Broadway star Ben Crawford to host 2023 AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration

INDIANAPOLIS—The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce that Broadway star Ben Crawford will serve as host of the 2023 AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration, December 1-23, at Hilbert Circle Theatre. Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly will serve as music director and MOIPEI returns as featured artists after their debut performance with the ISO in 2022.

Ben Crawford started his Broadway career when he covered the roles of Jean Valjean and Javert in the Broadway revival of Les Misérables at the Broadhurst Theatre. Since then, he’s played the titular character in Shrek, been a big bully in Big Fish, ran around like a sane lunatic in On the Twentieth Century, fathered a spoiled brat in Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, and was blessed to have been the final Phantom in Broadway’s Phantom of the Opera, which closed in April after 35 years on Broadway. Ben’s other credits include 110 in the Shade, Hello, Dolly!, Assassins, Merrily We Roll Along, South Pacific, and Oklahoma! He served as the host of Yuletide Celebration in 2012 and 2014.

“The holidays are all about spending time with family, so I’m absolutely looking forward to spending time with my ISO family,” says Crawford. “I hope you will join us as we help make your season merry and bright!”

The incredibly gifted MOIPEI, comprising sisters Mary, Maggy, and Marta, will once again join the AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration cast of singers, dancers, and friends from the North Pole. The trio made their Yuletide Celebration debut in 2022 and charmed audiences with their amazing harmonies and lively performances. They have performed to sold-out audiences in Tanzania, Uganda, Canada, Venezuela, China, and the United States.

Tickets for the 2023 AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration will go on sale August 21 at 10 a.m. EST. Those wishing to gain access to the presale can purchase a subscription to the 2023-24 season or donate $500 to the ISO.

About Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly
Maestro Jack Everly has served as the ISO’s Principal Pops Conductor for 20 years and as the Music Director of the AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration, now entering its 37th year. Each year, he composes original music for the Yuletide performances, along with conducting familiar favorites. Throughout the season, whether he’s leading the ISO through memorable Broadway melodies for the Printing Partners Pops Series or Princess Bride for the popular Film Series presented by Bank of America, Maestro Everly is beloved by fans for his musical expertise and charismatic personality. He has led the ISO in its first Pops recording, Yuletide Celebration, Volume One, which included three of his own orchestrations.

About the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, at home and thriving in the heart of Indianapolis, offers an exceptional artistic and musical experience. The orchestra is open to all and dedicated to creating an inclusive and innovative experiential environment that is inspiring, educational, and welcoming. The ISO celebrates historically beloved performances while engaging audiences by introducing new voices through programming including the IU Health Plans Classical Series, the Printing Partners Pops Series, Kroger Symphony on the Prairie, the holiday traditions of AES Indiana Yuletide Celebration and the popular Film Series presented by Bank of America.