Photo from www.fvgss.org

Photo from www.fvgss.org

Community theatre group presents ‘The Little Mermaid’ panto

FVGSS show runs Nov. 23 to Dec. 3

A classic family tale is coming to the stage this holiday season in the form of a pantomime.

The Fraser Valley Gilbert & Sullivan Society (FVGSS) returns for its 36th season with another fun filled musical extravaganza, The Little Mermaid.

Running Nov. 23 to Dec. 3 at the Surrey Arts Centre, 13750 88 Ave., the show tells the tale of young mermaid Calypso through 20 songs and dances with 33 cast members.

Calypso is obsessed with the world above the waves. This causes problems in the undersea world, which is ruled by the sea witch Ursula.

Even worse, Calypso has fallen in love with a human prince she rescued from a terrible storm. She is determined to find a way to be with her love, even if it means leaving the sea and making a deal with evil Ursula. To top it off, Prince Airwick has his own troubles, with an overbearing mother and two scheming ministers out to skim the royal treasury for as much as they can take.

The show was written by Mike Balser and Barbie Warwick, and is adapted from original script by Peter Zednik. Artistic direction is by Balser and Jeff Christensen, with musical direction by Timothy Tucker and choreography by Tamara Jaune and Elisabeth Lay.

Performances will run evenings at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23, 24, 29, 30 and Dec. 1 and matinees at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 25, 26 and Dec. 2 and 3.

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.fvgss.org, by phone at 604-501-5566 or in person at the Surrey Arts Centre.

FVGSS is also supporting the Surrey Christmas Bureau and asks audience members to bring donations of unwrapped toys.

Langley Times