New West Theatre’s December shows have become an integral part of Lethbridge’s holiday celebrations, but Covid has prevented gatherings for entertainment.
 So New West Theatre has adapted by putting their own twist on the 12 days of Christmas by launching  “A Holiday Show of Lights” beginning today, Dec. 14.

“We’ll be releasing new content every day on our Facebook page, like a song or something else,” said New West Theatre artistic director Kelly Reay.

“We have eight songs,” he said, noting they just finished the last of the recording 20 minute before the official launch of the first day of Christmas featured a new lighting show decking the halls of the Yates Theatre. It is accompanied by a four slide display including radio channel 90. 7 f.m. where you can tune in to hear a four song loop of New West Theatre veterans performing their favourite Christmas classics.

 Erica Hunt sings her version of Wham’s “Last Christmas.” She also collaborates with Kathy Zaborsky and Katie Fellger on the “Chipmunks Christmas.”  The cast sings an a capella version of “Let it Snow.” And Kyle Gruninger sings “ Baby Please Come Home.”

Reay encouraged people to sit in their vehicles and enjoy the music, which can be heard for approximately a block from the Yates-Sterndale Bennett Theatre.
“It’s been challenging having to change plans every two weeks,” Reay said, adding the cast and crew are excited to connect with their fans even though they can’t perform live.

“Even though we can’t see our audiences live, it’s nice to be able to do something creative,” Reay said.

“ There’s a lot of really nice light displays that people like to stop and see, so we wanted to add to that,” he said.

A Holiday Show of Lights will officially be on display until Dec. 25 beginning at 6 p.m. every night.
“ But we’ll probably leave them on until New Year’s Day,” Reay said.