This Friday night bring your kids to the SRSS theatre, as Steinbach Arts Council presents A Kids’ Concert: Madame Diva & Micah. 

The show is about a young man wanting to see the world and become a voyager. There will also be puppets that will make up many different characters in the show. 

The show celebrates the French Canadian Voyager era, and is performed in a way that both French and English audiences can engage in and enjoy. 

Jocelyne Baribeau and her son Micah host the show as Madame Diva and Micah the young voyager. The Duo has been all over Canada and the United States. 

Baribeau says she’s looking forward to doing a show closer to home. 

“We live about 20 minutes from Steinbach, so it's a great opportunity for us to not drive very far to do a show.” 

She started performing as Madame Diva in 2009, and says it’s been a great 15 years. 

“It's been a lot of fun. My son is 18 and a dancer and singer in his own right, and we've been doing this for years for families. We've been really lucky, what mom and son get to say that they do this? We’ve really enjoyed many years of touring and adventures.” 

Baribeau says they started their performances in French, but little by little, they have made the show bilingual. 

“So that way families that don't speak French, or have their children in immersion programs, or sometimes one parent is French, one parent is English, it's a nice opportunity to include everyone,” she says. “Everyone will understand what's going on, regardless if we're singing in French or English.” 

Micah went to high school in Ste. Anne and graduated this past spring, he’s now a university student. 

“He is very talented young man. He's missed 35 plus days of school a year throughout his academic career because of shows and touring and still is a top-notch student,” she says. “He really works very hard, and children are so compelled by his smile and his talent. It's really fun to watch.” 

They have performed shows from daycare age to grade 5, but Baribeau says any age can enjoy the show. 

“It all depends on the child. Children grow and age differently. I have some friends that are in Grade 6 easily and they're very happy to see me.”  

She says this is also a great opportunity to bring out the grandparents. 

“Children's shows like this are family shows. They're often really great moments to bring a grandparent with you because you see the joy of the children around them enjoying the music. So if you're looking for something to bring to your favorite senior, it can be something that's very nice for them too.” 

She says the show is really about inclusivity and being kind.  

A main goal of hers is to make sure the show spreads happiness and kindness by sharing music. 

“I think that's a big a big part of it. Our musicians have been with us forever and we all just get such a kick out of creating joyful moments for families. And so I think that's if people leave smiling and tapping their toes, that's a pretty good day.” 

Don’t miss the show loved by families across Canada! Bring the kids and join the fun at the SRSS Theatre at 6:30 pm on Friday, January 26th. 

Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. For more information visit steinbacharts.ca or call 204-346-1077. 

 

With files from Michelle Sawatzky