Kyle Gillis and Becca Guilderson bring holiday nostalgia to Halifax and beyond this season as they perform the entire album of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers’ iconic Christmas album Once Upon a Christmas, marking the record’s 40th anniversary.
A classic album comes alive
For Gillis and Guilderson, the album is more than a collection of holiday songs. “It’s such a staple in people’s Christmas repertoire,” says Gillis. “We’ve had folks come back year after year and say they want to make this show a tradition.”
The pair performs the album, including tracks from Dolly Parton’s 1997 reissue, which omitted Rogers’ two solos and added Parton’s Hard Candy Christmas from the 1982 musical film The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. “We also perform a few of their best-known solo tunes,” says Guilderson. “It ends up being a night celebrating the best of Kenny and Dolly.”
A shared love for the musical icons
We stay true to their tone and arrangements, but we’re very much ourselves on stage. Our goal is to share joy and connection, not to imitate. – Becca Guilderson
Guilderson’s connection to the material shines through in every performance. “My family played this album every year when we decorated the house for Christmas,” says Guilderson. “It was like the signal that the holiday season had begun.”
While the album wasn’t a household staple for Gillis growing up, his appreciation has deepened over time. “I managed to track down a vinyl copy of the album, and it’s become a favourite of mine,” he says.
Both performers admire Parton and Roger’s legacy. “Dolly’s songwriting is unparalleled,” says Guilderson. “And Kenny’s work—while less familiar to me before this project—has been a joy to explore. Together, their voices blend beautifully.”
Not a parody, but a tribute
While the performers initially considered impersonating Parton and Rogers, they decided against it. “We stay true to their tone and arrangements, but we’re very much ourselves on stage,” says Guilderson. “Our goal is to share joy and connection, not to imitate.”
Along with the music, they’ve crafted a collection of personal holiday stories among the songs. They will be backed by a full band, including Carolyn Curry, Nick MacLean, and, on selected dates, Michelle Skelding, Alex Mills, Devin Ryan, and Sam Vigneault. “Hearing these songs live with a full band makes them even more magical,” says Guilderson.
A universal appeal
The duo has been pleasantly surprised by the show’s broad appeal. “We thought we’d attract a specific demographic, but it’s everyone—young, old, country fans, and even folks who didn’t think they’d enjoy it,” says Gillis. “Secret Kenny and Dolly fans come out of the woodwork every year, from all backgrounds and ages.”
Secret Kenny and Dolly fans come out of the woodwork every year, from all backgrounds and ages.
– Kyle Gillis
The emotional resonance of the music often surprises even the performers. Guilderson highlights The Greatest Gift of All as a particularly poignant moment in the show. “Last year, a mother and son shared with me how special that song was to them,” she says. “It was so touching, I drove home in tears.”
As they embark on their third year performing the show, Gillis and Guilderson hope to cement their place in Nova Scotia’s holiday traditions. “We’d love to become the new Nutcracker,” says Gillis. “As long as people want to come see us, we’ll be here.”
Fans are advised to grab tickets quickly as shows continue to sell out. “Prepare to be surprised at how emotional and joyful this music can make you feel,” says Guilderson. “We hope to create a lasting memory for everyone who comes to our show,” adds Gillis.
While the duo has already sold out three shows at The Carleton, tickets for their December 11 performance at the Sanctuary Arts Centre in Dartmouth are available. A second show is possible on December 10.
They will also take the show on the road, performing in Shelburne on December 6, Antigonish on December 15, and Canning on December 20.
More holiday music fun with Broadway Brunch
In addition to performing Once Upon a Christmas, Gillis is behind Halifax’s Broadway Brunch. The show, held regularly at The Carleton in downtown Halifax, features musical theatre artists from the area. This season’s Broadway Brunch Holiday Edition takes place on December 14 and December 15 in what Gillis calls “a jam-packed hour and a half of entertainment.”
“It’s a celebration of Broadway musicals through the lens of the holidays,” says Gillis. “So expect songs from shows like The Grinch and A Christmas Story and a few that you wouldn’t necessarily associate with Christmas, but we put our own spin on it to fit the theme.”