Two Drayton residents will be on stage as Guse Productions once again presents The Sounds of Christmas in support of KidsAbility.
This multi-performer musical variety show will feature many different 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 24 young singers and dancers.
Willy and Emily Smart of Drayton are participating in this year’s production as part of the youth cast. Willy has been in two previous shows, while this is Emily’s first year to join the youth cast.
“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,” says Nicole Guse, who acts as director and musical director of the show, in addition to performing.
Guse, who teaches fiddle, step dancing and voice in Drayton, created the concept for the show and it came to be a reality in 2013. Performances will be in support of KidsAbility.
Guse has a personal connection with KidsAbility through her son, who attended the KidsAbility centre from 18 months to five years of age (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.”
The Sounds of Christmas has raised over $65,000 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.”
In addition to Guse and family members Jim, Shane and Stacey Lee, this year, the show will feature:
– Stephanie Roth (Drayton Entertainment/Rose Theatre);
– Kraig Waye (Drayton Entertainment);
– Devan Ballagh (Drayton Entertainment/Ballagh Bunch); and
– Paige Ballagh (Drayton Entertainment/Ballagh Bunch).
Young singers and dancers auditioned in September and have already started rehearsing for the upcoming shows. There are also young fiddlers and step dancers who will perform with the adult cast as well.
“What I love about this show is that it gives on many levels,” states Guse.
“It gives back to KidsAbility. It gives local people an opportunity to kick off their holiday season while giving back to the community. It teaches our youth about giving back with their time and talent.”
The six-show series will be held at WMB Church at 245 Lexington Rd. in Waterloo.
Showtimes are:
– Nov. 25, 2pm and 7pm;
– Nov. 26, 2pm;
– Dec. 2, 2pm and 7pm; and
– Dec. 3 at 2pm.
For tickets call the box office at 519-502-8390 or Nicole Guse at 519-885-0873 (24 hours) visit the the KidsAbility Foundation office in Waterloo from Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm or visit www.ticketscene.ca.
