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.
PHOTO BY: JEFF MILLER
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.