Brit’s Picks – December Year Ender

Christmas Presence               

Fri. – Dec. 31               

Online

If you missed seeing Burnt Thicket Theatre’s annual Christmas Presence concert don’t worry, the show is going to be available for you to enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Take in performances by artists like musicians Becky Thomas and the Dearhearts alongside readings by actors like Tim Bratton and Yulissa Campos. The evening was created to reflect the love and joy of the holidays and it’s paying it forward by also raising funds for Stephen’s Backpacks that supports youth at risk right here in Saskatchewan. Christmas Presence will be available online on Burnt Thicket’s YouTube and Facebook channels Friday night until December 31st. It’s free but if you can, make a donation to support this very worthy group.

For all the details, follow this link.

 

*video by Matthew Olson

Fruitcake                    

Now – Sunday           

BackStage Stage

25th Street Theatre is stretching its wings and returning to its roots with Heather Morrison’s brand-new play Fruitcake. 25th Street is the oldest professional theatre company in Saskatoon and for the last 22 years has focussed it’s energy on producing the annual Fringe Festival. This year, the company is stepping back on stage to perform its own shows. Fruitcake is the story about a family returning home for the holidays after the death of their mother. The loss isn’t the only complication facing these characters; Si has recently come out as trans-femme but her dad wants her to go back in the closet “just for the holidays”, Jill and Michael are struggling with infertility and, newly-widowed Henry just wants it all to be over so he can go back to his regular visits at the coffee shop. Oh, and then there’s the question of who will take over caring for the family heirloom, a 137 year-old fruitcake. This is a funny, tender performance about family and the search for understanding. Tickets are Pay-what-you-can $16/$26/$41. If you prefer to watch online, you can purchase a digital ticket and view the performance until Dec. 19th.

Here’s the link for all the details.

 

*Video by Cory Dallas Standing

Mikawin: The Gift                 

Now – Sunday            

Broadway Theatre

It’s a 20-year tradition straight from the heart and the talented crew at Gordon Tootoosis Nīkānīwin Theatre. Mekiwin: The Gift is one of the hilarious stories from Curtis Peeteetuce’s Rez Christmas Story series. This time we meet the three kohkoms as they try to manage the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Zula is expecting company as Sihkos lies in the hospital after being accidentally struck by a snow blower and Clare, eavesdropping on the doctor, finds out Sihko’s condition might be more serious than they had thought. It’s an evening of laughs, love and miscommunication along the way. Tickets for this performance are $13 – $18.

For tickets and more information, click here.

 

*Video courtesy Shaw TV

A Christmas Spectacular

Sat. – Dec. 23

The Refinery & Online

Christmas break means a whole lot of time where you’re looking for ways to entertain the little ones and there’s nothing like a Wide Open Children’s Theatre puppet show to do just that. Get ready to see all the puppet friends you’ve been missing. Pete, Frosty and Jack will all be there to lead you in singalongs, poetry, skits and tons of audience participation. The shows are only 45 minutes and these shows are welcome to all so don’t worry about your kiddo getting restless. If you’re not quite ready to head to the theatre, there’s also an online viewing option. Tickets are $12 – $17.

For details and holiday fun, check out this link.

 

Sing Choir of Angels

Mon. – Jan. 2

Online

There’s nothing better this time of year than the sounds of children’s voices and for many of us, those annual holiday concerts aren’t happening. Although they can’t perform live in an auditorium, the Saskatoon Children’s Choir couldn’t let the season pass without sharing the gift of music. The choir is made up of talented kids from all over our city and they are the next generation of musical talent. They will perform classical tunes and holiday favourites and it’s the perfect soundtrack to your holiday. You can purchase a single viewing for $15 or watch multiple times for $25.

For more information, follow this link.

 

It’s A Wonderful Life             

Now – Dec. 24           

Remai Arts Centre

A new twist on a classic holiday tale is on stage courtesy of Persephone Theatre. It’s A Wonderful Life is the story of George Bailey a man whose hit his breaking point and contemplates ending it all one Christmas Eve when he’s helped by an angel who shows him how good life really is. This performance is being staged as a 1940s radio play in front of a live audience. You’ll see the actors play multiple parts complete with commercials, jingles and sound effects. It’s just the thing to warm your heart and get you into the holiday mood. Tickets are $30 – $60.

For more information, click here.

 

Home For The Holidays         

Dec. 29           

Knox United Church

For so many of us, Christmas is a time of coming home to the love of family and the joy of seeing familiar faces. It’s the same for some of Saskatoon’s finest vocalists. Saskatoon Opera is back with its annual Home for the Holidays concert for one night only. Nationally recognized vocalists Katya Khartova, Olivia Gusselle and Spencer McKnight will all take the stage. This performance will be a combination of arias, familiar music and art song. Admission is by donation.

For more information, here’s the link.