If you’re someone who is already tired of the endless loops of saccharine Christmas music on radio, TV and malls, you’re not alone.
After all, how many times can a person listen to Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer? If there’s a part of you that’s tired of all the noise, but you still want to get excited for the holiday season, check out A Christmas Rockstory: A Holiday Circus Spectacular coming to the Arden Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 9.
Produced by Q Productions, the Las Vegas-based stage show is currently touring western Canada and Ontario. It combines electrifying rock music with a hefty dose of circus arts pizazz. The cirque extravaganza features 13 dynamic acrobats, aerialists, motorcycle daredevils and a rockin’ soundtrack.
The tongue-in-cheek storyline follows the adventures of Max, a world-famous rock star and larger-than-life persona. Max comes rumbling into a small town on a motorcycle where he collides with a small circus trying to mount a show.
While trying to fix his bike, he meets "a crazy lady" connected with the circus who helps him discover the meaning of Christmas. During his transformation, circus artists from acrobats and aerial stunts to jugglers and clowns, showcase jaw-dropping skills.
Accompanying the varied acts is a set list that swings from rock icons KISS, Journey, Heart and Lynyrd Skynyrd, to softer seasonal renditions of Jingle Bell Rock and a powerful version of Silent Night.
“There are hand-balancing acts and characters on roller skates. One artist balances on a ball while skateboarding. When you see him, you think he’s not human. And we also have Michael Cunio as Max. He’s an incredible singer who practically channels Freddie Mercury,” said Fernando Quevedo, artistic director of Q Productions.
Born into an Argentinian circus family, Quevedo spent his early years in Italy where his family performed in the Orfei Circus before moving to Montreal’s cirque centre in 1978.
“Montreal was a back door to America," Quevedo said. "At the time, there was a resurgence of variety shows and we settled in Las Vegas. I’ve worked for 33 years in Las Vegas, and I love the city. I love the people from all walks of life. You could have breakfast with someone from Poland or Russia, lunch with a Canadian and dinner with people from Mexico. It’s very international. The cirque has put its footprint here and opened doors to Canadians and people from other parts of the world."
Unlike his family of onstage entertainers, Quevedo was more engrossed in developing shows and the day-to-day backstage demands. Currently, Q Productions has a reputation for creating sophisticated, slick corporate shows and stage productions the entire family enjoys.
“When I design a Christmas show, I don’t want to do Nutcracker or Christmas Carol. I want to do a show that is different where the music is relatable but still applicable to a holiday show. I want to have variety like America’s Got Talent — not heavy stuff. I like music and New Age elements. I want to be immersed in holiday music but at a slightly hipper level.”
Ultimately, his focus is putting smiles on people’s faces and delivering heartwarming messages without hitting people over the head.
“A holiday show is like an excuse to get the family together to have a multi-generational experience and family conversations. It’s about developing personal relationships.”
A Christmas Rockstory is on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Arden Theatre. Tickets are $33 to $65. Visit tickets.stalbert.ca.
