A look at Windsor-Essex entertainment for Dec. 1 – Dec. 4.

The Nutcracker

A Beautiful Sugarplum Fairy, a delightful Clara, precocious Fritz and a flurry of snowflakes will take the stage once again in Windsor. After three sold out shows last year, the company is excited about the upcoming performances Dec. 2 – Dec. 4 at the Capitol Theatre.  The ballet will be performed by over 100 elegantly costumed dancers to the much-loved score by Tchaikovsky.

The production is presented by Edmunds Towers School of Dance under the artistic direction of Kristyn Wiklanski.

“We are delighted that we will be performing this holiday classic for residents of Windsor –Essex,” says says Dianne Edmunds, Edmunds Towers School of Dance.  “This is the seventh successful year of performing this popular holiday ballet.  We were overwhelmed by the success of this production and we are so happy to be presenting again this holiday season.”

Tickets are on sale now at the WFCU Box Office. - 1-866-969-WFCU or visit www.wfcu-centre.com or www.edmundstowers.com.

Handel’s Messiah and Vivaldi’s Gloria

Another annual Christmas tradition returns, as the Windsor Symphony Orchestra performs Messiah & More in Leamington and Tecumseh. Led by WSO Associate Conductor Peter Wiebe, the program includes Vivaldi’s Gloria in its entirety with excerpts from Handel’s Messiah. 

The concerts feature Simone McIntosh, Marjorie Maltais, and Bruce Kotowich as soloists. Simone McIntosh debuted with the WSO last April performing Mozart’s Regina Coeli. Marjorie Maltais played the title role in the WSO’s production of Carmen in 2014 and returned for Handel’s Messiah with the WSO in 2015. Dr. Bruce Kotowich is the Chorus Master of the WSO Chorus and Director of Choirs at the University of Windsor.

Performances take place in Leamington at the United Mennonite Church on Saturday, Dec. 3, and in Tecumseh at St. Anne’s Church on Sunday, Dec. 4 – all performances begin at 7:30 p.m.

Advance: $35 Adult & $30 Senior, At the door: $39 Adult & $32 Senior. Student discounts available.  Purchase by phone at 519-973-1238, online at windsorsymphony.com, or in person at the WSO Box Office, WSO Box Office – 121 University Ave. West, Windsor.

Elvis Gospel Show

Elvis tribute artists and their friends are performing as a gospel choir  at the Water's Edge Event Centre on Sunday. The Elvis Gospel Show, led by James Gibb, includes entertainers Norm Ackland Jr., Julie Bezaire, Frank Cross, Gary MacDonald, Dawn Peddie and Zach Peddie. Adding to the experience, organizers say it’s being presented in a beautiful former church on Riverside Drive.  Tickets are available online.

Information & tickets (226) 783-5069
INFORMATION & TICKETS:  http://www.ccshows.net
 

Windsor Santa Claus Parade

The Windsor Parade Corporation is holding the 48th annual Windsor Santa Claus Parade -Presented by the Olde Sandwich Towne BIA, Windsor Port Authority and Centreline. The 2016 Parade has over 50 entries including 4 horse units and 8 marching bands. 

Useful information for Parade Day:

-Dress Warm, it is a Santa Parade it is supposed to be cold, but if you need to warm up, visit any of the wonderful restaurants in Olde Sandwich Towne for Hot Chocolate and other goodies

-No parking on Sandwich Street after 3p.m.

-Parade starts at 6p.m. at Riverside Drive and Atkinson Park, if you sit to the east of Atkinson Park, you will miss all the bands and Santa that is the staging area only.