Five recommended stage events
1 A Charlie Brown Christmas
Carousel Theatre for Young People brings this cherished holiday classic to the stage in a lively musical adaptation, complete with a live jazz trio.
Waterfront Theatre, 1412 Cartwright St., Granville Island
Nov. 26 to Dec. 31, $18-$35, 604-685-6217, carouseltheatre.ca 2 Pinocchio: The Panto Cheer for a brave but mischievous wooden puppet on a quest to become a real boy, and boo the nefarious villains. Presented by FVGSS: A Musical Theatre Society.
Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88th Ave., Surrey
Nov. 24 to Dec. 4, $11.95$27.95, 604-501-5566, fvgssociety.wixsite.com/fvgss
3 The Royal City Ballet: Nutcracker
The Royal City Youth Ballet presents its annual production of this classic holiday favourite. Various locations, Nov. 27 to Dec. 19 (see immediately below), royalcityyouthballet.org Nov. 27, 1 and 4 p.m.: Abbotsford Arts Centre, 2329 Crescent Way, 604476-2787
Dec. 2, 7 p.m.: Michael J. Fox Theatre, 7373 Macpherson Ave., Burnaby, 604-6648875
Dec. 4, 1 and 4 p.m.: The ACT, 1944 Haney Pl., Maple Ridge, 604-476-2787
Dec. 9-11: Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88 Ave., 604-5015566
Dec. 18, 1 and 4 p.m.: Centennial Theatre, 2300 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver, 604-984-4484 Dec. 19, 2 and 7 p.m.: Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave., New Westminster, 604521-5050
4 Arts Umbrella Dance: Mixed Nuts
A modern and engaging retelling of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, featuring a variety of dance styles from hip hop, to ballroom, to the classic grand pas-de-deux.
Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton St.
Dec. 16-18; artsumbrella. com/events/mixed-nuts
5 Goh Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Experience Clara’s dream come to life as she embarks on a magical journey to the Kingdom of Sweets where she is greeted by the Sugar Plum Fairy. This production features more than 200 glittering costumes and dramatic sets, with Tchaikovsky’s memorable score performed live by members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra.
The Centre in Vancouver For Performing Arts, 777 Homer St.
Dec. 15-20; 604-684-3170; gohnutcracker.com