Trafford's Mark Milovats brings Christmas special to local TV audience

Trafford native and international recording artist Mark Milovats will be sharing his “Christmas Wonderland” stage production with digital viewers and television audiences.

The special, comprising highlights from the live 2018 holiday production, will air on WTAE at 5 p.m. Sunday.

“Christmas Wonderland” has been syndicated for broadcast throughout the holiday season on CBS, NBC, ABC, Fox and CW affiliates across the country.

“Especially during this difficult time, it is my sincerest wish that my Christmas special brings families young and old an opportunity to relive holiday memories and make cherished new ones together,” Milovats said. “We just wanted to bring people some fun and enjoyment since we couldn’t do anything live this year.”

“Christmas Wonderland” features the pop standards crooner and his 16-piece VatPack Orchestra, the Santa Belle Dancers and the Elfin Children’s Choir performing classics like “Winter Wonderland,” “Jingle Bells,” “O Holy Night” and Milovats’ signature holiday song, “Just in Time for Christmas.”

Viewers also will be treated to greetings from celebrity guests including Gloria Estefan, Rick Springfield and members of the Beach Boys.

Milovats began his musical career as a member of the Junior Tamburitzans, and later joined the Duquesne University Tamburitzans. The University of Pittsburgh graduate has opened for Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Engelbert Humperdinck and Barry Manilow.

These days, he splits his time between Trafford and Nashville, Tenn.

“Christmas Wonderland” was first staged in 1997 at The Palace Theatre in Greensburg, playing later in both the Byham Theater and Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh.

Milovats said inspiration for the special came to him during a visit to the Latrobe Area Hospital children’s ward. He took the idea of a fundraising concert to the hospital’s medical director, the late Dr. John Mazero, who said, “I have to talk to Arnie.”

Latrobe native and golf legend Arnold Palmer came on board, Milovats said, “and he connected us with PNC as one of our first sponsors.” He also became a friend.

“I’m so grateful to the late Arnold and Winnie Palmer for their support in launching my Christmas show 22 years ago, and I’m honored that this show supports Arnold Palmer Hospitals and the Children’s Miracle Network,” he said.

In addition to network broadcasts, “Christmas Wonderland” is available on digital platforms including Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire.

Details: markmilovats.com