Santa Claus is the theme and the big man himself will be the star of the show when young performers from the Tri-Cities and across the Lower Mainland bring Christmas Pops back to the stage.
This is the 13th year for the holiday variety show that teams Royal City Musical Theatre veteran James Bryson with Dr. Charles Best secondary music teacher Brent Hughes. The two will be sharing the stage with RCMT alumni Chad Matchette, 14 singers and 16 musicians hailing from Abbotsford and Mission, South Surrey and Delta for a colourful, often humourous and always memorable production.
Bryson and Hughes have scoured the catalogue of holiday music to add shine to some new musical gems and polish up some old favourites. They've also added some new twists to traditional carols.
Bryson said he and Hughes have worked for nearly a year on the repertoire that will be featured at the Terry Fox Theatre Dec. 15 to 18.
"We think alike, we're kind of kindred spirits," said Bryson, who was himself a high school music teacher in Coquitlam for many years before retiring.
On the playlist this year will be several songs with a Santa theme, a rock 'n' roll Christmas tune and some beautiful solos featuring returning Pops singers such as Donna Walberg and Rob Christensen. There will be double the choreography from last year and lots of laughs.
Bryson is particularly proud to add two Best students to the mix of performers: Maana Javadi on keyboards and James Deady on guitar. "This is the next generation of kids who are going to become adults in the performing community."
Adding the two students to the semi-professional cast was a risk, he said, but they have taken the responsibility in stride and performed admirably. "They are very hot little players and delightful kids."
The group has had plenty of time to perfect the songs on the road at the Circle Craft Market in Vancouver and the West Coast Christmas Show in Abbotsford. Christmas Pops will also be performing at the Vancouver Christmas Market tomorrow.
Do they ever get tired of singing Christmas songs or moving the production around? Not at all, Bryson said. "We're performers, it's what we do and when we all get there, the show takes flight."
Over the past several months, Bryson has been working hard with Hughes to perfect the show. But he's had a few moments of fun, too, like the chance to rub shoulders with musical greats as one of 500 invited guests at a reception for newlyweds Michael Bublé and his bride, Luisana Lopilato.
He was escorting mezzo-soprano and Port Moody resident Sandi Siemens, who was Bublé's vocal coach, and got a chance to meet the inspriatonal David Foster and popular local conductor Dal Richards. He also met an effervescent Bublé.
What's on Bryson's mind now, as Christmas approaches, is making the holiday special through song, dance and a few corny jokes.
"This is the 13th. At first, when you get started, you run the show, but after awhile, the show runs you."
The JP Chorus and Orchestra presents Christmas Pops at the Terry Fox Theatre (1260 Riverwood Gate, PoCo), Dec. 15-18 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $26/$24, available at www.jamesproductions.ca and by calling 604-939-9300.
