The Messiah

This is the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of baby Jesus as told by an amateur community theatre duo of two men (Peter Carlone and John Voth), playing all the characters from the Wise Men to shepherds to angels to Mary. Throw in an opera diva (played by Karen Ydenberg) for good measure, and you've got yourself a silly and humorous take on the Nativity. 

At first, I wasn't quite sold on the whole amateur community theatre aspect of the show, with Peter, the earnest new actor who is trying to pay his dues, and John Oliver Bunion, the haughty demanding director and overactor of the show. Their constant bickering while trying to tell the tale of Christmas was a bit distracting until it became the meatier part of the program, and Jesus et al. took a backseat. 

In the end, this seemed to be like Pacific Theatre's version of a Christmas panto (complete with some audience particiaption) and it delivers. The Messiah is on now until December 17 at Pacific Theatre. 

East Van Panto - The Little Mermaid

 I don't like pantos. I find them weird and amateur and unfunny. And the audience participation portion makes me nervous. 

All photos by Emily Cooper

But, I cannot stop recommending that everyone rush out now to go see The Little Mermaid, on now until January 1 at the York Theatre, as the 10th anniversary of the East Van Panto. 

It was absolutely ridiculous fun. This is not the Disney cartoon, if that's what you're hoping for. Nor is it really an ode to the Hans Christian Anderson source material. It lays somewhere in between, with musical numbers based on hits of the day, and Vancouver tidbits thrown in for good measure and humour. 

And oh is there humour. The scene stealer for me has to be Dawn Petten who stars as a maniacal Ursula. But everyone from Amanda Sum's Ariel to Ghazal Azarbad's Eeer-k to Mark Chavez's Sebastian, and even the kids who are taking part this year - all are a joy to watch on stage. 

The Little Mermaid is ridiculous silly fun, and guaranteed you will leave with a smile on your face. Tickets available at the Cultch.