The Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular is about to launch its 15th season in three Vancouver Island cities with a whole new feel-good musical variety show that’s sure to capture the hearts of young and old alike.
This year’s extravaganza includes musical medleys of well-known songs by the Rolling Stones, Cat Stevens, George Gershwin and the Beach Boys, songs from the musical Chicago, a collection of sea shanties, Hot Chocolate from the Polar Express, Bing Crosby’s classic White Christmas as well as many more classical hits and Christmas favorites.
“It’s a huge variety of music that we string together for our band of musicians, singers and dancers,” says Katy Bowen-Roberts, the show’s creator, producer and director who launched it in Yellow Point on Vancouver Island 15 years ago. “It’s a fast-moving performance mixed with touching stories, poetry, sing-alongs, and comedy. Then we always finish with White Christmas, and snow and warm fuzzies. It’s a feel-good show.”
This beloved Christmas tradition is set to captivate audiences in Courtenay (Dec. 4-6), Victoria (Dec. 9-10), and Nanaimo (Dec. 12-17).
With an anticipated attendance of more than 10,000 people over the show’s entire run, the Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular has become a cherished tradition for tens of thousands over the past 15 years. The December performances have become an annual gathering for friends, family, and loved ones, creating lasting memories.
“For many people, this is the start of the festive season, and as they leave they say ‘oh, I feel like my Christmas has started,” Katy says. “The show runs through all of the emotions, and the music is so high-energy and the talent is so great.
“It’s just part of a super, feel-good, happy occasion where people return year after year, some for every season we’ve had. It’s a fun night out.”
The show takes about a year to devise and create, with conceptual work starting in the New Year, auditions held in June, and music and choreography developed over the summer. In November the cast and crew start three weeks of intensive rehearsals, and then take the show on the road for performance after performance – with several per day – over two weeks.
“We have performers come here from Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia,” Katy says. “They know the music before they arrive, we hit the ground running, and we make something magical.”
Lastly, the show is also a fundraiser for the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island, which will be selling 50/50 tickets at all 15 shows.
As the Spectacular unfolds its musical tapestry, it invites the community to come together and celebrate the holiday season with laughter, music, and the warmth of shared moments.
Tickets are available online at yellowpointchristmasspectacular.ca
