Even in it’s first year of operation, the Highland Arts Theatre (the HAT) has always made a big to-do about Christmas.

Some of these traditions have become a mainstay at the theatre, like its epic 40-person production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Christmas concerts, and classic Christmas movie screenings.

2020 was the first time most of these holiday habits could not be exercised. Those that were able to find a way were a fraction of the scale of what the community had come to expect due to the very necessary gathering limits and social distancing mandates. It was an odd time where we all stayed together by staying apart. Fast forward to 2021 and the downtown Sydney theatre is ready to make up for lost times.

After two years of requests to return and the recent change in gathering limits thanks to the vaccine rollout, the nearly 200 year old classic A Christmas Carol returns to the HAT stage. Revamped and adapted by Artistic and Executive Director Wesley J. Colford as a fundraiser to support the theatre’s costs of operation, this stage show is filled to the brim with heart, music, dancing, and laughs for the whole family. Re-live the magic of the theatre’s beloved stage adaptation of this timeless tale from December 7th to 12th.

“After two years, our FULLY FLEDGED 40 person cast brings Cynthia Vokey’s choreography to life, with a helping of ghost choir vocals, a party scene or two sprinkled into this epic production,” said Colford. “Barb Stetter and our live band fill the acoustics with those holiday sounds we’ve heard since childhood. Everything comes together so beautifully, it’s hard to imagine a more potent expression of Christmas.”

Tickets to this fundraiser are $42.00 +HST and moving quickly.

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HOLIDAY CONCERT SERIES

Right at the top of December comes the first in a series of special concerts to take place this holiday season. Maritime music heroes Dave Gunning & JP Cormier are coming together to bring Cape Breton a one-of-a-kind show on December 2nd at 7:30PM. The mix of new and old songs (plus fan favourites and some holiday cheer) culminates in A Gunning and Cormier Christmas Show.

Then on December 15th, PEI-born award-winning singer-songwriter Lennie Gallant takes the stage with his newest album and show The Innkeeper’s Christmas (starting at 7:30PM that evening).

The trifecta of merry musical offerings is completed on December 18th (also at 7:30PM) with hometown heroes Port Cities: Home For Christmas.  All of these concerts guaranteed to get any music lover in the Christmas spirit.