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Grand Theatre offering free virtual holiday show to help London Food Bank

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There’s something to be said for tradition during the holiday season.

If you’re among those who count on the Grand Theatre’s holiday show to kick off the annual celebrations, even the pandemic can’t keep that spirit from rising.

The Grand Theatre’s creative team and a number of other artists have combined their talents to produce a virtual holiday show, Comfort and Joy, that will be streamed Dec. 22, free of charge.

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“We consider Comfort and Joy our gift to our city and the many frontline workers who continue to inspire us,” said Dennis Garnhum, the Grand’s artistic director.

“It is our hope that on Dec. 22, folks will be able to gather virtually or in their bubbles, take a breather from holiday preparations, and enjoy some holiday entertainment.”

Comfort and Joy is a variety-style production that features more than a dozen performers who visit various landmarks in the city with song, each of the 10 stops telling a little story for Londoners to reflect on during the holidays.

Although still in production, Garnhum said it’s hoped the 45-minute film will help the theatre reach new audiences but also provide a boost and inspiration to donate to the London Food Bank. During the last three seasons, the Grand and its holiday show cast has collected donations of more than $290,000 for the food bank.

“The need is greater than ever before to help folks who need a little kindness,” said Deb Harvey, the Grand’s executive director.

“We may not be able to ask our audience members in person this year, but we know that what we will present virtually will entertain, inspire and encourage people to donate and support this important cause in our city.”

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Garnhum said the show will include songs, stories, music “and memories” put together with the help of three other directors, including Megan Watson, the Grand’s artistic associate who directed the previous two holiday musicals on the Spriet Stage; award-winning actor, singer and artist Vanessa Sears, and Andrew Tribe, artistic director of Original Kids Theatre Co.

Among the guest artists are Jan Alexandra Smith, who starred as Ebeneezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol in 2018, and Amaka Umeh, who was to star in the title role of Hamlet at the Stratford Festival last summer.

“One of our goals with this production is to showcase our extraordinary city to those watching near and far,” Garnhum, adding landmarks include Museum London, Boler Mountain and Victoria Park.

Visit the website grandtheatre.com for more information about the show and to donate to the food bank.

“It’s meant to be an evening with the people you love,” said Garnhum.

“It will be like an extended music video, each with its own song and story. It is free of charge, but we ask everyone to consider making the same donations to the food bank as if you were at the Grand again. That’s how you can applaud our show.”

jbelanger@postmedia.com

Twitter.com/JoeBatLFPress

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