Vancouver’s Pacific Theatre partners with Gallery 7 Theatre in Abbotsford to present Christmas Presence on Saturday, Dec. 19.
The show is a collection of songs and stories for the holiday season with a gathering of musicians and actors who meet the day of the event to trade songs and choose readings.
Director Ron Reed said the production sets aside the lavish sets and costumes that dominate the season for what he calls “the un-slickest Christmas show in town.”
He said 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.
This year’s show is headlined by singer-songwriter Brian Doerksen. His songs are known and sung in churches around the world, and he leads Prairie Bible College’s music and worship arts program.
Also featured is former Abbotsford resident and jazz musician Nelson Boschman, renowned player of all-things-stringed Spencer Capier, and Vancouver-based singer-songwriters Jon Ochsendorf and Corey Janz.
Readings will be performed by Gallery 7 Theatre’s own Ken Hildebrandt alongside Reed.
Hildebrandt said Christmas Presence has become an annual holiday tradition in the Valley.
“We’re thrilled to once again partner with our friends at Pacific Theatre, and it is a real honour to work with such talented musical artists. The evening is always highly entertaining, thought-provoking and inspirational – a perfect counterpoint to the busyness and rush of the season,” he said.
The show starts at 8 p.m. at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, 32315 South Fraser Way. Tickets are $29.99 (plus taxes and fees) and can be ordered by calling 604-731-5518 or online at pacifictheatre.org.
Tickets can also be purchased in person at House of James, 2743 Emerson St., in Abbotsford.
For more information on Pacific Theatre, visit pacifictheatre.org. For more information about Gallery 7, visit gallery7theatre.com.