FIVETHINGS

1 EAST VAN TRADITION

Now in its sixth year, the Theatre Replacement production is an annual tradition that is also familyfriendly. Kids five and up will enjoy the fairy tale aspect, and adults can laugh at the injokes 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 & 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 4 RETURNING FAVOURITES

Stephen Drover, director of East Van Panto: Hansel & 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.”