A brand new Christmas show will combine music, dancing and comedy this Dec. 6 when it makes its Parksville debut at Knox United Church.
'A Fascinating Christmas' stars Taylor Kate Manns and Lee Worden and begins its first act with a radio talent contest that doesn't go quite as planned.
“We’ve got quite a bit of comedy infused into this show," said Pierre Komen, who produces the show, as well as singing and playing the tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone and flute. "The twist is all the contestants for the talent show are bringing in bits that don’t translate onto the radio. You know, as a dance routine or a hula hoop contest.”
Featured vocalists Manns and Worden, who also plays guitar, play a series of acts that don't translate well to a radio audience, to the growing frustration of the old school radio deejay, played by Steve Lebitschnig.
“The neat part is the audience is in on the joke because of course they can see the hula hoop contest and they’re picking up on the absurdity about having a hula hoop contest on the radio," Komen said.
The first act is set in the 1960s and includes a few "campy" tunes performed by Worden such as 'I Yust Go Nuts At Christmas' by Yogi Yorgesson, as well as medley of rock 'n roll songs by the likes of Chuck Berry.
The production's second half is all musical numbers, Komen added
The seven-piece band Johnny Inappropriate is featured throughout the show and, in addition to Komen, includes Nathan McKay (vocals, keyboards, trombone, flute), Phil Wipper (drums), Aaron Curry (bass), James Darling (piano) and Manns.
Dancers Sonia Komen and Selena Lee perform throughout the show.
Manns, also known by her artist name Tiki Way, has released an album, has theatre experience and teaches dance. She studied dance, acting and singing in New York before returning to her hometown of Nanaimo.
“She’s just a great addition to this whole thing,” Komen said. "I’ll be playing like baritone sax, tenor sax and flute. I also will be fronting some of the tunes."
Worden, born and raised in Nanaimo, is a multi instrumentalist and has performed around Canada, as well as living in Nashville for many years. He has toured both with Ian Tyson and his own project, The Gords.
The title 'Fascinating Christmas' was inspired by Lebitschnig's record store, Fascinating Rhythms, in downtown Nanaimo.
The show starts at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $25 and are available online through Eventbrite and with cash at Parksville retailers Close to You Boutique and Fireside Books and Edge Outdoors in Qualicum Beach. Knox United Church is located at 345 Pym St.
There will also be a show in Nanaimo on Dec. 13.
