Roots singer Bill Bourne once again reprises the role of the cheapskate Scrooge in Brass Monkey’s 18th annual Christmas Carol Project.
“It’s one show we get to catch up with each other,” says project founder John Armstrong.
The idea was developed after Armstrong gathered a group of roots artists together, gave them a part to play in Dickens’ story and asked them to write songs for their own role.
In addition to Bourne, the musical venture has attracted the likes of Maria Dunn, Tom Roschov, Dale Ladouceur, Bill Hobson, Kevin Cook, Terry Morrison and Al Brant.
Like the original Christmas classic, it has never lost its audience.
“One reason people don’t mind coming back even if the songs don’t change is because the musicians are very fluid. They’re all from a roots background, but every night the show is different. The guitar might be different. The groove might be different and the songs won’t be performed the same from year to year.”
The Christmas Carol Project runs Dec. 20 and 21 at the Westbury Theatre, ATB Financial Arts Barn, 103330 – 84 Ave. The opening set is at 8 p.m. and the carol starts at 9 p.m. Advance tickets are $36.75 plus service charges. Door tickets are $42 plus service charges. Call 780-409-1910.
It wasn’t long ago that the disabled were encouraged to lead quiet lives behind the scenes.
But through Rising Sun Theatre, a barrier free theatre group committed to providing opportunities for people with developmental and other disabilities, that is a thing of the past.
Today the disabled are encouraged to step under stage lights. In Tales from the Sun they feature improvised scenes, music, dance and special performances that intend to evoke childhood memories.
Tales from the Sun is a collaborative effort created and performed by Michelle Arklie, Joanne Bradley, Sarah Dans, Karen DeVries, Aaron Enns, Kelsey Hawkins, Robert Kaldestad, Caressa Northcott, Katherine Saric and Joan and Wes Trleaven.
The variety program is on Saturday at 2 p.m. at SKILLS, 10408 124 St., ground floor, southeast entrance. Pay what you can.
Teatro lovers have one last night to enjoy the wacky Nutcracker Unhinged. Yes, this merry company of Teatro revelers has planned a heart-warming program of music, comedy and whatever is sandwiched in between.
Expect a few carols – maybe a racy one or two – and a Jeff Haslam style fireside reading. Oh yes, and of course there’s three playlets by Stewart Lemoine as well as a few of Tchaikovsky’s characters running loose.
It’s an opportunity to enjoy visions of sugarplums with Shannon Blanchet, Mathew Hulsof, Kendra Connor, Andrew MacDonald-Smith and St. Albert Children’s Theatre musical director Rachel Bowron.
There are two shows Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Varscona Theatre, 10329 83 Ave. Tickets range from $21 to $26. Reserve at 780-433-3399, voice mailbox #1.
