James and the Giant Peach

Back by popular demand is Carousel Theatre's musical production of James and the Giant Peach, the classic story by Roald Dahl of an orphaned boy, a giant peach, and the cast of critters he befriends.

This all-ages show is fun for the whole family, with plenty of adventure and delights for the kids, but also enough humour and engagement for any young-at-heart adult to enjoy. Stealing the show were Patti Allan and Deborah Williams as the zany and evil Aunts.

With innovative and creative set designs, the show really manages to bring you into Roald Dahl's world.

With only a few days left to catch it, don't miss out on this wonderful live theatre experience!

James and the Giant Peach runs until January 3 at the Waterfront theatre on Granville Island. You can purchase tickets online!  #CTYPJames

The Hateful Eight

 
Now showing at the Park theatre is Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight. I normally wouldn't review a mainstream movie on this site, but this one is a bit different. Why? Because Tarantino has two versions of the film. One is the regular theatrical version, and the other is toted as being the "traveling roadshow" version, which includes an Overture and Intermission and is shown on 70mm film.

The only theatre in Vancouver with this is the Park, over on Cambie Street. I got my ticket in advance, and managed to get there an hour beforehand to get a good seat. I went to the 2pm show and by the time I arrived, signs were already up saying that both the 2pm and 6pm show were sold out. So, get your tickets early!

As for the movie, it was more about the experience. It was great to see that ray of light streaming from the projector towards the screen. It was so pleasant to be around other patrons who weren't texting on their phones or talking - everyone was there to watch a MOVIE.

The Nutcracker

Everyone says to visit Vancouver in the summertime, and it's true that is probably the best season to be here and the most touristy. However, Christmastime has just as much to see and do, if not more. Considering that theatre season is usually quiet in the summer months, December more than makes up for it with countless shows. So why not make Vancouver a tourist destination for the holiday season? Not only can you visit the local mountains for skiing with all the other ski bunnies, but there are shows and so many holiday-time events taking place!

One of those events is the Goh Ballet's production of The Nutcracker. I had never seen the show before either live or on TV. I've always wanted to do it though, and was familiar with some of the music, specifically the Sugar Plum Fairy dance.

Wow, I was blown away! This was a gorgeous beautiful production, and even though I don't really ever attend the ballet, this was so easy to watch. It's probably a great way to introduce newbies into the ballet world, since there's a bit of a storyline that can be followed. And the production value that the Goh Ballet has put into this show is just phenomenal.

The Nutcracker plays at the Center in Vancouver until December 22nd!

Ebenezer

I think I just saw one of the coolest shows to ever grace the stage at the Jericho Arts Centre.

Seven Tyrants Theatre presents the very familiar tale of Ebenezer - A Christmas Ghost Story. This take on the beloved Dickens classic is a darker affair, bringing out the creepy and the eerie that comes along with being visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. With a very minimal and stark set and effective lighting, this steam-punk holiday greeting is part Shakespeare, part musical, and part Tim Burton, all rolled into one.

Ebenezer is on now at the Jericho Arts Centre until January 2nd. Put it on your Christmas list! Tickets available at Tickets Tonight.

Chelsea Hotel

Back for what maybe its final run at the Firehall Arts Centre is the ever-popular musical, Chelsea Hotel, based on the songs of Leonard Cohen. If you haven't seen this show, it's a gorgeously choreographed and visually stunning piece of theatre set to one of Canada's most iconic songwriters.

"Leonard Cohen’s powerful and inspirational music and lyrics are the heartbeat for Chelsea Hotel, an illusory world full of enchantment, desire, passion and love.

Haunted by memories of his tumultuous love life, a Writer checks into New York’s infamous Chelsea Hotel desperate to find the words and inspiration for his next song. Wading through past relationships, he reluctantly comes face to face with the love of the present, a love he wishes he could not just forget, but erase from his memory.

Chelsea Hotel is a riveting fusion of music, dance, and theatre that takes its audience on an illusionary journey into the hotel room and creative mind of a Writer in search of the right words to cure love’s pain."

FlyOver Canada - Christmas Edition!

by Meaghan Smith

As an admittedly rather jaded person I went into my Flyover Canada experience expecting some amusement and some cool visuals, but came out giggling like a small child and using far too many “so”s to explain just how much fun I had to everyone who asked.

Flyover Canada, located at the back of Canada Place, is a flight simulation, which I described to friends as “part amusement ride, part cinematic experience.” The incredible organization of the team at Flyover Canada made every step of the process quite simple and fun. We got to enjoy the Christmas version of the ride, which starts when you enter the first room, decorated with a beautiful winter scene, and an introduction from Santa Claus who enlists you on a mission to find his elves. The scene ends and we were surprised to find it snowing! In Vancouver! I guess the fact that we were indoors should be more shocking to me, but I figure that’s almost the only way I’ll see snow out here!

The ride, or flight simulation, or whatever you’d like to call it, was one of the most dazzling and exciting things I’ve ever done! I had a blast trying to place all of the locations we were swooping over. The ride made it feel like we were on a roller coaster while we were safely jostled around in our seats. The visuals were stunning and who could complain about the landscape? Canada is such a beautiful country and it was fantastic to have a fifteen minute tour while following Santa, searching
for elves, and crashing through the clouds! 

One small warning I do have, after the ride had begun I hilariously discovered my companion on the trip’s extreme fear of heights. Thankfully she was a trooper and we came out giggling. If you share this fear, you may want to bring a hand to hold because it can at times feel like you’re about to fall off the side of a mountain, but rest assured, you are completely safe!

The Wizard of Oz

The iconic musical The Wizard of Oz lands at the Gateway Theatre from December 10 - January 3. Brought to you by the same team who did last season's award-winning Crazy For You, this show is bound to be a spectacle of fun for all ages!

If you don't already know the story of Dorothy and the Wicked Witch of the West, then this is the perfect opportunity for you to find out everything about Oz at what is bound to be a thrilling and beautifully done show. I can't wait for it! Tickets can be purchased online!

SHOWTUNES

Hey it's that time of month again! SHOWTUNES NIGHT at 1181 Davie St!  Come on by for some festive Broadway tunes to help get you into the holiday spirit!

Follow us on Facebook for more info and a big thank you to YELP Vancouver this month for helping spread the word! Check them out for the latest news in dining and entertainment in Vancouver!