PHOTO GALLERY
First published here.
What began as a holiday treat for long-suffering freshman chemistry students has turned into a 50-year tradition. Professor Bassam Shakhashiri took to the stage to perform “Once Upon a Christmas Cheery in the Lab of Shakhashiri” to packed houses Saturday and Sunday, amazing and delighting with a series of chemistry experiments. If you couldn’t score a ticket, watch it on PBS Wisconsin Dec. 16 at 5 a.m., Dec. 18 at 9 a.m., Dec. 20 at 11 a.m., Dec. 22 at 7 a.m., Dec. 24 at 5 a.m. or Dec. 25 at 11 a.m.
On stage at far left, Shakhashiri and Rodney Schreiner, a senior scientist emeritus, perform science accompanied by the Science Is Fun Band, led by Mike Leckrone. PHOTO BY: JEFF MILLER
Explosions – the bigger and louder, the better – are a key part of the show. PHOTO BY: JEFF MILLER
Bucky Badger helps Shakhashiri perform a color-changing experiment. PHOTO BY: JEFF MILLER
A color-changing chemical reaction gives the Tin Man, played by Sam Taylor, the heart he’s always wanted as Dorothy and Shakhashiri look on. PHOTO BY: JEFF MILLER
Dorothy, played by Faith Oldenburg, prepares to make a rainbow from monochromatic chemicals. PHOTO BY: JEFF MILLER
Shakhashiri says his goal “is to trigger cerebral and emotional engagement to heighten the audience’s joy in learning and to celebrate the role of science in society.” PHOTO BY: JEFF MILLER
Santa Claus and Shakhashiri swirl some liquids… PHOTO BY: JEFF MILLER
… to create gleaming silver holiday ornaments. PHOTO BY: JEFF MILLER
Attendees received a holiday goodie bag containing a “science is fun” button and experiments to try at home. PHOTO BY: JEFF MILLER
The Van Rossum family of Fitchburg show off their elf attire: from left, Joey, Dakota and Brenda. PHOTO BY: JEFF MILLER
A cascade of balloons ends the show. PHOTO BY: JEFF MILLER