Members of the Nightingale Chorus jumped for joy once curtains closed at Imperial Theatre for its first in-person show in two years.
Opening night of The Christmas Star, a story set in the Victorian era, was held Wednesday.
"The audience was phenomenal and it was great to see our work appreciated and have that chance to be back on stage once again," said Chorus Coordinator Carrie Beauchamp.
Nightingale Chorus is celebrating its 25th year with sold-out shows. Beauchamp said in some ways, it's a surprise how quickly tickets were sold.
"Before COVID, we would always sell out. It was kind of gradual but we would always sell out, which was wonderful," she said. "But after COVID, I didn't know how many people would want to return to the theatre with everything that's going on."
Full cast of the Nightingale Chorus' The Christmas Star. December 7, 2022. (submitted photo)
Beauchamp said they had three months to put together the show, ahead of opening night. For the first month and a half, she worked with singers and different actors in different age groups.
"After that, we start to put the puzzle pieces together and start bringing them all together for different rehearsals. Then we get to the theatre, add the lighting, the sound, the set, and everything else, and it all comes together."
The traditional in-person show wasn't held the last two years due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Instead, the chorus partnered with the Bluewater Health Foundation for the Christmas Ribbon campaign. Last year's musical fundraiser was held in support of ACCESS Open Minds, a mental health initiative for youth and young adults.
Beauchamp said they initially weren't going to take part in caroling initiatives this year because of the time commitment associated with rehearsals.
"However, there were a few places that actually reached out to us."
On Monday, December 19, the chorus will visit Revera Sumac Lodge Long Term Care Home, Vision Nursing Home, Standing Oaks, and a few residential homes.
The chorus of 120 will perform a total of five shows at Imperial Theatre through December 10.
Beauchamp said they will be collecting non-perishable food items for River City Vineyard at the theatre.