Guess What’s Coming to the Rose Theatre in Brampton This December?

Being so close to Toronto, it’s easy to forget that Brampton has its own arts and culture scene made up of mindfully curated galleries, incredible local talent and expansive performance centres.

Being so close to Toronto, it’s easy to forget that Brampton has its own arts and culture scene made up of mindfully curated galleries, incredible local talent and expansive performance centres.

It’s also a city that isn’t afraid to get festive.

Since it’s officially December, you might be thinking of checking out a festive production or two at the Rose Theatre in downtown Brampton. Located near an abundance of restaurants and things to do (ice skating opens at Gage Park on December 9!), a festive show is a great compliment to a night out in downtown B-town. 

Further, there are shows happening at other venues in the city if they’re more convenient for you, like Lester B. Pearson Theatre and Cyril Clark.

So, without further adieu, here are some festive (and non-festive) productions you might want to catch at Rose Theatre venues this December:

Lion King Jr. – December 2 (Lester B. Pearson Theatre)

Catch this classic performed by youngsters this holiday season. Simba, Scar, Mufasa, Timone, Pumba, and all of our favourite Lion King characters are in this performance, and Simba must fulfill his destiny to be king. If this doesn’t make you cry, I’m not sure what will!

Rose Orchestra – December 2 (Rose Theatre)

The Brampton Children’s Chorus and St. Roch Chamber Choir are set to perform the final concert in the Rose’s Canada 150 series! If you’re into festive instrumentals, this might be for you — the concert “brings music to light the winter darkness and instill the joy of the season.”

Nachdi Jawani Youth Festival – December 3 (Rose Theatre)

A South Asian dance showcase by youth! Grab tickets, jam out, and have a good time.

The Nutcracker – December 5 (Rose Theatre)

The basis of the story is that a little girl named Klara’s Christmas toy — the Nutcracker — comes alive and must defeat an evil Mouse King. According to the Rose Theatre, it’s the ballet’s second act that is particularly incredible, “remembered for its celebration of varied dances, and the charming “divertissements” of raccoons, loons, dragonflies and bears demonstrate Klara’s longing for the summer months as she travels excitedly through her dreams.” It’s an annual event, and if you’re a Christmas-lover, this one is a can’t-miss.

A Reading of A Christmas Carol – December 8 (Cyril Clark Library Theatre)

Catch this one-night only special reading of the Christmas classic, Charles Dickens’s A Chrismas Carol, presented by Master Class Studios!

Tribute to Bollywood – December 9 (Lester B. Pearson Theatre)

This tribute performance is put on by local singers and musicians across the GTA, and if you love Bollywood, this one’s for you! Tribute to Bollywood will take you down memory lane from 1950-2017 in Bollywood music.

Drivewire – December 9 (Rose Theatre)

Rock music. Six bands. Put on by Brampton’s first record label, SounDrive Records. It’s new music galore at Drivewire, which is the newest Brampton platform for emerging artists. Check ’em out before they’re famous!

Brampton Concert Band Christmas at the Rose – December 9 (Rose Theatre)

Besides eating gingerbread cookies and sipping hot chocolate by the fire and a twinkling Christmas tree, there’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than with…Christmas music! Traditional carols and seasonal favourites will be brought to live by Brampton Concert Band, and a jolly (hint, hint) special guest is set to appear, too.

Gerry Dee Live – December 15 (Rose Theatre)

He co-created a sitcom, he’s written a book on comedy, and he’s won an award as a comedic actor — Gerry Dee is coming to town to make Bramptonians laugh! This Canadian talent might have you snorting up your eggnog in a fit of laughter.

Ladies Night Out – December 16 (Rose Theatre)

Grab your ladies and get ready for a great night out at the Rose — what exactly this show will entail is a mystery as of yet,  but details will follow and one thing’s for certain. This one’s for the ladies!

Rhythm of Roots 2017 – December 17 (Lester B. Pearson Theatre)

Check out some classical, Bollywood, and bhangra styles of Indian dance from the pros — students and teachers from DanceShala. Get your culture on, Brampton.

An Evening with Cathy Jones and Mary Walsh – December 18 (Rose Theatre)

Cathy Jones and Mary Walsh from This Hour Has 22 Minutes are indeed coming to Brampton to make us snort up some more eggnog. If you need a good belly laugh, these ladies will be joking around about aging, sex, diet and neuroses. And even politics!

Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol – December 20 (Rose Theatre)

That’s right, this holiday classic is set to take the mainstage! This performance is designed with no blackouts — it’s told in continuous action using a revolving set, so it’s sure to be a spectacle that’ll keep you entranced. If you need a good dose of the holiday spirit and then some, you’ll find the true meaning of Christmas and much more here. There will even be a singalong concert at the end!

Happy holidays, Brampton!

Photo courtesy of the Rose Theatre on Facebook