Giant dazzling masks and whimsical puppets are part of A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol.
The reimagining of the Charles Dickens’ classic comes to the Massey Theatre stage on Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14. The theatrical production has been called “pure magic” by CBC and “fantastic, in every sense of the word” by the Cincinnati Enquirer.
“Our take on A Christmas Carol is totally unique and wonderfully whimsical. We specialize in mask performance, puppetry, and visual storytelling, and we thought – what better way to bring Dickens’ whimsical story to life,” said Kate Braidwood, co-creator/performer. “Ebenezer Scrooge and all the beloved characters in the story are portrayed with large full-face masks that you would swear come to life before your eyes. The ghosts that come to visit Scrooge are puppets of all shapes and sizes – some floating, some glowing, some 10 feet tall. There is projection, original music, and most importantly, a truly touching and entertaining story.”
Braidwood said the WONDERHEADS’ signature full-face mask, puppetry, and wordless visual storytelling style means audiences will see this well-known tale told through an entirely different lens.
“We make it our business to step beyond words and dig deep into what is at the heart of the story,” she said. “Audiences should expect to laugh, to cry, and most of all, they should expect to be transported into a world of wonder and awe when watching this spectacular world come to life.”
Now in its fifth year, this year marks the fourth year that A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol has performed on the Massey Theatre stage.
“We’ve loved it every time!” Braidwood said. “The team that runs the Massey is one of the best and the audiences are always incredibly enthusiastic and welcoming. In fact, due to the popular turnout from our last presentation at the Massey, we’ve added a second performance to our run this year and we’re excited to share the show with as many people as possible, including those that return every year as part of a holiday tradition.”
In addition to New Westminster, A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol will make stops in Calgary, North Vancouver (Dec. 11 and 12), Victoria and Nanaimo on its December tour of B.C. and Alberta.
“A feast for the eyes, ears, heart and funny bone, this astonishing production features larger than life characters, glowing ghosts, and 10-foot-tall puppets – to name just a few of the treats in store for audiences as they are whisked away with Ebenezer Scrooge on his magical Christmas Eve adventure,” said a synopsis of the show. “Audiences should prepare themselves for laughter, tears, and utter enchantment.”
Starring Kate Braidwood, Pedro M. Siqueira, Sarah Robertson, and Emily Case, A WONDERHEADS Christmas Carol was adapted and directed by Braidwood and Andrew Phoenix (the WONDERHEADS), and developed in ensemble by Phoenix, Braidwood, and Jessica Hickman.
New West shows take place on Friday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at Massey Theatre 735 Eighth Ave. Tickets are available online.
