The Opera House at Boothbay Harbor hosted its annual holiday potluck dinner and carol sing Wednesday night, Dec. 21. The venue’s last event of 2022 drew a crowd of about 75 to eat dinner, listen to professional vocalists, and participate in a Christmas carol sing-along. All ages and voices were welcome.

Attendees brought main and side dishes to share. Music and caroling followed the dinner. The decked performance hall, beautifully decorated for the holidays, helped set the mood for the evening.

Opera House regular Kevin Kiley was at home behind the piano. Kiley’s troupe of talented singers include Devin Dukes, John Adams, Tommy Waltz and Abbey Hutchins. Each vocalist has over a decade of experience performing.

Kiley reinforced caroling’s tradition of diversity and acceptance by curating a program that touched on such themes. There were solos by each vocalist, and the full ensemble guided the crowd through the sing-along playbill, full of holiday favorites. Carols included “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow,” “My Favorite Things,” “White Christmas,” “Deck the Halls,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and more.

Kiley’s message of peace in our communities and on Earth, was timely: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was speaking to Congress at the time of the Opera House event.

Admission to this event and several others at the Opera House this year was free in support of the venue’s commitment to community engagement by removing financial barriers.

While the potluck and carol sing along were the last event of 2022, the Opera House is a year-round operation. After a brief break, concerts resume Jan. 13. A full calendar of performances can be found at https://boothbayoperahouse.com/events/