Beloved Louisiana Hayride spreads Christmas cheer from Red Deer stage
The Louisiana Hayride rolls into Red Deer Dec. 14 for their 12th show at the Memorial Theatre. Photo courtesy Louisiana Hayride
Since debuting in March 2010, the Louisiana Hayride has become one of the best touring shows in Western Canada, full of laughter, memories and great music.
Now, 13 years later, the cast and crew are coming back together for a Christmas special that’s guaranteed to bring joyful entertainment to all ages.
Lori Risling, long-time producer, host and creative vision behind the production, says the crew are excited to get back on stage and perform for loving crowds across Western Canada.
“After our previous Christmas shows, people said they feel like they’re a part of our family and like they’re having Christmas with us,” Risling says.”That’s a special part of our show, how we connect with each other as cast members and how we connect with our audience.”
As a true Christmas show should, this year’s performances will warm guests’ hearts with 22 of the 32 songs following the festive theme.
You’ll also hear the best classic country and rockabilly hits made famous by iconic artists including Elvis, Patsy Cline, Shania Twain and many more as the show pays tribute to the historical radio program, the Louisiana Hayride.
The Louisiana Hayride is back on tour as they spread Christmas cheer with nine stops across the Prairies.
New this year, the Hayride cast will also perform songs by Buddy Holly and Tennessee Ernie Ford as part of the holiday spectacle.
With an intimate rendition of Oh Holy Night and How Great Thou Art, Andrea Anderson is sure to bring tears to your eyes with her voice, while Gil Risling performs a special rendition of Away in a Manger. And William Brookfield will make his long-awaited return to the show with a beautiful instrumental performance of Hark the Herald Angels.
With more than 70 per cent of the show dedicated to bringing Christmas cheer, the cast and crew have no plans on stopping anytime soon.
“We still love it,“ Risling says. “It’s the people – when you stand up on stage and see the faces and get the emails after the show saying, ‘we loved your show, we can’t stop smiling.’ When you know that you’re able to bring that joy to people, it’s just so rewarding.”
As they make their way through the Prairies, the talented group are ramping up for a busy month ahead.
Closing out their tour in Alberta, the cast and crew will return to Red Deer Dec. 14 for their 12th show at the Memorial Theatre since their debut in 2010, before wrapping up their Christmas special at the Horizon Stage in Spruce Grove on Dec. 15.
Visit hayrideshow.com to buy tickets or learn more about the show’s history and coming tour dates.