The vision keeps expanding.
Vision Theatre Productions has added a Christmas show to match its annual rite of spring when it presents a whodunnit by Agatha Christie.
A Christmas Story is an annual classic about a boy who wants a special BB gun for a present. The show regularly runs on TV on Christmas day, and, as such, can be tough to produce as a theatrical event.
Director Denise Gismondi said in an interview at a rehearsal on Nov. 15 the show has to be “seamless” because that is what people expect. It is a tough job, particularly with “at least ten kids” plus six adults on stage.
To solve some of the problems, the production has a revolving stage to make those transitions.
For Gismondi, directing Jean Shepherd’s A Christmas Story is a long held ambition. She wanted to pitch the idea to any number of community theatres but feared she could never convince them because of some of the technical difficulties. Then Vision gave her the opportunity.
“I was asked to direct it in the spring,” she said.
Fred Morris is the man behind Vision Theatre and has been producing shows in Fergus for several years now.
The Agatha Christie shows have done so well to benefit the food bank that he decided to expand.
It was not a sudden decision. Morris said in an interview that expansion to a second show at Christmas was always part of the plan, and now he has the time and people to do it. He added benefiting the hospital was also a natural and easy decision.
Morris said he wants to make the Christmas show an annual event, too. And it looks like the show will do well.
“We’re almost 40 per cent sold,” Morris said of the run from Dec. 15 to 18 at the Fergus Grand Theatre. “We’re really pleased with the reception we’re getting from the public.”
For tickets, visit fergusgrandtheatre.ca or call 519-787-1981. Tickets are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors and students, and $15 for groups of ten or more. The shows run at 8pm Thursday to Saturday, and Sundays have a 2pm matinee.
