Skip to content
  1. Home
  2. Local Arts

Eclectic range of productions hitting New West stages in coming days and weeks

O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy among the productions coming up in New Westminster
Theresa McManus
Theresa McManus
alastair-knowles-jamesy-and-aaron-malkin-james-jumping
Aaron Malkin and Alastair Knowles have performed around the world - and they're bringing their latest show to New Westminster.Contributed

Tis the season for entertainment offerings galore on local stages.

Whether you want to take a musical stroll down memory lane, laugh until your stomach hurts, get into the festive spirit with a holiday classic or enjoy a bad-ass comedy from a feminist perspective, now is your chance.

Here’s a look at some of the productions hitting local stages in the days and weeks ahead.

O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy

Aaron Malkin and Alastair Knowles – master comedians who have travelled across the world and have been featured on Off-Broadway in New York – are returning to the West Coast and bringing their holiday show, O Christmas Tea, to New West. Due to popular demand, a third show was added in New Westminster – and audiences are sure to revel in the show’s joy and laughter.

“Reminiscent of classic British pantos, and blending physical comedy, quick-witted wordplay, and cleverly crafted interactive elements, O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy brings to life a holiday production that ignites the imagination and uplifts audiences,” said a press release about the show. “For over a decade, British Comedy legends James & Jamesy (aka Aaron Malkin and Alastair Knowles) have been flooding auditoriums with joy and laughter in their multi-award winning tea-themed comedies. Renowned for their impeccable timing, flawless physical comedy and movement skills, and endearing chemistry, the duo deliver a night of unbridled hilarity that will leave your cheeks rosy from laughter and your spirits soaring with festive cheer.”

  • When: Tuesday, Nov. 28 (7:30 p.m.) and Wednesday, Nov. 29 (3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.)
  • Where: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave.
  • Details: Tickets at masseytheatre.com or 604-521-5050
     

     

The Marvelous Wonderettes

The Vagabond Players are inviting audiences to take a musical stroll down memory lane and enjoy some classic ‘50s and ‘60s tunes with their latest production – The Marvelous Wonderettes. It’s a smash Off-Broadway hit jukebox musical that the New York Times called an utter charm bomb.

“It’s 1958 and Springfield High School song leaders Cindy Lou, Missy, Betty Jean and Suzy have been asked to provide the entertainment at their Super Senior Prom,” said a synopsis of the production. “Act II, and it’s their 10-year reunion. We learn about everything life has thrown at the Marvelous Wonderettes through classic songs of that time.”

The Marvelous Wonderettes' cast features Kelsey Tierney as Missy Miller, Saige Woolley as Suzy Simpson, Amanda Russell as Betty Jean Reynolds and Julia Halabourda as Cindy Lou Huffington. The cast is accompanied by a five-piece band (and alternates) featuring: Allan Thorpe on keyboard; Barb Choi on keyboard 2; Ashley Trimble on reeds; Robin Black on alternate reeds; Christian Richardson on guitar; and Mackenzie White on drums.

  • When: Thursday, Nov. 30 to Sunday, Dec. 17. (Showtimes are 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays; 2 p.m. on Sundays; and 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday, Dec. 9 and 16.
  • Where: Bernie Legge Theatre in Queen’s Park
  • Details: Tickets at vagabondplayers.ca/tickets

Shield Maiden

Shield Maiden – which is billed as being funny, sexy, fierce and unapologetic – takes to the Anvil Centre stage for one night only.

“Written and performed by Melanie Teichroeb, this modern feminist story uses a character from the past to expose the reality that not enough has changed in the treatment of women since the time of Vikings...one thousand years ago,” said a synopsis of the play. “Shield Maiden challenges untruths about women and gendered expectations, and is based on a historical character who history hellishly gaslighted.”

  • When: Saturday, Dec. 16, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
  • Where: Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St.
  • Details: Tickets range $36.50 to $46.50 and are available at www.ticketsnw.ca or 604-521-5050. 

The Nutcracker

The Royal City Youth Ballet returns to Massey Theatre with its full-length ballet performance of The Nutcracker, featuring a cast of more than 100 dancers.

Cinderella

The Royal Canadian Theatre Company presents Cinderella, a traditional British panto at Massey Theatre.

“Come and sing along with toe-tapping music, groan at corny old jokes, cheer the good guys and boo the bad in another hilariously funny show with sparkling sets and colourful costumes,” said a synopsis of the production. “A perfect holiday treat for the whole family.”