For many, playwright Jay Torrence’s Burning Bluebeard is rapidly becoming the Christmas show to see.
Inspired by the true story of Chicago’s 1903 Iroquois Theatre fire that killed 600 people, Burning Bluebeard is a yarn about six singed clowns who surface from the scorched remains of the building.
This time they hope to finish the second act with a happy ending and avoid the fateful fire that killed so many.
Directed by Dave Horak, Burning Bluebeard is a whimsical tale that blends a sensitive heart with a sharp, irreverent wit and includes music, clowning, tumbling, acrobatics and dance.
It starts tonight and plays straight through until Dec. 24 at The Roxy, 8529 Gateway Blvd. Tickets are $15 to $30. Call 780-453-2440 or at theatrenetwork.ca.
Robin Hood, the heroic outlaw of English folklore, and his merry men are out to shoot a few arrows at the Sherriff of Nottingham in Fort Edmonton Park’s Capitol Theatre.
As tradition dictates, in this British-styled, Canadian-made pantomime the roles are reversed and the legends skewed just a wee bit. Definitely expect a lot of silliness and some comedic swashbuckling fights.
Directed by Dana Anderson and adapted by Jocelyn Ahlf, the panto features Davina Stewart, Ron Pederson, Trent Wilkie, Andy Northrup, Erik Mortimer and St. Albert’s own Madeleine Knight, now performing in her third panto.
Pucker your lips and prepare to cheer the hero and boo the villain. Robin Hood: A Pantomime in the British Tradition runs Dec. 14 to Dec. 31. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
Since American humourist David Sedaris first broadcast his essay SantaLand Diaries in 1992, the one-man show has become a favourite of holiday audiences.
This Blarney production is based on Sedaris’ own stressed experience as a Macy’s department store elf during the Christmas rush.
From that experience he created Crumpet the Elf whose in-store training goes from bad to worse. He also fends off a flirting elf and observes fistfights, vomiting and tantrums (occasionally it’s not children).
Wayne Paquette directs while Frank Zotter stars in the one-man show. He plays 18 roles including three Santas, parents, children and a couple of elves.
SantaLand Diaries is presented at the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts, 9225 – 118 Ave., on Dec. 15, 17, 18, 20 to 23 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 16 at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are by donation. Warning: coarse language.
Imagine a stage decorated with a 35-foot singing Christmas tree holding 150 talented singers. At the base are dancing Santas, beautiful ballerinas, amazing acrobats, stupendous singers, colourful costumes and breathtaking sets.
The Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree’s slick Las Vegas styled extravaganza glimmers with thousands of lights from Dec. 15 to Dec. 18 at the Jubilee Auditorium.
Among the talented soloists are Ariana Whitlow, Mark Masri, Michelle Rushfeldt, St. Albert singer Hailey Benedict and former Sturgeon County resident Tyler Hamilton.
Tickets range from $25 to $65 at ticketmaster.ca.
