CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — RED HOT WINTER, the long-running Vegas-style variety show created and produced by Champaign native Rod Sickler, returns to The City Center in Champaign on February 27 and 28, 2026, offering audiences an immersive, high-energy experience designed to appeal to every kind of entertainment fan.

Now in its 24th year, the annual production features a rotating mix of live music, comedy, cirque-style performances, burlesque, runway modeling, and a live hair show. “If you don’t like what you see, stick around — it will change in a few minutes,” Sickler said.

The nearly three-hour show includes an intermission and is structured around short, dynamic segments. Songs are performed in medleys, lasting about 8-9 minutes each, while acrobatic acts are 4-8 minutes, and comedians perform for 7-8 minutes.

“That’s intentional,” Sickler said. “I, personally, don’t have the attention span to sit with one thing too long. The images, the music, the energy — it all changes rapidly.”

This year’s production includes a 40-person live band and 17 singers performing music across nearly every genre, from rap and country to rock, Broadway, funk, disco, pop, and hip-hop. More than 100 cast and crew members take part, including 45 models, dancers, and specialty performers.

The show also features four Vegas-style cirque acts, including aerialists, acrobatics, a hand-to-hand unicyclist duo, and a performer who balances on the tip of a champagne bottle.

Sickler said his favorite Las Vegas show, Absinthe, continues to influence the production’s edgy, adult tone. RED HOT WINTER includes adult language and risqué themes. “This show hits everything,” he said. “It’s bold, it’s blue, it’s funny, it’s jaw-dropping — and it’s accompanied by a huge band.”

RED HOT WINTER began more than two decades ago with a modest budget of about $6,000. Next year will mark the show’s 25th anniversary. “I’ve already started planning for it,” Sickler said. “Every year, the goal is simple — it has to be as good as or better than the year before.”

The 2026 performances will benefit Aunt Martha’s Health & Wellness, a community health center serving uninsured patients and families in crisis across Illinois. RED HOT WINTER has supported the organization since 2019.

“They are the best at what they do in this state,” Sickler said. “There are over 40,000 people in central Illinois who need these services. There’s a clinic in Danville, and I would love to see one in Champaign someday.”

Philanthropy has been central to the show since its beginning. Sickler originally launched RED HOT WINTER to benefit the Rantoul Theatre Group, but has since expanded to support many other agencies, including Hospice Hearts, the Champaign County Humane Society, and the Tourette Syndrome Association of Illinois (https://www.tsillinois.org).

“I raise money, yes, but I also raise awareness,” Sickler said. “That part matters just as much.”

Sickler has openly shared that he has Tourette syndrome and said families affected by the condition have told him the show has helped them feel seen and accepted. “People used to try to hide it,” he said. “Now there’s more understanding. There’s no shame. It’s a neurological disorder.”

His advocacy also extends to animals, he said, because “they don’t have a voice.” Sickler’s dog, Romy, is a service-trained emotional support animal for Tourette syndrome.

“She’s the ultimate weighted blanket,” he said.

Though best known as a hair stylist, producer and director, Sickler said his first love is acting. He began performing at age 40 and considers it one of his two greatest passions, alongside RED HOT WINTER.

“As an artist, acting lets me show what’s inside my head,” he said.

He has portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge five times — his favorite role — and has twice played Charlie Gordon in Flowers for Algernon. A method actor, Sickler said he avoids watching film versions of characters he portrays.

“I don’t want to be influenced,” he said. “I want to find it myself.”

Sickler said he connected deeply with the role of Gordon, who also has a neurological disorder. During one performance, Romy attended the show and reacted differently while Sickler was in character.

“She knew something was different,” he said.

RED HOT WINTER employs more than 50 sponsors this year, including Kirby Turner Masonry and Safeworks. Sickler also works with local hotels to secure approximately 40 rooms for performers through trade agreements.

Tickets range from $125 to $175 for platinum seating. Tables of 10 are available for $2,000. Each night holds approximately 400 attendees, and the mezzanine level is already sold out. Shows run on Friday, and Saturday nights, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. An after-party runs until 2 a.m., with a cash bar and food trucks available on-site.

Sickler credits assistant director Zac Sickler and Musical Director Guido Estevez with ensuring the show never repeats itself. “The formula stays the same, but the songs are always different,” Sickler said. “Zac and Guido won’t let me recycle themes.”

The evening’s progression moves from models and dancers to Broadway, pop, the golden era, cirque, country, hip-hop, a live hair show featuring runway looks and haircuts, followed by intermission, funk and disco, cirque, and a live auction.

In the weeks leading up to the event, Sickler said he works up to 90 hours a week.

“I’m not good at a lot of things,” he said. “I have one or two gifts. I can produce and direct shows. You’ll never hear me sing.”

Tickets and additional information are available at www.redhotwinter.com, or by calling the salon to reserve tickets for pickup at the door.