Seven Things to Do in Metro Vancouver Dec. 20-26: a Nutcracker, The Wrong Show and more
Credit to Author: Shawn Conner| Date: Mon, 16 Dec 2019 19:09:20 +0000
Whether you’re looking for date ideas, free things to do or just something fun to do in downtown Vancouver, you can’t go wrong with our list of events happening around Metro Vancouver between Dec. 20-26.
Headlining this week’s picks is the Goh Ballet’s Nutcracker.
For more ideas, click HERE for our coverage of Vancouver’s arts scene, or HERE to search our entertainment listings database.
Here are seven things to do in Metro Vancouver this week:
When: Dec. 20-22
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton St.
Tickets: starting at $88.50 at ticketmaster.ca
A traditional rendition of the seasonal classic, Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker is now in its 11th year. This year’s production features local and international dancers — including some who would not ordinarily be seen on the West Coast, such as Bavarian State Ballet’s Dmitrii Vskubenko. Vskubenko is the Cavalier Prince, while the National Ballet of Canada’s principal dancer Svetlana Lunkina is the Sugar Plum Fairy. Canadian-born ballerina Anna-Marie Holmes has choreographed this all-ages production. Goh Ballet is also presenting new pre-show lobby entertainment and decor, including a live choir, a 12-foot Christmas tree, larger-than-life Nutcracker and sleigh, photo booth and a snow-scene vignette.
When: Dec. 22 at 8 p.m.
Where: Tiki Bar at the Waldorf, 1489 E. Hastings St.
Tickets: $15 at squareup.com/20 at door
The East Van variety show features celebrity impersonator Bonnie Kilroe, comedian Watermelon, burlesque impresario Burgundy Brixx, and retro DJ and performance artist Sandra Sanders. The four collaborate on sketch and musical comedy segments as well as taking solo turns. Special guests of this edition, the fourth (and first at the Waldorf), are musician Ana Bon-Bon and entertainer Jessie Rockley. There is also a festive apron contest and “bougie” food drive (they ask you to bring a fancy non-perishable treat). A dance-and-hula-hoop party follows the show.
When: Dec. 21-30
Where: Cinematheque, 1131 Howe St.
Tickets and info: thecinematheque.org
Cinematheque presents some film classics to enjoy over the holidays. Selections include two thrillers; George Cukor’s Gaslight (1944), starring Ingrid Bergman, and Alfred Hitchcock’s Foreign Correspondent (1940), with Joel McCrea. Other films in the series include Akira Kurosawa’s 1958 samurai epic The Hidden Fortress, Michael Powell’s The Red Shoes, based on a Hans Christian Andersen fairy-tale, and Jacques Tati’s 1967 gag-filled Playtime. But perhaps the selection most in keeping with a holiday vibe is The Wizard of Oz.
Babe Corner is one of the local acts playing Kingfisher Bluez 12th Annual Christmas Party at the Rickshaw Dec. 21.
When: Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. (doors)
Where: Rickshaw Theatre, 254 E. Hastings St.
Tickets: $20 at eventbrite.ca
The local record label hosts an evening of indie rock, pop, folk, and roots performers. Acts include Peach Pit, Winona Forever, Sleepy Gonzales, and Babe Corner. Apparently, Kingfisher Bluez will be giving away copies of a 7” single featuring two new holiday songs.
Dane Warren brings his Christmas with Sinatra tribute to the 19th Annual Murray Kia Masquerade Ball Dec. 22 at Suburban Swing in Abbotsford.
When: Dec. 22
Where: Suburban Swing, 33676 St Olaf Ave, Abbotsford
Tickets: $25 at suburbanswing.com
The 19th annual gala event and fundraiser presents a formal masquerade ball with the Bruce James Orchestra. Guests include vocalists Dane Warren, known for his tribute Christmas with Sinatra, and Mandy Rushton. Tickets include a swing dance lesson for beginners.
When: until Dec. 29
Where: Le Grand Chapiteau, Concord Pacific Place, 88 Pacific Blvd.
Tickets and info: From $54 at cirquedusoleil.com/luzia
These are the final days to see Cirque du Soleil’s 38th show. An homage to Mexico, Luzia also incorporates something Vancouverites are familiar with — rain. Performances include the usual amazing feats of acrobatics and other circus arts, including a Guinness World Record-holding juggler and a contortionist. Of the latter, this paper’s Stuart Derdeyn wrote, “Nobody will walk away from watching this act unchanged.”
When: Dec. 26 at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Commodore Ballroom, 868 Granville St.
Tickets: starting at $32.50 at ticketmaster.ca
This new, young band recently took first place win at a local talent contest presented by Vancouver-based booking and production company Live Acts Canada. The funk-rock quintet has also just released a video for Give This Up, a track from their debut EP. “Give This Up has been with us for a long time, back to the jazz trio days of 2016,” says vocalist Clare Twiddy in a media release. “It has changed so much, in reflection of the ways that we too have changed. Over time, the song came to describe the freedom that we found in letting go, in embracing ourselves, finding confidence in our voice, and striving to be the ideal self.” Opening up for locals Five Alarm Funk, Raincity makes their Commodore Ballroom debut with this show, which also includes Smalltown Artillery.