Readers, if you’ve been paying attention over the last couple of years, you know that I’m a big fan of Against the Grain Theatre. They’re a good bunch, headed by Artistic Director Joel Ivany and Music Director Topher Mokrzewski, and they’ve been knocking the opera ratings out of the park with productions like Death and Desire, Pelléas et Mélisande, and their Mozart/Da Ponte/Ivany trilogy of transladaptations, including Figaro’s Wedding, #UncleJohn, and A Little Too Cozy.

Next month, they’re reviving AtG’s Messiah, which originally went up in 2013 at Toronto’s The Opera House on Queen East. This year, in collaboration with the Corporation of Roy Thomson Hall and Massey Hall, AtG’s Messiah plays at the Harbourfront Centre Theatre, December 16-19th. Mokrzewski conducts Handel’s infamous score (bonus: I can be spotted at the harpsichord), and Ivany collaborates with dancer and choreographer Jennifer Nichols to present something innovative, featuring very little parking or barking. “We ditched the ‘stand and deliver’ performance, tuxedos and choral folders, and mounted a barefoot, choreographed oratorio — one that walked the line between edgy and faithful.”

The barefoot, choreographed singers include a 16-voice chorus, and four stellar soloists: soprano Miriam Khalil, mezzo-soprano Andrea Ludwig, tenor Owen McCausland and bass-baritone Stephen Hegedus. As the AtG team would say, boom.

Tickets are on sale, and going quickly. For details and ticket info, follow the box office links below. “This is not your grandma’s Messiah (but she would love it, so bring her).”

In the meantime, check out this interview with the creative team, and get curious.