Not a creature was stirring
Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) annual Christmas show will return to the Events Centre on 10 December. The family-friendly production showcases some of the region’s outstanding talent and brings the joy of Christmas to town. Expect some laughs, traditional carols, popular songs and a bit of dancing.
This year’s show, "Not a Creature was Stirring" (…not even a mouse), tells the heart-warming story of Murray the Mouse. Margaret O’Hanlon has created and brought to life the magical tale, and choreography is by Anna Stuart. The show includes performances from Queenstown Gymnastics Club, Silk and Circus, Wakatipu Conservatoire of Classical Ballet, Dance Evolution Studio (DEVOS) and The Remarkable Men’s Ballet. Jan Maxwell, QLDC Relationship Manager Arts and Events, is excited to be preparing for the 2023 show.
“QLDC produce a Christmas show and have from day one,” Maxwell says. “My role is producer, so I oversee everything from the budget to the audition process, to employing the different heads of department and pulling it all together logistically with my team. I also do the costumes for the show as well.
“It’s a story that tells the true meaning of Christmas, and it’s told over the hour and 15 minutes that we do. There’s a reason for each song or dance in the show, it all tells a full story.”
There’s a large number of people involved each year to bring the show together including contractors to build the stage and set, lighting installation and sound system setup. Additionally, there’s about 50 performers this year – auditions opened in September.
“It’s an opportunity for children (you have to be eight and older) to get up on a stage with full lights and full production to grow and develop as a performer. We’ve had young ones that have grown in their confidence to perform and even in their personality over the years. It’s about families and our community coming together and showcasing our amazing young people and what they can do.”
All funds from the show go into the production and supporting charity, which this year will be the Salvation Army, that has just moved into its new building. This year the production is continuing to allow individuals to go online and purchase a gifted community ticket. These tickets will be gifted to local community welfare groups, which will distribute them to locals that may not have otherwise been able to attend.
“Our community needs something at this time of year. We all get really busy and forget about how important it is as a community to just take time out with your family. This is an opportunity, I know it’s only just over an hour, but what we find is that people arrive early and they talk and catch up with people. It’s just a really nice way to stop and not get caught up in the busyness of Christmas, and spend time with the family,” Maxwell says.
Pop on your dancing shoes for the "Not a Creature Was Stirring" (…not even a mouse), which will take place at Queenstown Events Centre on Sunday, 10 December, at 1pm and 5pm. You can find out more information and purchase tickets for yourself (or gift one) at christmasshow.co.nz
