Family-Friendly Extravaganza Hits The Colosseum Stage at Caesars Windsor
Story by Karen Tinsley
Photography by Q Productions LV
Las Vegas-based Q Productions is proud to return to the Colosseum with Holiday Dreams, the extremely popular, well-attended spectacle that creator and director Fernando Quevedo promises is ‘even more electrifying than ever before!’
“Of course, we have all the thrill elements that make Holiday Dreams one of the best shows you’ll ever see, such as Daredevils, BMX’s, Acrobats and larger-than-life laser technology, but we’ve also incorporated even more magic to create a truly immersive experience,” says Fernando.
He also promises ‘something for everyone’ and one or two surprises thrown in for the fun of it! “That’s all I’m going to say for now,” he winks.
In addition to ground-breaking acts and cutting-edge entertainment technology, Holiday Dreams also delivers the very latest in interactive mapping and projection mapping.
Projection mapping is a technique used to turn often irregularly shaped objects into surfaces for video projection. These objects could be complex industrial landscapes (such as buildings), small indoor objects or theatrical stages. Using specialized software that interacts with a projector to fit any desired image into a two or three-dimensional object, this technique is used to create optical illusions, add extra dimensions or notions of movement onto previously static objects.
Most people have experienced projection mapping from television shows like America’s Got Talent or So You Think You Can Dance; this amazing technique is ‘standard’ in every Holiday Dreams production.
Specifically created with a loving belief that ‘children of every age’ can come together and experience the wonder and magic of the season, this fun, exciting and innovative spectacle really does have something for everyone, incorporating music, comedy, dance and a lovable backstory. Anyone seeking to rediscover their lost holiday spirit, comfort and joy will find it in Holiday Dreams.
Audience interaction is front and centre with numerous participation events; ring tossing, a ‘human table’ trick plus an on-stage dance-off competition to name a few.
Holiday Dreams creator, producer and director Fernando Quevedo cut his teeth in the circus environment.
Born in Argentina into a performing family, Fernando spent his early years in Europe. He made his stage debut at the age of 7; by age 9, he was performing for President Jimmy Carter. After his family’s act ‘Los Huincas Gauchos’ garnered critical acclaim, the Quevedo family relocated in Las Vegas.
It was in Vegas where Fernando cultivated his talents as a performer, music composer, writer and choreographer. Among his many versatile accomplishments, Fernando has composed music for the Las Vegas Civic Ballet as well as several other productions. His passion for filmmaking lead to ‘Heartless’, winning a New York International Film Festival award. The Quevedo family’s ‘Los Huincas Gauchos’ received the Specialty Act of The Year Award in Las Vegas. In addition to Holiday Dreams, Fernando’s stage productions include A Spectacular Holiday Cirque!, Viva Le Cirque!, Beats of Passion; LUMIA; Las Vegas Nights; ZzyZyx a Cirque Experience; ESC4P3 (Winner of 4 Premios Carlos—Argentina’s equivalent of the Tony Awards).
“I remember growing up in Europe and watching my father perform. It was magical! The performers came from every corner of the world, bringing incredible acts that mixed entertainment with daring stunts. When I arrived in America, I was 12 years old; the lavishness and grandiosity of the Las Vegas shows ignited a spark in me.”
The only problem, Fernando shares, was that the shows were ‘adults only’. “I couldn’t even get in to see my dad perform! So Dad joked, ‘Well, create a show, hire me, and let all the kids in!’”
That thought embedded itself into Fernando’s brain. Why not create a show with all the incredible elements of a ‘grown up’ show, but tailor-made for the entire family? That’s how Holiday Dreams was born.
Determined to see Holiday Dreams transformed into reality on the Las Vegas stage, Fernando ran into an obstacle.
He recalls, “Las Vegas was not known for family-friendly entertainment. There I was knocking on doors and pitching my show with everyone saying it was the ‘wrong’ show for Vegas.”
“Well, maybe not the wrong show, but maybe, just maybe, the wrong market.”
Casting his nets outside of Las Vegas, Fernando landed a pitch with the owner of Ohio’s Carousel Theater, where some of the best Broadway productions played. Impressed by Fernando, the owner gave him his first big break. Audiences flocked to the Carousel for the show, which was a runaway success. Although Fernando’s show had no famous stars helming the marquee, more than 25,000 tickets were sold, which was quite a mean feat!
Buoyed and inspired by overwhelming audience reaction, Fernando embraced every cutting-edge entertainment element in subsequent versions of his show (holograms, projective mapping and interactive lasers).
Q Productions Vice President and Creative Producer Kelly Hamilton is involved in all aspects of Holiday Dreams from production coordination, talent, creative concepts, costuming, staging, lasers and logistics.
A Florida native with an extensive background in dance and theatre, Kelly has called Las Vegas home for the past decade. Although she has performed all over the world, Kelly loves the challenges and creative problem-solving a production like Holiday Dreams presents.
“I’ve spent most of my life in theater; it’s my passion. I love bringing creative visions to life onstage.”
Kelly’s work blending lasers with performance has led to several television appearances; she also recently won 2 First Place International Laser Display Association awards for programming and choreography.
Holiday Dreams incorporates the most amazing cirque performers, award-winning specialty acts, side-splitting comedy with cutting edge entertainment technology.
As the stage comes alive, Holiday Dreams delivers nonstop thrills, wonder, and excitement. Set to a vibrant and emotional modern soundtrack, the show celebrates the spirit of the holiday season through artistry, humour and visual magic.
The music, the colours, the costumes and special effects are more than just entertainment; it’s a memory-making holiday experience that will leave audiences of ALL AGES cheering for more!
Catch Holiday Dreams – A Spectacular Holiday Show, live from The Colosseum stage on Thursday, December 18 at 8pm.
Ticket purchases can be purchased at caesarswindsor.com or ticketmaster.ca. Tickets can also be purchased at the Box Office on Friday, Saturday, and Show Days from 1pm to 9pm.
Published in the Holiday 2025 Edition.
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