Back in 2006, Katy Bowen-Roberts of Comox found herself sitting in an old country pub in England, dreaming.

With numerous years of experience performing as a singer on stages both in Canada and Europe, she decided it was time to look behind the scenes. This is where her Yellowpoint journey began.

Bowen-Roberts moved back to Canada from England in 2007 ready to begin building this popular show for her home community. It started in a small cozy community hall in the heart of beautiful countryside near the Crow & Gate Pub in Yellowpoint. Patrons travelled from surrounding communities to take in this unique holiday experience. The show can now be found in three larger cities across Vancouver Island.

On Dec. 3 of this year the cast and crew of 18 singers, dancers, musicians, and the creative team will move into the Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay. They finish their three-week rehearsal process with a final invited dress rehearsal performed to 450 elementary school children from the Comox Valley. This will be followed by four performances at this venue from Dec 4 - 6.

Bowen-Roberts has been working to create this year鈥檚 show since February. She begins her process by listening to a great variety of music from classical to rock 鈥檔鈥� roll, jazz and Broadway.

鈥淭here is always so much music to choose from and never enough time in the show,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 spend many hours selecting a mix of musical genres where the cast can perform different dance and vocal styles. The show is designed to invoke a range of emotions in our audiences and we love putting it together with many dazzling costumes.

鈥淚 feel so lucky to be able to bring live music and dance to our island community.鈥�

James Mark, music arranger, director and violinist, began his part in arranging the show back in May. Mark works hard to stay true to original musicians as he arranges the parts for the group鈥檚 four vocalists and its five-piece band.

This year鈥檚 singing and dancing extravaganza includes musical medleys of well-known songs by the Rolling Stones, Cat Stevens, George Gershwin and the Beach Boys, songs from the musical Chicago, a collection of sea shanties, Hot Chocolate from the Polar Express, Bing Crosby鈥檚 classic White Christmas, as well as many more classical hits and Christmas favourites.

Tap dance professional Lindsay Sterk and owner of Pantuso Dance Studio in Courtenay is back to choreograph and co-direct again this season. The creative team was in Vancouver in June where they auditioned more than 100 singers and dancers.

鈥淚t is always such an honour and pleasure to hear and watch so many talented young professional performers,鈥� said Bowen-Roberts. 鈥淭he decision-making is always a challenge but we are excited to welcome this year鈥檚 cast.

鈥淭he majority of our team is based on Vancouver Island this year but we are also excited to welcome performers from Toronto, Edmonton, Vancouver and Wells. The cast will come together three weeks before opening night to rehearse the show in Nanaimo.鈥�

The Children鈥檚 Health Foundation of Vancouver Island will sell 50/50 tickets at this year鈥檚 show.

Visit yellowpointchristmasspectacular.ca to purchase tickets.