The Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay is making plans for a safe, socially- distanced opening of their main stage area this December, with a mini-Christmas series aimed to please just about every taste. Two shows, featuring popular Cape Breton performers, will make up the series, and will be offered both live from the Savoy stage as well as live online via a purchased link.
Executive Director Pam Leader says the announcement has brought a sense of excitement and normalcy to the historic building, after months of closure, cancellations and rescheduling. “We are cautiously optimistic in our efforts to put a show on the main stage again, to put people back to work again, to just be talking about and planning for the future,” says Leader. “We’ve designed the shows to have socially-distant seating, and we encourage everyone to book with their bubbles. The balcony will be also be available for bubbles of 10 plus, which is perfect for bubbled work-place gatherings.” Savoy staff will be implementing all other safety precautions surrounding the pandemic and will completely sanitize the building between shows. “We’ll be monitoring the situation daily, taking every precaution, so that those who do attend can enjoy themselves without worry,” she said.
Christmas with the Barra MacNeils will feature a mix of traditional seasonal fare along with favourite classics, entertaining stories, and energetic dancing, all stamped with the Barra MacNeil’s lush harmonies and intricate instrumental stylings. One of Cape Breton’s most beloved musical families on the seasonal circuit, The Barra MacNeils have been touring thier Christmas show, and selling out venues across Canada and in the U.S., for more than twenty years. Celebrate Christmas with the Barra MacNeils at the Savoy Theatre, (Friday, December 11th at 8pm; Saturday, December 12th at 8pm; Sunday, December 13th at 1pm) or livestream the December 12th concert to watch in the comfort of your own home. The livestream will be available to watch for 24 hours.
Seasonal celebrations continue at the Savoy Theatre the following weekend with The Cape Breton Christmas Hour: A Two-Hour Show. Featuring Bette MacDonald, Maynard Morrison, Jenn Sheppard, and Stephen Muise, with Rachel Davis and Darren McMullen of the award-winning band Còig, the Cape Breton Christmas Hour offers the laugh-’til-it-hurts, sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs-and-forget-about-the-real-world-for-a-while experience that one has come to expect from this crew of performers. Join a six-pack of Cape Breton characters for a much-needed dose of Christmas joy, Cape Breton style, at the Savoy Theatre (Friday, December 18th at 8pm; Saturday, December 19th at 8pm; Sunday, December 20th at 1pm), or livestream the December 19th concert to watch at home. The livestream will be available to watch for 24 hours.
A limited amount of tickets will be sold for each show to ensure proper spacing of all those attending in person. Socially-distanced seating will be in effect and face masks will be required. Tickets are $59.95 (fees and taxes included) and can be booked by phone only, by calling the Savoy Box Office at 902-842-1577. As an added bonus, the shows will also be available to purchase as livestreamed online events, for those who can’t attend in person.
“We’re working with NovaStream to be able to offer a professional, multiple-camera shoot, and online link for both shows,” says Leader. “With having to sell limited tickets and so many people not able to visit home this Christmas, we knew we had to try to make it an option.” Links for the livestreams can be purchased for $25 and will be available Wednesday, November 18th on the Savoy Theatre’s Facebook page.
