Calgary Holiday Plays

The first Theatre Thursday of this year’s Blogmas is upon us, I’m about to go out for Kegnog, and I’m going to do a classic post today. I love a round-up post and y’all loved this post last year… why not do it again? Buckle in, grab your favourite lactose-y holiday drink, and read all about Calgary Holiday Plays.

A Christmas Carol (Theatre Calgary)

I mean, I had to include it. When people think of Calgary Holiday Plays(tm), they think A Christmas Carol.

But this year? Don’t even try. It’s so sold out that the pre-Christmas shows only have single tickets available. Plus, there are other amazing holiday plays out there that need your custom (aka, money). Go indie, check out the smaller theatres. A Christmas Carol will be waiting for you next year.

If you really want to try, it runs between Nov 29 – Dec 29. Your best bet for tickets is after Christmas, which is still fun and cozy!

Twelve Days (Forte Musical Theatre and Lunchbox Theatre)

You may remember that last year, I wrote about how it was the last year for Naughty… but Nice! I was curious about what Forte would come up with next. And the answer is here! Twelve Days is a cute little story about a boy who likes a girl but has a rich friend who also likes said girl. Perhaps it’s simple but the Joe Slabe music is certain to make it seem anything but simple. Plus, it has a 75 minute run time, so you can catch it during lunch or fit it and something else into full weekend evenings. 

I know I’m curious and I’m sure you are too. You can catch this Calgary holiday play from Dec 3-21.

Puss in Boots (Morpheus Theatre)

Morpheus Theatre is back with a holiday tradition that we just don’t see enough of in Calgary – a pantomime! And not only a pantomime, but a purr-fect pantomime. Puss in Boots, opening tomorrow! Do you have little kids that always want to talk to the tv when they watch a movie? Then a pantomime is perfect for them! They’ll get to boo the bad guys, cheer for the heroes, shout at the actors when the person they are looking for is directly behind them. Plus, since its community theatre, it has a slightly lower price point and is the perfect opportunity to introduce a kid to theatre. What more could you ask for!?

I will be taking Rylee to see this play, who else is in? Puss in Boots runs from Dec 13-21.

Charlotte’s Web (Alberta Theatre Projects)

Finally! Alberta Theatre Projects is doing a holiday show that is actually good for the whole family! I’m going to be real – sometimes ATP goes way too “edgy” or “dark” for their holiday shows and I’ve felt like little kids have been excluded from the audience for a long time. We can still do creative things and push boundaries while making things that are fun for elementary school kids. And Charlotte’s Web does that! Everyone is raving about it! 

It is playing from Nov 26 to Dec 29… and it is in the same building as Theatre Calgary, so maybe a good alternative. 

Beauty and the Beast (Storybook Theatre)

Is Beauty and the Beast a holiday play, or do I just think it is because I got a ton of Beauty and the Beast gifts for Christmas in 1992? Maybe it doesn’t matter. Holiday is what is in our hearts. And also the play is on during the holidays! In fact, the play is running all the way from Nov 22 to Jan 5. Perhaps it is the most Holiday play, as it covers all the holidays?

(Note: Storybook Theatre has also brought back Natascha Girgis’ outstanding show from last year – One Christmas Carol. It is being performed on Sunday and Monday evenings between Dec 8-23… aka the days that Beauty and the Beast is dark. And also Charlotte’s Web. Because Natascha has no chill and is also in that.)

Friends. There is so much amazing theatre in Calgary, especially during this holiday season. Don’t let it pass you by. The weather is nice right now and you’ll have memories to talk about for years afterwards. Such is the joy of live theatre!