Aladdin, Whistler’s third annual pantomime production, kicked off its four show run last night and continues tonight and Saturday.
Pantomime has nothing to do with chalky-faced mute performers stuck in invisible boxes, rather it’s a rollicking, fun, form of theatre featuring a classic fairy tale story line punched up with local references and gender-switched casting.
A true pantomime on all accounts, Aladdin features the undeniably female Angie Nolan in the title role. With an all-local cast, expect plenty of familiar faces and insider humour lampooning everything from Mayor Hugh O’Reilly, to the Cheakamus Challenge, to area businesses.
This year’s pantomime is being produced by Susan Hutchinson and directed by Resort Municipality of Whistler staffer Heather MacPherson and MY Place’s Gillie Easdon, a trio that operate as the newly formed Short Skirt Theatre company. Hutchinson, who was involved in past pantomimes Cinderella and Snow White, describes the production as more sketch comedy than Shakespeare. Audience interaction is encouraged to cheer the hero and boo and hiss at the villain, making for great family entertainment.
There are two more days to check out Aladdin, tonight and Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 12:30 p.m. in the MY Place theatre. Tickets are $17 for adults, $13 for students and seniors. Don’t forget to bring your sense of humour and your community pride. Call 604-935-8410 for more information.
New Ab Fab coming soon
Fans of the British comedy series Absolutely Fabulous and local theatre company Bushwoman Productions stage adaptation of last year’s classic episode Fat should be counting the days until Nov. 26, which marks the start of this year’s Ab Fab offering.
Bushwoman has chosen to follow up last year’s sold-out run with yet another classic episode beloved among dedicated Ab Fabulites, Poor .
Badgered into curbing their extravagant ways, high-maintenance boozing bosom buddies Eddy and Patsy, played by company namesake Michele Bush and Monique Davidson respectively, hit the town with the intention of running their own domestic errands – intention, of course, being the key word.
The production will integrate video footage shot back in October of the devious duo on the scene in various village locales and at Nesters Market.
Fans of Ab Fab should pull a very un-Edina Monsoon-like move by getting organized and getting tickets in advance. With last year’s success and buzz already building for this year, another sell-out is almost guaranteed. Absolutely Fabulous — Poor starts Nov. 26. Tickets $18-$23. A special matinee performance on Saturday, Nov. 29 at the Chateau Whistler includes a Champagne brunch for $49. Call 604-935-8410 for more information.
