On Nov. 27 the first ever Candlelight Processional will be held in North Battleford.
“It’s the first time this kind of premiere event has ever been done here,” co-producer Paul Sayers said during one rehearsal last Wednesday in Caleb Village’s recreational room. It’s the first time North Battleford will be treated to a 100-person choir singing songs about the Christmas story, but it is not the first of its kind.
Sayers said he was inspired to produce the show for North Battleford after reading about Disneyland’s version that is held annually.
“It was inspired by [Disney’s], but ours is better,” said Sayers, grinning widely.
Led by the award-winning director of Battlefords Blend harmony chorus, Annette Duhaime, the 100-person choir, along with members of the Kinsmen Band accompanying, has been practicing together for the past month.
“Never in my wildest imaginations did I ever think I would be doing something like this,” said Duhaime. “The most I've directed was 25 and it has just been ladies. I've never had men in the choir before or musicians.
“This was a totally new experience for me. It was a little scary at first, but it's quite an experience. It's been exhilarating to have all these people so ready and willing to sing.”
For the past three Wednesday nights the choir has treated the residents of Caleb Village who ventured downstairs to their rehearsal. Many of the residents took advantage of hearing the live music, and rows of chairs were lined up for the audience of about 30 people.
Peg Gilchrist, the show’s co-producer, who secured the space, said it’s been perfect for rehearsal, especially with the built-in audience.
“When I asked [Caleb Village’s manager] if we could come here to practice they said [the residents] loved music, so anytime they can hear some people singing they're down here right away.”
One of these listeners, Alice Potter, said she’d been to all three of the show’s rehearsals.
“I've enjoyed it very much and I'm really surprised at the beauty of it.”
After thoroughly enjoying the past rehearsals, Potter said she hoped to make it to the Dekker Centre when the show debuts officially.
Candlelight Processional will be held Sunday, Nov. 27 at the Dekker Centre with show times at 2:30 and 8 p.m. and will be featuring such songs as Joy to the World, O’ Little Town of Bethlehem and “Away in a Manger. Tickets are on sale through the Dekker Centre Box Office, which can be reached at www.dekkercentre.com and 306-445-7700 Ext. 2.
