Edmonton's holiday season comes alive with an exciting lineup of Christmas performances that promise to deliver festive cheer and entertainment. From country music stars to unconventional Christmas musicals, the city offers diverse options for those seeking seasonal spirit through live performances.
Die Harsh: An Unconventional Christmas Musical
The Grindstone Theatre brings back its popular holiday production Die Harsh: A Christmas Musical for its fourth consecutive year. This unique show has become a beloved tradition in Edmonton's theatre community, offering a humorous take on the classic action film Die Hard.
David Findlay, who plays the role of Hans Schmuber (the Allan Rickman equivalent), explains the show's distinctive approach. "Musicals have come a long way since Oklahoma! There's musicals for everything now. It's only a matter of time before we got an action musical," says Findlay.
The production takes an unexpected perspective by focusing on the villain's story. "Hans gets to be a fantastic character that they flush out so much," Findlay notes. "They really go into the dynamics of the past, see what motivations he may have." The show provides what Findlay describes as an "almost Dickensian view of a European klepto-terrorist and his new best friend."
The production runs from December 13 to 29 at The Orange Hub, located at 10045 156 St. Tickets start at $29.77 and are available through grindstonetheatre.ca.
Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Holiday Performances
The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra presents a diverse program of Christmas music throughout December at the Francis Winspear Centre for Music. The holiday series runs from December 12 to 23 and features multiple performances catering to different musical tastes.
Country music fans will enjoy Johnny Reid's performances from December 14 to 16. The Scottish-Canadian artist brings his Christmas tour to Edmonton, featuring holiday classics alongside his own festive compositions. Reid has established himself as a Christmas music enthusiast, having released three Christmas albums since 2009.
For those preferring traditional holiday music, A Very Merry Pops offers the ESO's interpretation of classic Christmas tunes. The program includes beloved carols such as God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen and Silent Night, with opportunities for audience participation in singing favorite carols.
Additional Edmonton Holiday Attractions
Beyond the musical performances, Edmonton offers other seasonal attractions. The Edmonton Christmas Market returns to Fort Edmonton Park, providing additional opportunities for residents and visitors to experience holiday cheer. The market features local vendors, seasonal treats, and festive activities.
Whether through symphonic music, country Christmas tunes, or unconventional theatrical productions, Edmonton's holiday entertainment scene provides numerous options for getting into the Christmas spirit. The variety of shows ensures there's something for every taste and preference during the festive season.
