What began as a holiday treat for long-suffering freshman chemistry students has turned into a 50-year tradition. Professor Bassam Shakhashiri took to the stage to perform Once Upon a Christmas Cheery in the Lab of Shakhashiri to packed houses Saturday and Sunday, amazing and delighting with a series of chemistry experiments. If you couldnt score a ticket, watch it on PBS Wisconsin Dec. 16 at 5 a.m., Dec. 18 at 9 a.m., Dec. 20 at 11 a.m., Dec. 22 at 7 a.m., Dec. 24 at 5 a.m. or Dec. 25 at 11 a.m.

1 On stage at far left, Shakhashiri and Rodney Schreiner, a senior scientist emeritus, perform science accompanied by the Science Is Fun Band, led by Mike Leckrone. Photo by: Jeff Miller

2 Explosions the bigger and louder, the better are a key part of the show. Photo by: Jeff Miller

3 Bucky Badger helps Shakhashiri perform a color-changing experiment. Photo by: Jeff Miller

4 A color-changing chemical reaction gives the Tin Man, played by Sam Taylor, the heart he's always wanted as Dorothy and Shakhashiri look on. Photo by: Jeff Miller

5 Dorothy, played by Faith Oldenburg, prepares to make a rainbow from monochromatic chemicals. Photo by: Jeff Miller

6 Shakhashiri says his goal "is to trigger cerebral and emotional engagement to heighten the audience's joy in learning and to celebrate the role of science in society." Photo by: Jeff Miller

7 Santa Claus and Shakhashiri swirl some liquids... Photo by: Jeff Miller

8 ... to create gleaming silver holiday ornaments. Photo by: Jeff Miller

9 Attendees received a holiday goodie bag containing a "science is fun" button and experiments to try at home. Photo by: Jeff Miller

10 The Van Rossum family of Fitchburg show off their elf attire: from left, Joey, Dakota and Brenda. Photo by: Jeff Miller

11 A cascade of balloons ends the show. Photo by: Jeff Miller

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'Christmas in the Lab' celebrates 50 years of chemistry and comedy - University of Wisconsin-Madison