A retro Christmas

Ah, nostalgia! 

At this time of year, it is natural to have a good look at the past and reflect on the holidays and our loved ones. We treasure our memories, show gratitude for all we have, and show compassionate generosity for those without. To reminisce about the past with my family is really what I love about Christmas.

It is also a travel through time on stages this holiday season, with Bumbershoot Theatre just wrapping up Nancy Drew, a show I hear was outstanding. Now we have Kelowna Actors Studio presenting Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang, and coming up next week New Vintage Theatre producing the kitschy classic Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Here is a little bit about what you can expect in your theatrical Christmas stocking at Kelowna Actor’s Studio and New Vintage Theatre.

Based on the timeless novel by famed James Bond author and creator Ian Fleming, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was a 1968 British musical film before it became a stage musical. The film's script was by Roald Dahl (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda), and starred Dick Van Dyke as Caractacus Potts and Sally Anne Howes as Truly Scrumptious. If you saw the film back in the day, you will remember its catchy songs, and, of course, that magical car.

Kelowna Actors Studio's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is directed by Angela Lavender, a local actor, director, and teacher who has staged productions for KAS, Bumbershoot and New Vintage. She is a true talent, as is her amazing music director Roslyn Frantz, and Jennifer Davies, her choreographer/stage manager, all adored by Kelowna Actors’ Studio fans who are familiar with their many works. 

Other KAS faves for this production include:

Rick Worrall as Caractacus Potts
Laura Benty as Truly Scrumptious
Ryne Van Vliet Brown
Hannah Friesen
Brandon Shalansky
Neil Johnson
Ray Mordan as Grandpa Potts

Fourteen local youth fill out the production, with another 15 adults adding to the marvelous magical characters. 

It is the car, though, that will really wow audiences in this production, helmed by KAS Artistic Director Randy Leslie and Executive Producer Nathan Flavel. 

Known for their incredible production values, I am sure this is going to be a very cool blast from the past, one that the whole family will love. Don’t wait on getting tickets for this one, because it opens next week.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
December 2 - 20
Kelowna Actor’s Studio
1379 Ellis Street
Tickets $52-$85, online, or by phone 250.862.2867, or at Kelowna Tickets in Orchard Park Mall (next to Roger’s Wireless)

Another retro classic, Rudolph, is coming to the stage this Christmas. It is an adaptation I wrote and directed for the company I run, New Vintage Theatre. Rudolph is a faithful stage version of the kitschy stop motion classic shown every year.  

A bit of history here: In the summer of 2010, I was Artistic Director of Centre Stage Theatre in Calgary, a touring company for young people. We also had a regular gig doing the children’s shows at Stage West, a huge swanky dinner theatre in Calgary. At that time, I thought it would be a great idea to turn the stop motion animation into a staged play. After obtaining permission to do so, it was on stage by Christmas for a sold-out run. 

The only conditions in place for the adaptation were to keep it as close to the original dialogue as possible (they even sent me the original General Electric Hour Script), and to use the exact music tracks from the special. This is why there are still some very 1960’s references, such as ‘they felt it was best to get the womenfolk home’, and why you will hear the cast singing with the original tracks during our show. It sounds strange, but the result is actually a fun vintage show that is very easy to sing along to and incredibly heart-warming.

There is a impressive cast in place for this show:

John Van Dyk as Sam The Snowman
Cory Armour as Rudolph
Graham Daley as Hermey The Elf
Ashley Plomp as Clarice
Brad Hull as Yukon Cornelius

They all shine in their iconic roles. Other performers featured are Vince Walzak, Sheila Campbell, Adam Weaver, James Szabo, Dana Murphy, Kiran Madahar and Emily Friesen. 

I must say, our Santa, Mrs. Claus, and elves are legit - you must see them. 

It has been a pleasure to collaborate with music director Krista Buttenaar and esteemed choreographer Angela Quinn.

As a one-act show, Rudolph is truly an all-ages show. Grandparents, parents, young adults, kids and toddlers alike can all have fun at this one. A crazy adventure story that celebrates being a misfit in a world of sameness, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer is theatre for all.

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
December 9 - 17
The Mary Irwin Theatre, Rotary Centre for the Arts
421 Cawston Street
Tickets www.selectyourtickets.com or at the Rotary Centre box office

Get these tickets, $25 and under, quickly, because five shows are already sold out.

Whether you see the magnificent Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang, or catch the simple kitsch of Rudolph, I hope you have the opportunity to check out at least one of these retro classics before they are sold out.

Don’t delay, get your tickets today!

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.