Raffi, a misfit mosquito and a haunted house for the kids
Fall brings with it a slew of arts festivals, and several have a child and/or youth component.
If you’re quick, you might still be able to get tickets for The Toys Strike Back! (2 and 4 p.m. Oct. 19 at the Improv Centre on Granville Island), which is part of this year’s International Theatresports Institute Conference and Festival. The show, from Norway’s Det Andre Teatret, features performers who improvise off toys brought by audience members (recommended for children over the age of five).
The Vancouver Writers Festival (Oct. 21-27) is presenting a few events aimed at younger age groups, including a panel of three Young Adult authors (Comics & Comedy, Oct. 22) and a discussion about self-empowerment through storytelling (Pen to Power, Oct. 22). In the non-festival category, we’ve selected three other youth-oriented picks:
THE INCREDIBLE ADVENTURES OF MARY JANE MOSQUITO
When: Oct. 30-Nov. 10
Where: The Waterfront Theatre, 1412 Cartwright St.
Tickets and info: carouseltheatre. ca
Canadian playwright Tomson Highway weaves music, song, and Cree language into this musical cabaret for young people (recommended for ages 4 and up). A misfit mosquito from Manitoba who doesn’t have wings, Mary Jane (Haley Vincent) learns how to make friends by sharing her language, her heart, and her songs. The Incredible Adventures of Mary Jane Mosquito features live music (composed by Highway and played by pianist Shane O’regan), puppets (courtesy of puppet-maker Clelia Scala and puppeteer Catherine Teichman), and fanciful costumes (by Alexa Fraser). This B.C. premiere is presented by the Carousel Players.
RAFFI
When: Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. (doors at noon)
Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton St.
Tickets and info: From $50 at ticketmaster.ca
The beloved family entertainer is touring with his latest album and a series of what he’s calling “#belugagrads concerts.” “I love singing for children and families,” says Raffi. “I look forward to hearing more ‘beluga grads’ and their kids singing favourites like Baby Beluga, Down By The Bay, Bananaphone and a song or two from my new album, Dog on the Floor.” Every pair of tickets for the show includes the choice of a digital download or CD of Dog On The Floor, Baby Beluga, or The Best of Raffi. VIP Meet and Greet tickets include an opportunity to meet Raffi after the show. Proceeds benefit the Raffi Foundation for Child Honouring, his non-profit dedicated to promoting sustainable, peacemaking societies. A singer, songwriter, producer, author, lecturer, Raffi is also a recipient of the Order of Canada and the United Nations’ Earth Achievement Award.
POTTER’S HOUSE OF HORRORS
When: Until Nov. 2 Where: Potter’s Farm & Nursery, 12530 72nd Avenue, Surrey
Tickets and info: $10, pottershouseofhorrors.com
The attraction (now in its 17th year) is a live theatre production complete with trained actors, high-tech animatronics and digital sounds. But if that sounds like too much for the wee ones, there’s also Li’l Haunters, a kids-only attraction with two mini haunted houses that include no animatronics or actors. Geared for kids 12 and under, Li’l Haunters features
Mystic Village, a slightly creepy ghost town, and Spooky Castle. A basketball/baseball toss and table games such as air hockey and foosball add to the fun. For the braver kids, Family Hour at Potter’s House of Horrors is a tamer version of the scarier big-kid attractions (including Death Valley Motor Inn, new this year) and is recommended for children ages 12 and up. Partial proceeds from Potter’s House of Horrors go to Critter Care Wildlife Society. Potter’s House of Horrors also supports the Surrey Food Bank and is accepting non-perishable food donations on-site.