Taking the fifth to the stage

Popular show back for another run at Savoy Theatre

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

This year, organizers of Happy Ha Ha Holiday 5 Christmas show decided to scale back by offering two shows in one day instead of the usual three over a two-day period.

Even though the popular shows had always sold-out in the past, Jenn Sheppard said it was thought that with so many other Christmas shows on at the same time, it might be best to offer one less performance so they wouldn’t get stung at the box office.

They needn’t have worried. Ticket sales have been brisk for the show’s fifth year, slated for Dec. 17 at the Savoy Theatre at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“We’re just happy to get to do this every year,” said Sheppard, who says this year’s shows will feature the usual crew of herself, Stephen Muise, Terrance Murphy, Richard Burke, Aaron C. Lewis, Emily Dingwall, Lyndon Mackenzie and Jordyn Crocker, as well as some special and surprise guests.

Part of the show will feature the official Cape Breton launch of the Men of the Deeps “Christmas in the Mine” album.

Men of the Deeps member Nipper MacLeod says the holiday collection was worth the wait.

“It only took us 51 years to realize it was a good idea,” he said. “But when it was finally finished, we knew we had a solid album, with songs and stories that will be played in homes long after we’re gone. We’re proud to share it with our families, friends and supporters. We can’t wait to perform it at the Savoy.”

Award-winning fiddler Colin Grant will perform, adding his comedic talents and fiddle to the mix.

Sheppard is not saying who the surprise guests will be but she did say they may appear on the special video segments that will be seen throughout the show and which often feature Ms. Take, performed by Terrance Murphy. This

year, the videos are being done with New Waterford’s Crew Productions and Sheppard says they will be worth seeing.

“We are so appreciative that

people still want to keep coming to see it,” said Sheppard. “We’ll keep doing it until they don’t.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO The Men of the Deeps Christmas album, “Christmas In The Mine” will be released Dec. 17 during the Happy Ha Ha Holidaze 5 Christmas show at Glace Bay’s Savoy Theatre.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Terrance Murphy will be in character to play Ms. Take, a popular returning character in the fifth edition of Happy Ha Ha Holidaze at Glace Bay’s Savoy Theatre.