Lots of great events happening this weekend, leading us into December and even more holiday fun and shenanigans.
My hat is off to all of those who are delivering us such wonderful programming and events ... and yes this does include everyone involved in the candlelight parade and the lighting of our Christmas trunk.
To me, this is a classic Leacockian/Mariposa tale, right down to the reason behind the perhaps poorly thought-out trunk lighting decision: the fact that our beloved Fred’s tree is dying. It’s a classic, sentimental, heartwarming Leacock twist in the story that our Stephen would have been proud to write. And, to be on Jimmy Fallon is cool for any reason!
I look forward to the next twist in the tale, and have no doubt there will be one, as our town’s wonderful creative movers and shakers decide what to do with this windfall of media attention.
Now, on to this weekend’s incredible events.
Saturday at 7:30 p.m., The Cellar Singers present Handel’s Messiah ... with a twist. This year, the singers have decided to perform the Messiah faithful to the style of Handel’s time, with the use of a baroque chamber orchestra of period instruments, exciting soloists, and the choir of 35 singers.
This will be a wonderful evening of gorgeous music, sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. The show is at St. James’ Anglican Church, and you can get your tickets here www.thecellarsingers.com. or at the door. Don’t miss this very special night.
On Sunday, at 2:30 p.m. the Orillia Concert Association (OCA) presents its second concert of the season, a very special performance by acclaimed Canadian concert pianist Daniel Vnukowski on St. Paul’s Centre’s renowned Bosendorfer piano, previously owned by Michael Jones.
Vnukowski has performed in recitals and orchestral concerts across North America and Europe. He is the founder of the Collingwood Music Festival and Piano Six 2.0, and the morning host on Classical 96 FM. So, another not to be missed show. If you don’t have OCA season tickets, you can get tickets for this show here. There will also be tickets at the door. Don’t miss this amazing concert.
Not to be outdone in the Christmas lead up, the Orillia Opera House presents Ballet Jorgen’s The Nutcracker, on Saturday at 7 p.m. This is Tchaikovsky’s classic, reimagined with a Canadian twist. This company is outstanding, I have seen this show before and it’s a wonderful event to take your kiddos to ... plus, every kid should get to go to the Opera House. So, go! Tickets www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
Speaking of the Nutcracker, the Leacock Museum still has a few more spots available for The Nutcracker Tea, this Friday and Saturday, various times. Here’s the scoop: “Celebrate the season with the Nutcracker Tea hosted at the Leacock Museum in the historical living and dining rooms. Savour seasonal treats with bottomless winter teas, tour the decorated home and enjoy up to 25% off in the gift shop.” So, you should go! Tickets www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
This Saturday at 7 p.m. the Orillia Museum of Art and History is hosting The Old Dancehall Players improv group in their show, Glue As the Romans Do, which is an improv take on the old TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? Go, it’s going to be hilarious. Tickets here.
This Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Washago Art Club is hosting its holiday market at the Washago Community Centre and Washago Art Gallery, downtown, so go check it out.
Friday night, Quayle’s Brewery is lighting up the Beer Garden, and hosting a holiday market this weekend as well. More deets here.
This Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Orillia Holiday Holistic Healing Fair is happening at ODAS Park…more details here.
Next Wednesday (Nov 29) enjoy the Mariposa Arts Theatre Film Night showings of Blue Jean, at the galaxy Cinema at 4 and 7 p.m. Here’s the synopsis: "As Margaret Thatcher’s government aims to pass the homophobic Section 28, which restricts the “promotion of homosexuality” in schools and published materials, gym teacher Jean must go further into the closet. By day, she leads girls in sports and health class — by night, she goes to lesbian bars and parties with her partner. After homophobia in her class threatens her job, Jean faces a crisis between choosing to stand for her identity and loved ones, or protecting her job."
Tickets are $15 cash, selling from 3 p.m. on at the Galaxy.
Next Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. it’s the artists talk for Tradition Transformed at the Orillia Museum of Art and History. More details here. This is a free event.
Also next Thursday (Nov. 30), enjoy comedian Ryan Belleville’s show, “I’m Not Your Daddy!” at the Orillia Opera House. Tickets www.orilliaoperahouse.ca.
Next week? Dec. 1, A Christmas Carol, a reading in aid of Dress for Success Orillia and Barrie, at St. Paul’s Centre, 7 p.m. Tickets here. Don’t miss it.
On Dec. 2, there are two shows with Orillia Concert Band, for Christmas, at St. Paul’s Centre. Both awesome. Tickets through www.orilliaconcertband.com.
More about next week, next week.
Live music this week, at Couchiching Craft Brewery, Cassie DaSilva Friday night starting at 6:30 p.m. Chris LeMay Sat. night, same time.
Phew! Have an amazing week and if you have arts news, send it to [email protected] by Tuesday at noon to be included.
