'The Christmas Express' showcases holiday magic and the bond of friendship.

A Long Island community came together to honor the memory of Matthew Lightsey, a 22-year-old who tragically lost his life in a car accident by bringing his musical, The Christmas Express, to the stage.

The holiday-themed production, which tells the story of Santa and some helpers saving Christmas from disaster, was performed Friday, December 20th at the South Shore Theatre Experience in Lindenhurst. But the magic of the show goes beyond its festive storyline—it's a testament to the dedication of Lightsey’s friend and co-writer, John Paul Louis.

"How lucky could I be that he wants his memory to live on like this?" said Fran Lightsey, Matthew’s mother.

In three years, Lightsey and Louis collaborated on several musicals. Their partnership came to an abrupt and heartbreaking end when Lightsey’s life was cut short in 2022.

"My whole world changed in 5 minutes," said Louis, reflecting on the devastating phone call he received about Matthew’s death.

Determined to keep his friend’s memory alive, Louis, along with Matthew’s family and friends, have been performing his musicals over the years.

"It’s a wonderful thing to be able to show people the hard work that we put into this stuff," said Louis.

The South Shore Theatre Experience was chosen as the venue for this production of The Christmas Express —a fitting tribute, as it was a place Matthew cherished. This musical was written alongside Claude Solnik - who wrote the book.

The weekend before Christmas, the theater was filled with friends supporters, and family, including Matthew's mother and his father, Tom, all celebrating Matthew’s immense talent and legacy.

"Of course, we want his memory to live on. He deserves that; he worked so hard," said Fran Lightsey. "JP [John Paul] said to me once, 'You know, I thought we were going to do this forever.' I said, it was for Matthew, it was forever."

The Christmas Express, directed by Heather Legnosky, will run all weekend at the South Shore Theatre Experience, spreading both holiday cheer and the enduring spirit of a young artist gone too soon. The proceeds also go to a scholarship fund set up in Matthew's name.