Cultural suggestions | Holiday plans

Published at 11:45 a.m.

The sapin has balls celebrates its 35th anniversary in style

Notice to fans of Christmas films: on December 20 and 21 at 8 p.m., Club Soda presents a so-called “participatory” version, à la Rocky Horror Picture Showfrom the holiday classic The tree has balls (Christmas Vacation, 1989), who turns 35 this year. In the presence of Montreal director Jeremiah Chechik, and above all 18 actors, who will play the entire Griswold family, expect reinterpretations of cult scenes. Note that on December 22, at the Parc cinema (2:30 p.m.), a screening in English of the restored and very high definition (4K) version of the film is announced, followed by a question session, in the presence of the director always. The event is presented by the SPASM festival, to which we owe several special screenings of the genre (Back to the future, Ferris Bueller, Ghostbusters).

Silvia Galipeau, The Press

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The magic of Nutcracker

A Christmas Eve, a pitched battle between mice and toy soldiers, a nutcracker who transforms into a prince, a fantastic journey to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets… The ballet Nutcracker is a great holiday classic. Fernand Nault’s choreography, created 60 years ago to the music of Tchaikovsky, has not aged a bit. It is performed by more than a hundred dancers, including professionals from the Grands Ballets Canadiens, but also young dancers from the region. Generations of children have gained a love of dance through Nutcracker.

At Place des Arts until December 30

Marie Tison, The Press

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Damien Robitaille in jazz formula

Damien Robitaille’s love for Christmas songs is no longer in doubt: some he wrote have even become classics over the years. The singer-songwriter, who will launch a new album of original songs in 2025, only gives one Christmas concert this year, on December 21, but it will be in a different context from the previous ones, since this time it will be accompanied by the Orchester national de jazz de Montréal. For the occasion, he will draw from his usual and Christmas repertoires, and we can be assured of a unique moment of music full of swing and joyfully festive.

Josée Lapointe, The Press

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Party !

In addition to the return of December at the Salle Pierre-Mercure, Quebec Issime takes over the Latin Quarter with another show, Party !which is presented for the third year at the Studio-cabaret de l’Espace St-Denis until December 31. And we recognize the touch of the Saguenay troupe: Party !it’s a journey through the history of popular music in 12 scenes, from the 1960s to today, featuring around fifteen artists on stage. With its 180-degree projections and a dance floor, this is a show that lives up to its name, and is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

Josée Lapointe, The Press

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