Pacific Theatre to Bring CHRISTMAS PRESENCE to Vancouver, Richmond, Abbotsford, Dec 2013

Pacific Theatre is proud to present Christmas Presence, a collection of songs and stories for the holiday season. An ad-hoc gathering of musicians and actors who meet day-of to trade songs and choose readings, Christmas Presence is both everything you might expect from a holiday show, as well as the exact opposite. Setting aside the lavish sets and costumes that dominate the season for what Artistic Director Ron Reed likes to call "the un-slickest Christmas show in town." The vibe is that of a family gathering that has burst into song - if you happen to have a family of diverse and talented musicians who harbour an equal love for David Sedaris, Stuart McLean, and Madeleine L'Engle.

Christmas Presence is more than just a holiday show, it is a tradition. Looking back over Pacific Theatre's 30-year history, there have been a few constants carrying the company through from 1984 to present and one of those has been this anthology-style holiday show. It may have changed names over the years, starting off as First Christmas in 1984, but it has always been a part of the company's core offerings.

Pacific Theatre presents Christmas Presence, a collection of songs and stories featuring a rotating line up of local musicians and actors that dates back to its beginnings 30 years ago. Playing Dec 11-21 Wednesday - Saturday at 8pm with 2pm matinee on Saturday at Pacific Theatre, 1440 W 12th Ave. and touring the Lower Mainland. For tickets ($19.99-24.99, taxes and fees not incl.) and tour information call 604.731.5518 or visit pacifictheatre.org.

There will also be performances on December 5 in Richmond (Peace Mennonite Church), December 15 in North Vancouver (Sutherland Church), and December 22 in Abbotsford (Matsqui Centennial Auditorium).