What’s on local stages in December

Pinocchio at Theatre Burlington, an HTI talent show, a touching holiday show at West Plains United Church, and a Crown Point Players concert are sure to delight this weekend.

Pinocchio

Theatre Burlington
2311 New St., Burlington
Continues Dec. 6, 13 & 14, 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15
More information: 905-639-7700 or theatreburlington.on.ca

Theatre Burlington is presenting its annual family holiday show, Pinocchio, written by Vic Hyde and re-imagined, co-written and directed by Tyler Collins. It features original music by Charlie Henderson, and there will be live music during the performances. The cast of 14 local performers includes Charlie Henderson, Donna Guzik, Ivan Bond, Mike Ingram, David Huffman, Josh Aubin, Sri Ventrachalam, Cecilia Bell, Kendall Hacala, Katelyn Deveau, Sienna LaFleur, Curtis Tarr, Antoinette Laleon, and Bianca Quinn Aquilina as Pinocchio.

A long-time resident of Burlington, Hyde was an arts editor at the Burlington Post which wrote upon his death in 2010 that “he had also been very active with the Burlington Little Theatre (now Theatre Burlington) as an actor, director and producer.” He wrote several children’s plays, among them an adaptation of Pinocchio, based on the 1883 children's fantasy novel by Italian author Carlo Collodi. Hyde’s version of Pinocchio first premiered at Burlington 60 years ago, and now has been reinvented through Collins’ vision. There have been myriad versions of Pinocchio, of course, including book, film, animated and live action adaptations. The most famous iteration of Pinocchio is the 1940 animated film produced by the Walt Disney Corporation, providing most people with at least some familiarity with the characters.

Theatre Burlington’s one-hour production, “follows a band of actors bringing the story of Pinocchio to life at an Italian carnival. It includes music, dancing, corny jokes and lots of audience participation. Staged with minimal sets, props and costumes, (director) Collins wants the audience, especially the children, to use their imagination.” There is reserved seating, but children are encouraged to sit on mats which will be provided near the front of the stage.

“I think audiences are going to be pleasantly surprised,” says cast member Ivan Bond (Alfredo). “This small theatre production has a lot of heart and each one of us has found (something in) this show that makes it all the more special for us. I hope that, if at the very least, one kid walks away and thinks, ‘Man, that was fun; I wanna do that!,’ we have done our duty.”

Theatre Burlington calls its Pinocchio, “a new twist on the classic tale, and the perfect way to introduce the young (and young at heart) to the magic of live theatre.”

Dream Cast All-Ages Winter Talent Show

Hamilton Theatre Inc.
140 MacNab St. N., Hamilton
Dec. 6, doors at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $15
More information: 905-522-3032 or hamiltontheatre.com

HTI’s all-ages cabaret promises to be a night to remember, but it needs enthusiastic audience members to make the holiday magic truly happen. The event will feature winter or holiday-themed musical, dance and drag numbers.

Home for Christmas

West End Studio Theatre
West Plains United Church
549 Plains Rd. W., Burlington
Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 6 & 7, 2 p.m.
More information: 905-845-9378 or westendstudiotheatre.biz

Home for Christmas was written in 1937 by Lloyd Cassel Douglas, an American minister and popular author of his era. Born in Indiana, he was the son of a minister and served as a pastor in about a half dozen states as well as in Montreal. He was 50 before he wrote his first novel, Magnificent Obsession, but then retired from the ministry to write full-time. Unsurprisingly, Douglas’s writings usually had moral and religious themes. Magnificent Obsession was adapted as the 1935 film with Robert Taylor and Irene Dunne, and again in 1954 with Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman. It was the first of several of his novels to be made into films. His novel The Robe sold over two million copies and was turned into a 1953 film starring Richard Burton. Douglas died in Los Angeles in 1951.

The Dramatic Publishing website provides this synopsis of Home for Christmas: “The Clayton family has scattered to every part of the country. Some of them have been successful and some have difficult problems. Their mother isn't well and this may be her last Christmas. One of the daughters, determined that the family recapture something they seem to have lost, forces them all to come home for Christmas. She insists on turning back the clock and they all dress up as teenagers, much to the amusement of some of the actual teenagers. In the midst of the laughter, they discover something your audience will want to discover with them.”

Directed by Yo Mustafa, the WEST production’s cast includes Luis Arrojo, Nectaria Bogdanis, Maureen Dwyer, Gabriela Hurd, Kelly Kimpton, Bev Mattson, Rod McTaggart, Brian Melanson, Braden Worton, Carla Zabek, Bernard Applewhaite, Jessica Buckerfield, Saghar Darabnia, Camille Glover, Jonah Hill, Nick Mann, Lisa Monks, Bruce Pringle, Suzanne Tierney, and Cynthia Ulba.

Maureen ‘Moe’ Dwyer (Miss Packer) says: “Home for Christmas is a touching story that will light up your hearts for the holiday season. It has a strong cast who will make you laugh and reminisce about Christmases gone by, shared with family and friends.” 

Luis Arrojo (Timmie), echoes these sentiments and says, “It’s a very touching and moving Christmas story with funny moments as well. A seasoned cast with a seasoned director have put together an entertaining show for fans of Hallmark movies. Those with varied Christmas experiences might find something to relate to.”

A Winter’s Melody: A Crown Point Players Concert

Crown Point Players
Crown & Press
303 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton
Dec. 7, doors at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: $20 (+ online service fee)
More information: crownpointplayers.com

This event is a holiday fundraiser to support Crown Point Players’ “upcoming production of Dogfight: The Musical, helping us continue to create vibrant, accessible theatre year-round.” It will feature music and live performances with raffle prizes and refreshments.