Russell Roberts plays Scrooge in Gateway Theatre’s version of the classic. David Cooper photo.
It’s beginning to look a lot like a lot of A Christmas Carols…
In fact it might be easier to see a stage version of the Charles Dickens novel than to avoid one this holiday season. With no fewer than three different productions on Vancouver stages, A Christmas Carol is taking over local theatre in a big way. So, if you love the seasonal favourite, here’s your chance to get your Scrooge on.
Little Dickens: The Daisy Theatre Presents A Christmas Carol (Dec. 5-22 at the Cultch Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables St.)—Renowned Canadian puppeteer (and Vancouver favourite) Ronnie Burkett returns to the Cultch for a specially commissioned show. Little Dickens sees Burkett’s cast of marionettes, including fading showgirl Esme Massengill and innocent sprite Schnitzel, taking on roles from Charles Dickens iconic classic. The story mixes audience participation, improv, music and of course puppets. (Tickets: from $22 at thecultch.com)
Esme Massengill is one of the featured performers in Little Dickens. Alejandro Santiago photo.
Bah Humbug! An Eastside Christmas Carol (Dec. 7-9 and 13-16, SFU’s Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, 149 West Hastings St.)—Now in its eighth year, this returning tradition sets the story in modern-day East Vancouver. Jessie-award winning playwright, actor and director James Fagan Tait directs, while actor and Juno award-winner blues musician Jim Byrnes returns in the role of Scrooge. A cast of local native and non-native professional and community musicians and actors join Byrnes in a play that references modern-day realities such as the housing crisis, poverty, addiction and the need for reconciliation. Award-winning Richard Tetrault brings East Vancouver to life with colourful animations. (Tickets: $35/general and $20/youth/students/seniors at www.sfuwoodwards.ca)
A Christmas Carol (Dec. 7-24, Gateway Theatre, 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond)—For its version, Gateway Theatre is working from a script by B.C. playwright Michael Shamato and incorporating live music. The score, which mixes pieces of Christmas songs as well as actors’ dialogue, is by local composer Jeolysa Pankanea. A mix of veteran Vancouver stage actors and fresh young talent out of theatre school play multiple roles. (Tickets: from $29 at gatewaytheatre.com and 604-270-1812)
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