Christmas at the Aud 2023 hosted by the Aud Theatre Board was an intimate event where local talent entertained and the community gathered for an afternoon of Christmas spirit on Dec.17.
Mayor Tina Williams brought greetings from Town of Virden council and staff. Thanking the Aud Board for bringing together a group of talented performers she said, “We don’t have a concert like this without a volunteer board that puts in a lot of hours….” The Aud Theatre is one of Virden’s key venues and the mayor stated, “I want to thank the Aud board members for taking care of this building for us.…”
Brad Hayward, vice-chair of the Aud Board of Directors, was emcee. At intervals throughout the concert Hayward read from Stuart McLean’s “The Vinyl Café, Poly Anderson’s Christmas Party,” another chapter highlighting the ridiculous in the life of Dave, Morley and their kids.
Virden Collegiate Institute Choir conducted by Luke Munchinsky, accompanied by Dan Kristof (guitar) and Andrea Neufeld (Piano) performed “Winter Winds” and “Old Toy Trains.”
Emily Cochrane’s sweet clear voice was accompanied by Dane Leslie’s guitar as she sang “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “What are Your Doing New Year’s Eve?”
Leslie performed a vocal/guitar solo by Spiritualized: “Shine a Light” with simple but profound lyrics: “When I'm tired and all alone, Lord, shine a light on me. And when I'm lonesome as can be, Lord, shine a light on me.” The words of prayer gave way to a stormy guitar solo that resolved to the simple melodic line.
Andrea Neufeld played the concert grand, “Lieder Ohne Worte” Op.19 (Felix Menelssohn’s Song Without Words).
Soloist Monique Waller performed the prayer found in the book of Luke chapter 1 verse 28, “Ave Maria.” Waller was joined by Susan Martens for an Andrew Lloyd Webber piece, “Pie Jesu”. A prayer in Latin that means, “Merciful Jesus, Who takes away the sins of the world, Grant them rest.” Trinette Friesen accompanied.
Dancers brought a change of pace with a song in keeping with A Very Virden Christmas - Grinch theme, “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch.” Sam Andrew and Sarah Keown’s were an impressive dance duo.
Luke Munchinsky, to his own piano accompaniment sang two solos: “That was the Worst Christmas Ever,” released in 2006 reflecting the chaos of brokenness juxtaposed to what we hope for in Christmas, and “Christmas Will Break Your Heart” by LCD Soundsystem released in 2015.
Krista and Nathan Pederson in simple harmonies with guitar accompaniment sang “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem.” The couple’s final number, the wrap for this year’s concert, was a stirring traditional begging song, “Soul Cakes” - the poor begging food from the rich in return for prayers. Krista recalled early days with her parents, the Kruse family car being full of children and full of singing. And Soul Cakes was often one of those songs.
It was over, but not quite as all the performers returned to the stage to lead the audience in “Silent Night” before the emcee bid all a good Christmas, and introduced the Aud Board chairperson Jean Anne Overand. She addressed the crowd and revisited the issue of new seating for the theatre, explaining that yes, seating renovations are in the theatre’s future.
