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Christmas Presence show like a ‘family gathering’

Songs and stories presented Dec. 22 in Abbotsford by Pacific Theatre and Gallery 7
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Ron Reed, artistic director of Vancouver’s Pacific Theatre, delivers a monologue at last year’s Christmas Presence. This year’s show takes place Saturday, Dec. 22 at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium. Abbotsford News file photo

Pacific Theatre and Gallery 7 Theatre present Christmas Presence, a collection of songs and stories for the holiday season, on Saturday, Dec. 22.

The show, which starts at 8 p.m. at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium (32315 South Fraser Way), is a gathering of musicians and actors who meet the day of the performance to trade songs and choose readings.

This year’s show is headlined by Michael Hart, Langley-based duo The Kwerks, Jon Ochsendorf, Brett Ziegler, and Rick Colhoun, featuring readings by Ron Reed and Gallery 7 Theatre’s artistic director Ken Hildebrandt.

Christmas Presence sets aside the lavish sets and costumes that dominate the season for what artistic director Ron Reed likes to call “the un-slickest Christmas show in town.”

He says the vibe at Christmas Presence is that of a family gathering that has burst into song – if you happen to have a family of diverse and talented musicians who harbour an equal love for David Sedaris, Stuart McLean, and Madeleine L’Engle.

Tickets are $36.50 (plus taxes and service fees) and are available online at pacifictheatre.org or by calling 604-731-5518.