For the past nine years, Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular has brought a little winter wonderland into people’s lives.
Kathryn Bowen-Roberts, producer and director of Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular, plans the show and re-creates it each year using different music to give people a familiar framework but a new experience every
time. She likes to keep the element of surprise.
“What brings people back is they kind of know what to expect,” she said. “We always have White Christmas at the end to create that kind of Bing Crosby kind of Christmas feel. White Christmas is always special. I know the show has
become a big part of people’s start to Christmas.”
The show opens with a big broadway number then it goes into a ballet performance,
followed by a rock ‘n’ roll number and then a crooner song.
The spectacular shows at the Cedar Community Hall and Port Theatre this year.
“One of the beautiful things about the Cedar Community Hall is that you are surrounded by that music feeling,” said Bowen-Roberts. “We try to get
audience participation as soon as possible so they feel involved.”
During the carols, choir members go into the audience as part of the performance.
“It’s a peaceful moment in the show and gives people a moment of reflection,” said Bowen-Roberts.
She said that while that intimate setting is harder to pull off in the Port Theatre, the cast and crew have worked to ensure audience members still
feel that connection during the songs.
There is music to appeal to people of all ages from The Beach Boys to ’90s dance to a big Rock of Ages number.
For young children, the snowman appears every year.
“They are pretty mesmerized throughout,” said Bowen-Roberts.
The Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular shows at the Cedar Community Hall and the Port Theatre.
On Dec. 4-6 and Dec. 11-13 it shows at 7 p.m. in Cedar and on Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 11-13 it shows at 3 p.m. at the hall. The Port Theatre shows are
Dec. 18-19 at 7 p.m. with a matinee at 3 p.m. on Dec. 19-20.
Tickets are $40, $33 for students or $36 each for a group of 10. For tickets call 250-754-8550 or go to www.porttheatre.com.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com
