The Cultch Presents “East Van Panto: Pinocchio” November 20, 2019 – January 5, 2020

The Cultch presents:

East Van Panto: Pinocchio

Theatre Replacement (Vancouver)

The Cultch is thrilled to present Theatre Replacement’s East Van Panto: Pinocchio at the York Theatre from Wednesday, November 20, 2019 to Sunday, January 5, 2020.

East Van Panto returns for a seventh year, welcoming back the creative team behind last year’s hit Wizard of Oz: playwright Marcus Youssef, composer Veda Hille, and director Stephen Drover.

WHEN:  November 20, 2019 – January 5, 2020

Opening Night:  November 22 at 7pm

Previews:  November 20-21 at 7pm

Performance Times: November 23-24, November 26-December 1, December 3-8, 10-15, 17-22, 26-29 at 7pm | January 2-5 at 7pm

Matinees:  November 23, 24, & 30 at 2pm | December 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 26, 28-29 at 2pm | January 2, 4, & 5 at 2pm

Relaxed Performance:  November 30 at 2pm 

WHERE:  YORK THEATRE

639 Commercial Drive in Vancouver, BC

TICKETS:

Tickets from $26; On sale now at The Cultch’s Box Office, by phone at 604.251.1363, or online at www.thecultch.com

*Child tickets just $26 for any seat in the house *(must be 16 and under)

**Family Packs from $160 **(Family Pack includes 2 adult + 2 child tickets)

ADDED VALUE:  Enjoy a post-show artist talkback on November 30 (2pm performance)

When a lonely old ice cream vendor named ‘Gelatto’ is given a puppet by the mysterious ‘Beckwoman’ of Commercial Drive, his dreams of having a child suddenly come true. Join a locally famous cricket, an angry orca, and a dastardly fox as poor Pinocchio does his best to tell everyone the truth and become a real boy. But why are Pinocchio’s limbs always growing? Will there be a Cappuccino War between the ‘Abruzzos’ and the ‘Calabrias’? And why are all those kids ditching class to go to Hastings Racecourse? Don’t worry, Pinocchio – just follow your nose!

“We had a wonderful time in Oz last year, and we are thrilled to be returning with the same creative team,” says Theatre Replacement’s Artistic Director, Maiko Yamamoto. “This year, we are headed straight to the heart of East Van: Commercial Drive! Marcus has taken inspiration from the neighbourhood’s Italian heritage to give Pinocchio a brand new, hyper-local spin. As always, we are trying to walk the line between respecting tradition and upending convention. We feel so lucky to be able to take these kinds of risks each year alongside thousands of families from across the Lower Mainland.”

Heather Redfern, The Cultch’s Executive Director adds, “It means so much to us that the Panto has become such a wonderful holiday tradition for so many people. Last year’s Panto was so successful that we’ve extended the run dates this year to seven weeks. We are so excited to sing along with everybody. Go Panto, Go!”

East Van Panto: Pinocchio is recommended for a general audience. As an advisory to adults who might bring young people, The Cultch recommends East Van Panto: Pinocchio for ages 5 and up. All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

East Van Panto: Pinocchio is written by Marcus Youssef

Directed by:  Stephen Drover

Music & Lyrics by:  Veda Hille

Starring:  Pippa Mackie, Shawn Macdonald, Chirag Naik, Naomi Wright, Amanda Sum, Ivy Charles, Nicholas Elia, Emma Ross

Orchestra:  Veda Hille & Barry Mirochnick

Stage Management by:  Jan Hodgson

Costume Design by:  Barbara Clayden

Set & Props Design by:  Yvan Morissette

Props Mastery by: Heidi Wilkinson

Lighting Design by:  Adrian Muir

Choreography by:  Amanda Testini

Scenic Illustrations by:  Cindy Mochizuki

Assistant Stage Management by:  Jennifer Stewart

Technical Direction by:  Jeremy Baxter

About Theatre Replacement:

Theatre Replacement is an ongoing collaboration between James Long and Maiko Yamamoto. Whether working together or apart, we use extended processes to create performances from intentionally simple beginnings. Our work is about a genuine attempt to coexist. Conversations, interviews, and arguments collide with Yamamoto and Long’s aesthetics resulting in theatrical experiences that are authentic, immediate, and hopeful. www.theatrereplacement.org

About The Cultch:

Now in its 46^th season, The Cultch has been one of Vancouver’s most diverse and innovative arts and cultural institutions, offering dynamic programming in contemporary theatre, dance, and music by local, national, and international artists. Today, The Cultch continues to enrich the social and cultural life of Vancouver by bringing world-class cultural presentations to the public, supporting the growth of emerging artists and companies, and facilitating dialogue between groups in the Lower Mainland, especially within our local community of East Vancouver. The Cultch is so much more than just a theatre in the physical sense – our organization is looked upon as one of the foremost performing arts presenters in the country. Widely recognized as an innovator and leader, we have played an integral role in the development of British Columbia’s artistic landscape. www.thecultch.com

“Theatre Replacement’s East Van Panto has become a Vancouver tradition, to the point where it’s hard to imagine the holidays without it.” – Vancouver Musicals