FOR DEC. 24-27
1 Holy mackerel, it's Christmas already. If you're still in need of some holiday cheer, the Arts Club keeps the embers glowing with its stage production of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE until Dec. 29 at the Granville Island Stage. There's even a Christmas Eve 2 p.m. matinee and Boxing Day show to get your George Bailey, Clarence the guardian angel and snowy Bedford Falls fix. More info at artsclub.com.
2 There will be blood as Quentin Tarantino's long-awaited tale of slavery, revenge and excessive gunplay DJANGO UNCHAINED opens Christmas Day at the Rio Theatre. We expect great things from this western exploitation shoot 'em up starring JAMIE FOXX, CHRISTOPH WALTZ, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Samuel L. Jackson and, wait for it, Don Johnson. For show times and more info, go to riotheatre.ca.
3 Those crafty kids at BLACKBIRD THEATRE present a new adaptation of Moliere's DON JUAN at the Cultch Dec. 26 to Jan. 26. Directed and adapted by John Wright, the satiric masterpiece tells the story of an irresistible rogue and defiant hedonist whose unrepentant actions lead to a hellfire and brimstone reckoning. For tickets, call 604-251-1363 or go to thecultch.com.
4 Keep the holiday festivities going as Toronto-by-way-of-Vancouver band BEND SINISTER brings its Supertrampy, prog-infused piano pop to Joe's Apartment Dec. 27 as part of The Peak FM's Almost Famous Intimate Concert Experiences on Granville series. Redgy Blackout and Devon Coyote open. More info at bendsinisterband.com.
