The Grand Theatre is trying to ignite Christmas spirit stolen this year by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
While its doors remain close to patrons, the downtown theatre has come up with a virtual holiday show which will be streamed for free at 7 p.m. on December 22.
Titled Comfort and Joy, the production is a 45 minute variety show full of holiday songs, stories, music, and memories.
"We consider Comfort and Joy our gift to our city and the many frontline workers who continue to inspire us," Grand Artistic Director Dennis Garnhum said in a statement. "It is our hope that on December 22, folks will be able to gather virtually or in their bubbles, take a breather from holiday preparations, and enjoy some holiday entertainment."
Garnhum is sharing directing duties with three others including Megan Watson, the Grand’s artistic associate who directed the theatre's past two traditional holiday musicals on the Spriet Stage; award-winning actor and singer Vanessa Sears, and Andrew Tribe, the artistic director of Original Kids Theatre Company.
The production will feature more than a dozen performers, including a few familiar faces. Jan Alexandra Smith, who portrayed Ebeneezer Scrooge in the 2018 production of A Christmas Carol has signed on as a guest artist. Amaka Umeh, who was slated to star in Hamlet at the Stratford Festival this past summer, will also be appearing.
Garnhum teased that the holiday show will also showcase London.
"Viewers will see many iconic London locations, starting out at the Grand and travelling to places like Victoria Park, the Food Bank, Museum London, and the Thames River,” said Garnhum. “We’ll also be travelling just outside the city limits as we visit Kettle and Stony Point First Nation to visit with the George family. John George, his four daughters and ten grandchildren will share their holiday traditions with us."
While the production is free to watch, the Grand is continuing its tradition of using the holiday performance as a vehicle to collect monetary donations for the London Food Bank. Over the last three seasons, Grand audiences have donated more than $290,000 for the food bank.
"The need is greater than ever before to help folks who need a little kindness," said Deb Harvey, executive director at the Grand. "We may not be able to ask our audience members in person this year, but we know that what we will present virtually will entertain, inspire and encourage people to donate and support this important cause in our city."
Anyone interested in watching the virtual holiday show is asked to register at grandtheatre.com.
