In its sixth year, East Van Panto takes its stage show on a trip somewhere over the rainbow, writes Shawn Conner.

1. East Van tradition

Now in its sixth year, the Theatre Replacement production is an annual tradition that is also family-friendly. Kids five and up will enjoy the fairy tale aspect, and adults can laugh at the in-jokes and local references: in this modern retelling, a burst pipeline sends Dorothy to the promised land of Nanaimo and Hastings. The British panto format also includes music, cross-dressing and lots of audience involvement.

2. The Wizard of Oz

Breaking away from trad oldies like Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (2017) and Little Red Riding Hood (2016), this year’s Panto panto-izes a more modern fable, the classic 1939 film (and its source, Frank L. Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz).

3. Marcus Youssef

The award-winning playwright and artistic director of Neworld Theatre has taken over scripting duties this year. Other newcomers to the production include actors Craig Erickson and Christine Quintana (as Dorothy).

4. Returning favourites

Stephen Drover, director of East Van Panto: Hansel and Gretel, is back, as are Dawn Petten and Raugi Yu. Also returning are Veda Hille and her collaborator, percussionist Barry Mirochnick. Their score includes pop hits with new (and some might say improved) lyrics.

5. Laura Zerebeski

Speaking of returning favourites, scenic illustrator Zerebeski is back as well. Reviewing last year’s Snow White panto, local theatre critic Colin Thomas was full of praise for the artist, noting that “Zerebeski’s style — her wavy, hallucinatory renderings of Vancouver cityscapes — has created a signature look for the East Van Pantos.”