While some casinos are adults only, Beau Rivage sends ‘Christmas card’ to Coast kids
Children aren’t allowed on site at three of the 12 Coast casinos while at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, December is one of the busiest months as families pose for Christmas card photos among the lavish decorations and fill the theater to see the holiday productions.
The casino floors are the focus at the other properties in South Mississippi, and there have been issues with kids under 18 discovered playing the slot machines.
The Beau Rivage was built with the focus on amenities that cater to adult customers and their families, and December is over-the-top with holiday spirit and events.
“The holidays are a time for celebrating and give us an opportunity to showcase the resort and create memories for families and friends,” said Brandon Dardeau, Southeast president and chief operating officer.
Two couples from Texas and Illinois met in Biloxi in early December. They had been to another Coast casino and admired the decorations.
When they arrived at the Beau Rivage their reaction was “We thought we were in Vegas,” said Max Carpenter of Charleston, Illinois, who pointed out Santa waving from his sleigh.
Dressed in holiday finest
“Historically December was a soft month for us,” said Sean Farrell, vice president of marketing. He oversees the Charter Services at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino that flies players from across the country to Biloxi.
Once the Beau Rivage began promoting its holiday decorations and events, “It became a destination,” he said.
Swags of garland and bright red ribbons decorate the front entrance of the Beau Rivage.
Santa and his reindeer fly overhead in the soaring glass atrium. Hundreds of frosted trees and thousands of live poinsettias fill the public areas from the shopping promenade through the lobby and onto the upper floors of the resort. Giant shiny ornaments, tall nutcrackers and a family of polar bears dazzle young and old.
“As a destination resort, we’re able to create a beautiful setting,” Dardeau said, “and offer a variety of holiday entertainment and events from Santa Brunch and Holiday Open House to holiday headliners and ‘Finding Christmas,’” which is this year’s holiday musical.
‘Finding Christmas’ at the Beau Rivage
With the decorations as backdrop, the Beau Rivage builds on the excitement of the season from early December through Christmas.
It started with a Boy Band Christmas Dec. 3, an upscale Santa Brunch Dec. 4 and Josh Turner’s King Size Manger Tour Dec. 9.
This weekend also will feature a holiday Open House through Saturday, and “The Nutcracker,” presented by the Mississippi Gulf Coast Ballet Theatre, returns Dec. 10 and 11.
The highlight of the holiday season is the musical production ”Finding Christmas.” This is the tenth year for a Christmas musical and Jeb Rand, the writer, director and producer of the show, calls it “Beau Rivage’s Christmas card to the Gulf Coast.”
When people arrive at the resort for the show and experience the venue, the decor and the sounds of Christmas, he said, “You’re already in a good mood.”
Story for generations
The musical is the story of a brother and sister searching for the meaning of Christmas and brings classic and modern tunes and themes that appeal to ages 3 to 103, he said.
For the cast of 26 actors, “We auditioned in five different cities,” he said. “We had 1,200 people come out for auditions this year.”
The two young actors, both age 12 and both from Florida, were selected from about 300 child actors from Orlando, New York City and Atlanta who wanted to perform in Biloxi.
Jack Frost narrates the show and fans of Ryan Stillwell may recognize him from his stints on Britain’s Got Talent and X-Factor.
He and his wife Jennifer were world class figure skaters who performed in the Ice Capades, Disney on Ice, Stars on Ice and at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City with the high-kicking Rockettes. He is impressed with the talent he’s assembled for the show, and said, “I just push play and let these guys do what they do well.”
The show runs Dec. 15-26 — including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day — with performances daily at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and three shows on Saturday at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The Beau Rivage makes the show affordable for families, with a family four-pack starting at just $10 per ticket and a military member family pack for $30. Single tickets start at $12.95 and are available at beaurivage.com or by phone at 888-566-7469.
This story was originally published December 12, 2022 at 5:50 AM.
