Tom Pickett, Photo: Moonrider Productions/Arts Club
For many, the holiday season means going out and seeing some of your favourite Christmas-themed shows, concerts, theatre, and music performed live to best get in a festive mood before the big day. Be sure to check out six of Vancouver’s most cheerful seasonal performances in person coming this winter.
James Schultz & W. Scott Stewart, Photo: Jeremy Daniel
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical @ The Centre for Performing Arts – Now–Nov. 18
Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos.
This Broadway touring production of the classic holiday musical will enchant adults and children alike for seven performances in Vancouver.
To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster’s website.
Andrew McNee, Photo: Moonrider Productions/Arts Club
Elf: The Musical @ Stanley Alliance Industrial Stage – Now–Dec. 31
Join Buddy the Elf on his tunefully exciting expedition from the North Pole to New York City in the stage musical version of the classic Will Ferrell holiday comedy. Buddy is bigger than all the other elves and has poor toy-making abilities, sparking doubt on whether he is an elf. With Santa’s permission, he embarks on an unforgettable journey to NYC to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Buddy is determined to win over his new family with Christmas cheer, syrupy spaghetti, and heartfelt songs.
Audiences of all ages can frolic in this romp that’s part family reunion, part rom-com, and full of heart and humour. The Arts Club Theatre Company‘s production features 19 cast members, a 10-person strong children’s chorus, and eight musicians.
To purchase tickets, visit the Arts Club’s website.
Jeffrey Victor, Brandyn Eddy, Brennan Cuff & Jeremy Lowe, Photo: Rick Chung/YVArcade
The Gingerbread Men: A Holiday Cabaret @ Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre – Dec. 1-17
Get into the holiday spirit by cozying up with Vancouver’s favourite all-male a capella quartet this winter. Get whisked away to a delightful cabaret of classic holiday songs and merriment. Fresh out of the pan with their signature golly-gee charm, toe-tapping tunes, and buttery-smooth harmonies, these crooners are the perfect recipe for a holly jolly good time.
This dashing, debonair, cookie-crazed singing group gleefully infuses their performances with witty banter, heartfelt nostalgia, and a celebration of festive traditions while their playful twists and surprises add a dash of excitement to the mixing bowl.
To purchase tickets, visit the Arts Club’s website.
Photo: Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
Home Alone in Concert @ The Orpheum – Dec. 13-14
Watch and listen to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO)‘s performance of renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture of the true holiday favourite Home Alone. Macaulay Culkin stars as 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation and must defend his home against two bungling thieves.
To purchase tickets, visit VSO’s website.
Photo: Goh Ballet
The Nutcracker @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Dec. 14-17
Experience Goh Ballet’s dream come to life as Clara embarks on a magical journey through the Land of Snow, across the Lemonade Sea, to the Kingdom of Sweets, where she is greeted by the enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy. An unforgettable adventure awaits as her gallant Nutcracker battles the evil Mouse King and his army of mischievous mice.
With glittering costumes and dramatic hand-painted sets, the acclaimed production features principal artists from the Royal Danish Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and the National Ballet of China, performing alongside the very best of BC’s homegrown talent. With live music by the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, Immerse yourself in The Nutcracker‘s magical dream and an unforgettable holiday experience for all ages.
To purchase tickets, visit Ticketmaster’s website.
Image: TVC London
The Snowman @ The Orpheum – Dec. 17
More magical things will happen at the VSO this holiday season as they perform Howard Blake’s musical score to the festive 1982 British animated television film and symphonic poem based on Raymond Briggs’s picture book The Snowman. It promises to be family fun for those young and old alike as more wintry musical fun.
To purchase tickets, visit VSO’s website.
