Stage Door News
Stage Door News
The Church of the Holy Trinity’s annual production of THE CHRISTMAS STORY ranks as one of the top traditions of the season in Toronto. For some people, it’s just not Christmas until they’ve seen the Messiah, the Nutcracker or The Christmas Story! Our cast of Angels, Shepherds, Kings and Singers are ready to remind you of the most important message of Christmas. Plays December 5-21, 2014 (Fri-Sat-Sun). Seating can be reserved in advance via thechristmasstory.ca or 416-598-4521 Ext. 301 - admission is also available at the door.
Now celebrating its 77th year, THE CHRISTMAS STORY continues to share the magic of the first Christmas aided by masterful musicians, professional lighting and genuine enthusiasm and excitement from the 100+ volunteer cast members - including a real baby in the role of Jesus! It’s a nativity play as you’ve never experienced it before – unless you’re one of the many lovely folks who return to see THE CHRISTMAS STORY year upon year.
First staged at the Church in the last years of the Great Depression, generations of Torontonians from all walks of life have been part of this remarkable community event. Whether you are a regular church-goer who has seen countless tea-toweled-and-bath-robed wise men, or have only heard the story of Jesus’ birth as told by Linus and his blue blanket, this polished presentation of THE CHRISTMAS STORY cannot fail to lift spirits that may be sagging under shopping bags — The Church of the Holy Trinity is conveniently located right next to the Eaton Centre
This year Director Susan Watson marks 25 years of heading up the pageant. She follows in a line of women who have dedicated decades of their lives to keeping one of Toronto’s longest standing traditions alive.
THE CHRISTMAS STORY was brought to Canada from St. Martin-in-the-Fields church in London, England in 1938 by Patricia Frank, the wife of Holy Trinity minister, Rev. John Frank. Patricia directed THE CHRISTMAS STORY for 25 years until their return to England.
Wardrobe mistress Joan Robinson then took over the reins, directing the pageant until her death in 1982. A sequence of 3 different directors kept the production going through the 1980s, but after the 50th anniversary year, there was a move within the church to wrap up the run. Watson was part of a committee of parishioners and cast members who lobbied to keep THE CHRISTMAS STORY going, then rolled up their sleeves to make it happen.
Watson stayed in touch with the original director Patricia Frank, visiting her in England and phoning her every year just before the opening of the pageant. Frank in turn would send Watson and the pageant cast a Christmas card every season. Patricia Frank died this past summer at the age of 98, but the pageant she introduced to Canada continues to delight generations of parishioners and theatregoers.
Theatre, tradition, community, innocence, trembling nerves, miracles and gorgeous choral music: this not-to-be-missed nativity play is a calming antidote to a hectic season and a troubled world. It is a beautiful reminder that this is a season of blessings and new beginnings that we should all share with each other.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION for THE CHRISTMAS STORY
VENUE: The Church of The Holy Trinity
- 19 Trinity Square, Toronto (beside the Eaton Centre)
DATES: December 5-7, 12-14 and 19-21 (Fri-Sat-Sun)
- Fri Dec 5 at 7:30pm
- Sat Dec 6 at 4:30pm ** Matinee only
- Sun Dec 7 at 4:30pm ** Matinee only
- Fri Dec 12 at 7:30pm
- Sat Dec 13 at 4:30pm & 7:30pm - 4:30 pm performance includes ASL interpretation
- Sun Dec 14 at 4:30pm
- Fri Dec 19 at 7:30pm - 7:30pm performance includes ASL interpretation
- Sat Dec 20 at 4:30pm & 7:30pm
- Sun Dec 21 at 4:30pm & 7:30pm
(sign language interpretation available at select performances - further info will be available on the ticket reservation page)
ADMISSION & RESERVATIONS:
- Suggested Donation is $20 adults / $5 children 17 & under (a collection will be taken).
- Reserve via www.thechristmasstory.ca - follow the CHRISTMAS STORY links for dates and times, or call 416-598-4521 Ext. 301 to book.
- Doors open half an hour before performances.
- The Church is fully wheelchair accessible.
2014-11-13
Toronto: The 77th season of "The Christmas Story" begins December 5th