How Crystal Shawanda came out her shell

With Crystal Shawanda set to kick off her Christmas tour at Korah Collegiate on December 9, SooToday.com spoke with Korah Collegiate acting music department head, Denine Williams about the Canadian Country Music Association's female artist of the year's early years in the Sault.

Williams taught Shawanda and encouraged her to audition for Korah's musical theatre program after hearing her sing The Greatest Love of All at a school variety show.

"I'll never forget it," says Williams. "Her voice was huge!"

In 1995, Shawanda landed a small role in the school's production of Little Shop of Horrors in which Sault-born Canadian opera sensation Joni Henson also appeared.

Unfortunately, Williams said Shawanda's acting ability and stage presence left a lot to be desired.

"People around the school used to call her the singing tree because she was so stiff on stage," laughed Williams.

The following year, Shawanda was granted the role of the overbearing know-it-all Lucy in Charllie Brown.

"It was a really great role for Crystal to get, because Lucy is such a forceful character," explained Williams. "She had no choice but to come out of her shell."

Williams kept in contact with Shawanda after she graduated and managed to convince the rising country star to visit the school earlier this year.

"She flew here the day after this year's Juno Awards and performed for the students," said Williams. "She answered questions and spoke with the kids afterward. I couldn't get over the change in her. She was so confident and really motivated the kids. It was fantastic."

On December 9, Shawanda will kick off her Christmas tour at Korah at 7:30 p.m., supporting the release of her latest album I'll Be Home For Christmas.

A meet-and-greet will follow the performance in the school's cafeteria.

Tickets, available only at Korah Collegiate, are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

Shawanda is graciously donating 10 percent of all ticket and merchandise proceeds to the Korah Collegiate music department.

For further show details, call Korah Collegiate at (705) 945-7180.