Since opening in 1879, the Grand Theatre has provided locals and visitors with a wealth of cultural opportunities. Performances by such noted artists as Tommy Hunter, Chantal Kreviazuk, Rita McNeil, Michael Burgess, Sarah Harmer and Randy Bachman have graced its stage. In addition, many local arts organizations — such as the Kingston Symphony Orchestra, the Kinsmen Club, Queens Musical Theatre, Kingston Meistersingers, Rogue and Peasant Theatre and Dramatic Impact have staged productions at the Grand.
December’s offerings are sure to entice you to spend an evening taking in a show or two!
Danú: A Christmas Gathering
December 2, 2014 @ 7:30pm
Celebrate Christmas with the acclaimed Irish ensemble Danú, with Féile Na Nollag’ (A Christmas Gathering). Christmas in Ireland is one of the most important times of year for friends and family, with many of Irish heritage living abroad returning home to celebrate the holidays. In both rural and urban communities, music and dance gatherings have often combined for generations to offer a great variety of songs, music and stories for the holidays.
Danú’s Christmas Gathering takes you inside these extraordinary events, which have taken place across Ireland for centuries. Celtic music lovers around the world have enjoyed their virtuoso players on flutes, fiddle, button accordion, percussion and the breathtaking voice of Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, along with an all-star line-up of guest dancers.
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Classic Albums Live presents: The Beatles – Abbey Road
December 5, 2014 @ 7:30pm
Just hearing the name Abbey Road likely invokes feelings of nostalgia – a time when music was new, exciting and mattered. The Beatles crafted Abbey Road with the intentions of creating something that was eternal and timeless, and that would end their legacy on a high note.
Simply put, there are no other albums like Abbey Road. Despite their break-up, The Beatles start off the album by inviting us to Come Together with the first track, and they tip their hats to say goodbye with a nod to philosophy that is not only timeless, but tattoos itself onto our hearts: “And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make.”
They were still young men when they created Abbey Road. We’ve all read about some of the infighting and disagreements. And yet they still leant themselves so lovingly to each other’s songs. That defines character.
When Classic Albums Live performs Abbey Road, we go deeper than just playing it note for note and cut for cut. We’ve had that part down for years. We go deep. We go into the album and fuse our DNA with it. There’s a beauty that needs to accompany every performance of Abbey Road.
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Art of Time Ensemble & Madeleine Peyroux
December 11, 2014 @ 7:30pm
Madeleine Peyroux has been labelled “the 21st century Billie Holiday” thanks to her distinct voice and style taken from her early days of busking on the streets of Paris to her collaborations with Rolling Stone’s Bill Wyman and Steely Dan’s Walter Becker. Art of Time has invited multi-million album seller Madeleine to select songs by her favourite performers (including the likes of Billy Joel, Elvis Presley and George & Ira Gershwin) and perform them in arrangements by Canada’s best composers.
Art of Time Ensemble is one of Canada’s premiere innovative and artistically accomplished music ensembles. With a mandate of giving classical music the contemporary relevance and context it needs to reach a broader audience and survive, Art of Time Ensemble has steadily amassed a following and elevated their reputation as an ensembled that undertakes and delivers programs that are both thought-provoking and engaging.
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The State Ballet Theatre of Russia – The Nutcracker
December 13, 2014 @ 3:00 & 7:30pm
Don’t miss your chance to experience this timeliness traditional ballet that has been a holiday tradition for so many families around the world!
Returning to the Grand is the always-impressive State Ballet Theatre of Russia, presenting the beloved classic, The Nutcracker, with traditional choreography and stunning imagery. Through elegant costumes, beguiling set design and entrancing dances set to a familiar musical score, the internationally-recognized State Ballet Theatre of Russia breathes new life into a familiar story.
The company is dedicated to maintaining a solid tradition of superior Russian classical dance. With a company over 65 dancers, they have drawn critical acclaim in performances throughout Europe, India and Africa, as well as the United States. The State Ballet Theatre of Russia’s Nutcracker is sure to make some magical memories this holiday season.
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Toopy and Binoo: Fun and Games
December 21, 2014 @ 1:00 & 4:00pm
Best friends Toopy and Binno return with their zaniness to the live stage in an all-new theatrical production, Toopy and Binoo: Fun & Games. Families across Canada will sing and dance along with Koba Entertainment’s latest musical extravaganza jam-packed with quirky enthusiasm.
In their quest to find the best game ever, our dynamic duo blends positivity, spontaneity and wild imaginations when a toy chest full of mismatched game and puzzle pieces ignite a curious imagination. Follow Toopy and Binoo as they dance with X’s and O’s, wiggle with smiling snakes and try to outwit a gang of dancing ladders!
Along with tea-partying cats, energetic Dusteroos and fun-loving sheep, Toopy and Binoo embark on their wackiest and most interactive adventure yet!
Entertaining and unpredictable, Toopy and Binoo: Fun and Games integrates music, theatre, dance, puppetry and innovative multimedia technology to create an off-the-wall experience that will delight the entire family!
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