Never mind the opera.
This year, it’s the Fraser Valley Gilbert and Sullivan Society’s annual Christmas pantomime that has a phantom lurking in the wings.
FVGSS presents Phantom of the Panto at the Surrey Arts Centre in Bear Creek Park.
The holiday pantomime in Surrey is a tradition that now spans a quarter of a century, and for many theatre goers, it signals the beginning of the Christmas season.
This year’s production continues the society’s tradition of delivering loads of family-friendly fun. Inspired by Phantom of the Opera, it pays tribute to the well-known classic but with a fun, panto-infused twist.
An original script by FVGSS’s own Clive Ramroop, this hilarious take on the classic Phantom of the Opera story will take audiences behind the scenes at the Paris Opera House.
Meet the new owners as they try to make a success out of a tired troupe, featuring a temperamental diva, her obsequious husband, a fickle audience and a company of smart alecks. It’s a tough job, even without adding the mysterious ghost whose demands and manipulations threaten everything the company has striven for as well as a young, beautiful ingenue upon whom they have pinned their hopes for the future.
Beautiful sets and awesome costumes will paint a kaleidoscope of colour.
Joining the cast once again is Langley’s Jackie Block. Block, who first appeared with FVGSS, in the spring 2011 production of the Gondoliers, plays Meg Nolia.
Phantom of the Panto runs from Nov. 28 to Dec. 9 at the Surrey Arts Centre’s Main Stage (88 Avenue and King George Boulevard).
Evening performances, Wednesday to Saturday are at 7:30 pm, with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 pm. Purchase tickets in person, online at tickets.surrey.ca or by phone at 604-501-5566.
