The Cultch Presents East Van Panto WIZARD OF OZ

East Van Panto returns for a sixth year, welcoming award-winning playwright Marcus Youssef to the creative team. Director Stephen Drover (East Van Panto: Hansel & Gretel) returns, along with Panto favourites Veda Hille, Dawn Petten, and Raugi Yu. This year's production also welcomes Craig Erickson along with Christine Quintana as Dorothy.

Poor Dorothy! When a pipeline bursts, Dorothy and Toto are flung to the magical Land of Oz - Nanaimo and Hastings. There, Dorothy is pursued by a Wicked Witch, meets a trio of new friends, and embarks on a magical journey to the World's Greenest City in search of brains, heart, courage...and yoga pants! Remember: there's no place like Poco, there's no place like Poco!

"Our Panto continues to be all about sharing the love," says Corbin Murdoch, Managing Producer at Theatre Replacement. "After six years, what makes this exciting for us, and - we hope - for our audience, is that we get to keep inviting new artists to come and play. Marcus Youssef is a longtime friend and collaborator so we're thrilled to have him on board this year, bringing his unique voice to the production. He has chosen to move away from the traditional fairy tale and tackle Wizard of Oz, which is exciting. The story is such a popular culture touchstone, and it's a joy to figure out how to honour that while putting the East Van Panto spin on it. We can't wait to share what we've been working on for the last year."

Heather Redfern, Executive Director at The Cultch adds, "The Panto is turning six! Time really flies when you're having fun! The Panto is also about celebrating local artists, local places, and local families. It is for everybody and we are so thankful for all the love the Panto receives each year. This year, we're excited to see the return of Panto faves Veda Hille, Dawn Petten, Raugi Yu and Stephen Drover, along with new additions to the Panto family: Christine Quintana, Craig Erickson, and celebrated playwright Marcus Youssef. Go Panto, Go!"

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

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

Now in its 45th 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.thcultch.com.

Tickets from $24; On sale now at The Cultch's Box Office, by phone at 604.251.1363, or online at www.thecultch.com.

To post a comment, you must register and login.