreographer with Statesboro Youth Ballet, will have toes tapping and everyone swaying. Plan to sing along as you sway to the familiar tunes.

Many of the favorites from last year will return for this year’s follies, but a delightful array of new variations on the old will emerge.

Santa Claus will return for a repeat performance for both the young and the young at heart, but beware — this year, the Grinch will be up to his usual bag of mean tricks.

Statesboro’s own Dr. Braz will be back to tickle the ivories, and this year he’s bringing along Dr. Gregory and on Sunday, the Statesboro Youth Chorale.

The Kelly family not only sponsors the show with Miss Emma’s name, but participates as well. They’re sure to surprise and please everyone in attendance.

And this year, watch for a surprise from the director of the Averitt Center for the Arts, Tim Chapman, when he appears with his niece, Jessica.

For those wishing to hear the Statesboro Youth Chorale, you’ll need tickets for Sunday at 2 p.m. All other performers will appear on Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. as well. Friday night is a season ticket event, as well as opening night, and tickets are for reserved seating. Both Saturday and Sunday will be general admission shows.

All tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for youth.