If you’ve yet to feel dazzled by the coming of Christmas there are plenty of festive events to immerse you in the holiday spirit. Here’s the first of two non-exhaustive lists of entertainment happenings.
Now until Dec. 21
• Christmas Queen: Improv Comedy Fairytale
Vancouver TheatreSports League’s latest show features a Christmas Queen who is out to ruin Christmas for the townsfolk, a gallant but reluctant hero and a love story. Every night the tale will take a different turn based on audience suggestions. It’s an all-ages show that fuses musical theatre with comedy. Christmas Queen runs Wednesday through Saturday at the Improv Centre on Granville Island, 1502 Duranleau St., at 7:30 p.m. Tickets.vtsl.com.
Nov. 28 to Dec. 28
• It’s Snowing on Saltspring
It’s Christmas Eve, the stockings are not hung by the chimney with care and disenchanted Bill Bannister (Andrew McNee) hopes that St. Nick won’t be there. What will it take for him to rediscover the spirit of Christmas? Nicola Cavendish’s holiday classic returns to the Arts Club Theatre with a contemporary touch. The script, written in 1985, has been updated to reflect Cavendish’s artistic growth and current sensibilities. Granville Island Stage, 1585 Johnston St. Tickets are $29 to $49. Phone 604-687-1644 or visit artsclub.com for more details.
Dec. 3 to 7
• A Christmas Carol in Gay Apparel
This parody of the classic A Christmas Carol tells the tale of Eleanor Crooge, who must come out of the closet as well as give up her selfish ways. Crooge works at her yoga clothing company that’s staffed by a quartet of eccentrics. They try their best to share Christmas cheer despite their employer’s tight control and eye on profit. High school student Tina Timmins, who faces homophobic bullying, has the audacity to ask Crooge for a donation for her high school’s Gay Straight Alliance. Marley is a college girlfriend who visits Crooge as a ghost. Marley’s warning is followed by visits from the Ghosts of Lesbians Past, Present and Future. This mix of songs and sketches runs at the Culture Lab, 1895 Venables St. Tickets are $20. Call 604-251-1363 or go to tickets.thecultch.com.
Dec. 4 to 29
• Jack and The Beanstalk: An East Van Panto
This all-ages show by Theatre Replacement features words by comedian and author Charles Demers, music by Veda Hille and direction by Amiel Gladstone. Tickets from $18. A family pack for four for $94. Tickets $20, 604-251-1363, or online tickets.thecultch.com.
Dec. 6
• Baroque Christmas
The Vancouver Chamber Choir will present pieces by Bach, Monteverdi and Handel with the help of the Vancouver Chamber Orchestra and Pacifica Singers at the Orpheum Theatre. Tickets $20.50 to $50. Ticketmaster.ca or 1-855-985-ARTS (2787). Student rush tickets are $10 one hour before the concert.
