The Monroe Community Chorus and Jazz Orchestra will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, and Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Monroe United Methodist Church, located at 206 East Ave. in Monroe.

The chorus, made up of 50 area performers, and the orchestra, composed of 18 area musicians, will present the musical titled “A 1940’s Christmas Homecoming.” The Christmas story, with the setting of a USO show in northern Italy at an army base during World War II, will feature musical arrangements including “Here We Come A Caroling,” “This Christmas” and “Silent Night.” The group also will premier a new arrangement of “We Will Stand.” In addition, the orchestra will present “The Swinging Shepherd Blues” and “The Gingerbread Boy.”

This is the 26th year of the event, and about 400 people are expected to attend each night, said Larry Daniel, conductor of the show. No tickets are required, and admission is free. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. each night.

“The chorus is made up of all walks of life, all fine vocalists here in this area,” Daniel said. “The musicians are all professional, touring musicians. … It’s a great way to kick off (the) Christmas season. We always have it the very first weekend in December so it can kick off everyone’s Christmas celebration. … The caliber of music is very high. The story line is excellent in this musical.”

For more information about this event, call (513) 539-8521 or (513) 539-7290.