Ron Reed, artistic director of Vancouver’s Pacific Theatre, delivers a monologue at last year’s Christmas Presence in Abbotsford. This year’s show takes place on Saturday, Dec. 21. Abbotsford News file photo

Ron Reed, artistic director of Vancouver’s Pacific Theatre, delivers a monologue at last year’s Christmas Presence in Abbotsford. This year’s show takes place on Saturday, Dec. 21. Abbotsford News file photo

Gallery 7 and Pacific Theatre present Christmas Presence

Annual show takes place Saturday, Dec. 21 in Abbotsford

Gallery 7 Theatre partners once again with Vancouver’s Pacific Theatre to present the annual Christmas Presence.

The show takes place Saturday, Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium, 32315 South Fraser Way.

Christmas Presence brings light, love and music to the stage as a group of musicians and actors convene on the night of the show to tell stories, share songs, and celebrate the season.

Originally titled First Christmas when it debuted in 1984, Christmas Presence allows local artists to share in the joy of creation on stage.

Singers, songwriters, musicians and storytellers sing traditional (and not-so-traditional) songs and improvise together to create a magical, inviting spell.

“This show is so different and unique,” says Ken Hildebrandt, artistic director of Gallery 7 Theatre.

“With all the hustle and bustle of the season, Christmas Presence gives audiences a chance to sit back, enjoy some outstanding music and listen in on some entertaining stories that gently remind us of the true meaning of the season.”

Affectionately dubbed the un-slickest show in town, Christmas Presence in the Valley features musical guests Carolyn Arrends, Garth Bowen, Spencer Capier, Rick Calhoun, Michael Hart, Chris Hawley, The Kwerks, and John Ochsendorf.

The musicians will be joined by Hildebrandt and actor and director Kaitlin Williams for the storytelling portion of the evening.

Tickets are available online at pacifictheatre.org or in person at House of James in Abbotsford.

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Abbotsford News