Drayton residents Willy and Emily Smart will once again be part of the youth chorus for Guse Productions’ upcoming show The Sounds of Christmas.
Celebrating its 5th year in support of KidsAbility, the musical variety show will feature various styles of Christmas music, from traditional favourites to country to gospel.
The show will consist of eight professional adult performers, a professional four-piece band, award-winning step dancing and fiddling, and a youth cast of 17 young singers and dancers.
“By combining professional adults with multi-aged children interested in the arts, we can give these children a wonderful opportunity to be a part of a professional show while, at the same time, giving back to the community,” organizers state.
Director/musical director Nicole Guse, who also performs in the show, created the concept and made it a reality in 2013. Guse has a personal connection with KidsAbility through her son, who attended the centre from the age of 18 months until he was five (including the junior kindergarten program there).
“It has always been my dream to be able to give back to KidsAbility on a grander scale,” explains Guse.
“This show enables me to do that by giving my time and talent to create something for the community. It also helps to raise awareness of KidsAbility’s importance to local children.”
The Sounds of Christmas has raised over $85,000 to date for the charity since its first run in 2013.
“A Christmas show fits the bill perfectly since Christmas is a time for giving, caring, sharing and children,” notes Guse.
“Music is the universal language that can touch the hearts of people young and old alike. This show can bring us all together to enjoy the season and also give back to our community at the same time. Investing in our future generations is so important.”
This year, the show will feature:
– Nicole Guse and members of the Guse family;
– Stephanie Roth and Kraig Wave, who have performed with Drayton Entertainment; and
– Devin Ballagh and Paige Ballagh, of the Ballagh Bunch.
The six-show series will be staged at WMB Church, at 245 Lexington Road in Waterloo, on:
– Nov. 24 at 2pm and 7pm;
– Nov. 25 at 2pm;
Dec. 1 at 2pm and 7pm; and
– Dec. 2 at 2pm.
For tickets call the box office at 519-502-8390 or Nicole Guse at 519-885-0873 (24 hours). Tickets are also available for purchase and pick up at the KidsAbility office in Waterloo, Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.
Online tickets are available at ticketscene.ca (24 hours – service charge applies).
For more information visit www.guseproductions.com.
Founded and supported by Rotarians since 1957, KidsAbility Centre for Child Development in Waterloo Region and Guelph-Wellington works to empower children and youth with a wide range of complex special needs.
