The Fraser Valley Gilbert and Sullivan Society (FVGSS) launches its 35th season at the Surrey Arts Centre with Pinocchio, the 2016 instalment of its annual Christmas pantomime.
This year’s panto brings back the audience-interactive hijinx, multi-era song-and-dance numbers, and a few dashes of puppetry in more ways than one.
Previously produced by FVGSS over 20 years ago, this revival is from a homegrown script written by co-directors Mike Balser and Barbie Warwick. Last time, Balser played the role of Geppetto; this time, he’s the evil Fungus Fox.
“This is a chance where I actually get to be creepy and mean and villainous,” said Balser on his first time playing a villain.
“Villains are way more interesting than heroes. I’m enjoying it already… we’ve done a bunch of (musical) numbers, including a couple that feature Fungus Fox; namely one where I get to hypnotize children and lead them astray out of the village.”
Along with established musical director Tim Tucker, resident choreographer Carol Seitz, and debuting production manager Clive “Hitman” Ramroop (who also has a cameo as Stromboli), Warwick and Balser have assembled a solid cast of “perpetually perky panto people” players, including: Lois Warwick in the title role, Jake Hildebrand as Geppetto, Melissa Funnell as Jiminy Christmas, Miriah Reitmeier as Bella Grazia, Roger Kettyls as Mamma Mia, Joni Hayden-Summerton as Fox’s sidekick Kit Kat, Tori Dolmans as the Blues Fairy, Michelle Gaetz as Lampwick, Emma-Rose Harvey as Filament, Tyler Supinsky as Alfonso, Saxony Eccleston as Tammy, Tanya Mills as Lucia, and Paige Thomsen and Samantha Gorin as Mary & Annette.
Pinocchio hits the Surrey Arts Centre’s Main Stage theatre, 13750 88 Ave., Nov. 24 to Dec. 4. Show runs Wednesday to Friday at 7:30 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday weekend matinees at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are available for purchase in person at the SAC Box Office, by phone at 604-501-5566, or online at tickets.surrey.ca.
Prices are $27.95 (adult) and $22.95 (senior or student), or $11.95 for all ages on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
For more information, visit the FVGSS website.
