Acclaimed pianist, comedian and former Studio Tenn performer brings Great Jingle Balls of Fire to the Williamson County Performing Arts Center December 3
The Williamson County Performing Arts Center (WCPAC) at Academy Park welcomes the return of pianist, comedian and actor Jefferson McDonald to Franklin, Tennessee, for his holiday production, Great Jingle Balls of Fire, on Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 7 p.m. Combining classic rock and roll, Christmas favorites, stand-up comedy and extraordinary musicianship, the show promises an evening of high-energy holiday entertainment.
Franklin audiences may recognize McDonald from his acclaimed portrayal of rock and roll legend Jerry Lee Lewis in Studio Tenn’s productions of Million Dollar Quartet and Million Dollar Quartet Christmas at The Factory at Franklin. After bringing the music of Jerry Lee Lewis to life on the local stage twice, McDonald returns with a touring production that showcases his own talents as a musician, actor and comedian.
Described as “the Victor Borge of Rock and Roll,” McDonald has developed a distinctive performance style that blends virtuosic piano playing with quick-witted comedy and theatrical storytelling. Great Jingle Balls of Fire brings that combination to the holiday season, featuring old-school rock and roll classics, Christmas favorites and spontaneous comedic moments.
McDonald’s career has taken him from international theater stages to some of the country’s best-known comedy venues. He has appeared at The Comedy Store, Hollywood Improv, Just for Laughs in Montreal and the Malt Shop Memories Cruise alongside Paul Anka and The Jacksons. He also appears in comedian Steph Tolev’s Netflix special, “Filth Queen,” for which he composed original music.
A classically trained actor and musician, McDonald holds a bachelor’s degree in drama from Ithaca College and a master’s degree in acting from the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. He has also studied acting in Moscow and London. His performances as Jerry Lee Lewis have earned critical acclaim, including praise from BroadwayWorld for “an unparalleled performance that defies description.”
Joining McDonald is longtime collaborator and actor-musician Armando Gutierrez, who has toured with him across the country and contributed to both of his studio albums, Memphis and Man of the Road. Gutierrez’s theatrical credits include the world premiere of Run, Bambi, Run and the Off-Broadway Grateful Dead musical Red Roses, Green Gold.
With a mix of nostalgic music, holiday cheer and unexpected comedy, Great Jingle Balls of Fire offers Franklin audiences an opportunity to experience a familiar performer in an entirely new production.
The performance will take place Thursday, December 3, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Williamson County Performing Arts Center, located at 112 Everbright Avenue in Franklin, Tennessee. Tickets are $30 for adults and $27.50 for seniors (55 and up) and students. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.wcpactn.com.
