As 2025 draws to a close, Joey McIntyre is embracing the holiday spirit in a major way. The New Kids on the Block member has launched a festive new role, hosting "Tinselcolor: Holiday Soundtracks Live" at the CineVita venue in Los Angeles.
A Dreamy Christmas Party on Stage
The live production, which began on Thursday and is scheduled to run through December 30, offers a nostalgic trip through classic holiday films. McIntyre channels the retro style of crooners like Frank Sinatra while performing songs from beloved seasonal movies such as "It's a Wonderful Life," "Home Alone," and "Love Actually."
"You grow up playing dress-up, hoping to attend a Christmas party, and we get to do it five or six times a week in an incredible venue — it's dreamy," McIntyre told HuffPost. He described the show as a "Broadway-caliber production and a mood board fantasy come to life," adding it's an unparalleled creative experience.
The opportunity came from live production company For the Record, asking him to join the show at CineVita, renowned as the world's largest Spiegeltent. This offer prompted a change of plans from a quiet family holiday with his wife, Barrett Williams, and their three kids, following NKOTB's recent Las Vegas residency wrap.
Harmonizing with a Cast and Future Plans
While McIntyre is accustomed to performing, "Tinselcolor" presented a unique challenge. The cast includes 22 performers and musicians, such as Cheyenne Isabel Wells and "America's Got Talent" alum Brian Justin Crum, requiring him to learn intricate new harmonies.
"Everyone brings their certain shine to the experience... But there's nothing pedestrian about the performance of any of these songs," he noted, calling the process of tightening his musical skills "fun."
This busy December also sees McIntyre starring in the new Roku film, "Jingle Bell Wedding." Looking ahead, 2026 marks a significant milestone: his 40th year as a recording artist, dating back to NKOTB's self-titled debut album in 1986.
NKOTB, Vegas, and a Return to Theatre Roots
McIntyre remains deeply involved with New Kids on the Block. The group recently announced a 24-show extension of their Las Vegas residency, "The Right Stuff," set for February through October 2026. He co-wrote many tracks on their 2024 album, "Still Kids."
"It's sort of like a marriage... You want to keep it fresh," McIntyre said of the band's enduring connection with fans, many of whom now bring their own children to concerts. "Vegas is the perfect spot" for this ongoing chapter, he added.
His passion for live theatre also continues to grow. Following roles in Broadway's "Wicked" and "Waitress," he recently performed in "Drag: The Musical" in New York. He is also eyeing a full production of Michele Aldin Kushner's drama "Radio Galaxy," where he would portray a New Jersey father facing a family secret.
"When you're a theater kid, you're a theater kid — it's that simple," McIntyre stated. "I'm sort of a journeyman in this business, and I've been lucky that the right things have come along at the right time." For now, his immediate spotlight is on bringing holiday cheer to Los Angeles audiences throughout the final weeks of the year.
