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Artscene 29 | Friday, December 18, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com "Connected to your Community" Musikay presents Handel's Messiah tomorrow night St. John's United Church, 262 Randall St. At 6:30 p.m., everyone is invited for tea and discussion on the music and program at hand. "It is a time to share and exchange thoughts on music and love; a time to ask questions and have fun," stated the release. For more information, visit www. musikay.ca, email info@musikay.ca, or call 905-825-9740. Founded in 2005, Musikay is a professional ensemble (choir and orchestra) that aims to bring highquality classical music performances to the local community and beyond. Musikay is putting on its annual performance of Handel's Messiah tomorrow (Saturday) night. "This is not your usual, run-ofthe-mill performance of the masterwork. In our interpretation we shape every note, delicately phrase every line, we carefully bring each word to life, we make the story a vivid experience," Stéphane Potvin, Musikay maestro, said in a media release. "Come and experience the perfect blend and passion of 12 fantastic singers, nine top-notch players, and four first-class soloists." The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at Bedtime stories from local author by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff The Burl-Oak Theatre Group's annual production of Snow White -- A Holiday Pantomime takes the stage starting Monday (Dec. 21) at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. At a recent dress rehearsal are: in back, from left, Michelle Charles as Bonzai; Alyssa Blasak as Snow; Diane Brunette as The Big Bad Wolf; and, in front, from left, Rachel Slater and Lauren Cockwell, who are part of the ensemble. Shows run on various days from Dec. 21-27. | photo by Riziero Vertolli ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_ photog or www.facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) Burl-Oak puts twist on Snow in pantomime Annual holiday show being staged at Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts Burl-Oak Theatre Group is putting its own twist on the classic tale of Snow White. The group's annual production, Snow White ­ A Holiday Pantomime, will be staged at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts (OCPA), 130 Navy St., starting Monday (Dec. 21). Written by Chantal Forde and Time Cadeny, the story "has all the treasured elements audiences know and love, and combines them in a pantomime with interactive fun, some new zany characters, and a festive spirit that's sure to please audiences young and old," stated a media release. "Cheer on our beautiful Snow White and her seven, silly friends as they escape every evil plan set in motion by her very wicked and mysteriously hairy stepmother. Joined by a fabulous mirror, a handsome prince and some of your favourite fictional friends, this year's holiday pantomime is sure to be a hit for the whole family." Shows run Dec. 21-23 and 27 at 2 p.m., and Dec. 22-23 and 27 at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and each child with a ticket will receive a free gift at the performance. To order tickets, call 905-8152021 or 1-888-489-7784, visit the OCPA box office at 130 Navy St., or go online at www.oakvillecentre.ca. For more information on the show, visit www.oakvillepantomime. com or www.botg.ca. Burl-Oak Theatre Group is a notfor-profit organization currently in its 40th season. It stages three, full-length plays each season, in addition to its annual holiday pantomime for audiences in Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga and the surrounding area. For more arts news, visit insidehalton.com/oakville-on. `Like' the Oakville Beaver on Facebook. Shiela Jane hopes to make bedtime a little more fun for both parents and kids starting Christmas Eve (Dec. 24). The Oakville author is releasing Shiela Jane's Bedtime Stories -- posting a new children's story or poem on her website (www. shielajane.com) that can be read at bedtime. She will continue to do so on the first day of every month after. Jane says her goal is to "create a relaxing way for the whole family to read and spend time together." "When my son was little, I made up stories based on things he was interested in, like dinosaurs or garbage trucks," she said. "Or sometimes, it would be fairy tales with imaginary voices and editorial subtext added.... Even at a young age, my son thought that sort of thing was hilarious. Kids are really smart... they get satire." Posts will include everything from original stories and short poems to classic fairy tales, legends, and fables retold in a way that children can easily understand, explained Jane. "Some will be gentle and sweet, some funny, and others dramatic, but they can all be enjoyed at different levels, so (they) will appeal to kids anywhere from nursery to elementary school age," she said. The local author notes, while her original works are under in- tellectual copyright, they can be downloaded or printed for free, but not used for "commercial or educational purposes." Shiela Jane The first story, The Little Plant, to be released Dec. 24, is about a storm that happens on Christmas Eve. birthday parties at speckles art studio! Check out our NEW MAKE AND TAKE LEGOTM PARTY PACKAGES! Kids - Teens - Adults Draw · Paint · LEGO · Sew Platinum and Gold Winner 3 years in a row! THANKS OAKVILLE 461 North Service Rd. W Oakville 905-825-9994 specklesartstudio.com