Holiday shows bring energy to deCoste centre

PICTOU, N.S. — PICTOU, N.S. – A variety of holiday shows are being presented at the deCoste Performing Arts Centre this Christmas season.
The lineup includes two matinee performances that are especially for families: A Christmas Dollhouse and The Bremen Town Musicians. As well, there are two evening performances featuring a Classic Country Christmas with Georgette Jones and Brian Mallery, and a Christmas show with Dave Gunning and JP Cormier.    

A DOLLHOUSE
Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m., a talented cast and crew, captivating sets and costumes, brilliant musicians and exciting dance bring the musical A Christmas Dollhouse to life on stage.
The Souvenir Dance Ensemble based at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts in Halifax are part of the presentation.
 The story is based on the novel of the same name, written by Richard Rudnicki depicting the true story of friendship, forgiveness, kindness, celebration and community that occurred during the 1930s in Halifax.  The production was written by Vladimir Sitnikov and Cheryl Edgett and the pair are very excited to be touring several theatres this season with their production, which has sold out in Truro, and tickets have been going well at the deCoste, as well.  

THE BREMEN TOWN MUSICIANS
The following week, on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m., the Maritime Marionettes perform their popular show The Bremen Town Musicians. The story is a favourite folktale of an aging donkey who follows his dream to become a musician. On the road to Bremen town, he befriends a dog, a cat and a rooster who, like him, are no longer needed as farm animals. Together they form a comical quartet and a bond that will last the rest of their lives.
The visuals of the show are performed with eloquent shadow puppets, exquisitely made marionettes and the company owners and master puppeteers Darryl and Heather Taylor's manipulating the puppets to tell the heartwarming story.
The production company will also perform the joyous Nativity story of the baby Jesus, told with marionette angels, shepherds, animals and kings and performed without narration, solely to favourite music box Christmas Carols.
Ticket prices for both matinee performances are $25 for adults; $15 for members, seniors and youth under 15, and $50 for a family of three or more.

COUNTRY CALLING
The following evening on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m., George Jones and Tammy Wynette’s daughter Georgette Jones will perform with country music artist and New Brunswick native Brian Mallery.  
Jones has been singing with one or both parents since the age of three. She recorded her first single with her Dad, Daddy Come Home, when she was 10 and performed it on an HBO special.
Georgette also worked as a backup singer for her mom for a period.
She will be sharing the stage at the deCoste with the Maritimes’ own Nashville country recording artist Brian Mallery.  
This Christmas season the duo will be sharing many of those holiday favourite songs made famous by many of country music’s top hit makers. Tickets are $40.

GUNNING-CORMIER
The final show for the year features the Maritimes’ favourite folk duo, Dave Gunning and JP Cormier. They’ll share some new, as well as classic favourite Christmas songs and lots of laughs with the audience.
Gunning recently had his latest album, Up Against the Sky, garner four nominations by the Canadian Folk Music Awards.  The awards will be presented at the CFMA’s next April in P.E.I.
Cormier has made a name for himself not only as an exceptionally talented musician, but also as an amazing singer/songwriter.  Many of his songs have become East Coast anthems which have been inspirational for many young folk musicians, including Gunning.
Tickets for the Gunning & Cormier Christmas show are $38 and $35 for members.
For tickets or information, contact the deCoste Box office at 902-485-8848 or 1-800-353-5338, go to 99 Water St., Pictou, or visit decostecentre.ca/tickets.