If you're like me you're up to your eyeballs with things you need to do before Christmas. I'm not talking just about shopping, either. I'm pretty much done with that now, thank you very much. But it's everything else you have to deal with at this time of year that makes, for me at least, a very stressful season.
The problem is my work situation is such I have so much to do at this time of year than at any other and it darn near seems overwhelming at times. It's always been that way, and I can't see things changing until I retire. Then, I plan to sit on a bench down at The Pen Centre and watch people rush by trying to keep up with the season while I smile.
I can hardly wait.
But until then, you find a smile where you can and many of us will this week at The Recital Hall in the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. That's where The Foster Festival, who collectively dragged many people kicking and screaming indoors downtown during the summer months for their annual festival of all things Norm Foster only to realize they really, really like it each summer, are doing it again in December.
No, it's not a three-play run for the winter, although that would be nice. Rather, it is a one-play winter season that just happens to coincide with a time of year many of us could simply use a break...and a laugh or two.
The World Premiere of another Foster original, Aunt Agnes for Christmas opened December 11th and runs until next Sunday the 22nd at the PAC, and I simply have to find the time to attend a performance before the run is through.
Part of the PAC's Hot Ticket season, Aunt Agnes for Christmas is described as part Mary Poppins with a dose of Auntie Mame thrown in for good measure. The ups and downs of family life at this time of year results in a romp that still packs a heartwarming Christmas message.
The Trimble household is facing Christmas in just two days and George and Sally and their two kids are also facing...George's Aunt Agnes paying them a visit. Trouble is, George didn't realize he actually had an Aunt Agnes to begin with. From there you can imagine the fun Norm Foster has leading us through the holiday season with one unexpected event after another, much like we all seem to do ourselves at this time of year.
Director Patricia Vanstone has assembled an all-star Niagara cast for the show headed by former Shaw Festival star Nora McLellan in the title role, along with real-life spouses Kelly Wong and Cosette Derome, who last graced the Foster Festival stage in Renovations for Six as the elder Trimbles.
There are two young local actors playing the Trimble's 9 and 14-year old children, Kate Peters and Hayden Neufeld. Sets and costumes are by Peter Hartwell, again no stranger to Niagara theatre audiences.
From what I've heard so far the show is a hoot and just what we need to get through the holidays, but you'd better act fast as tickets are selling quickly and in fact, tomorrow's matinee performance is already sold out.
For me, well I am going to try to shoe horn a performance in hopefully next weekend when I know I will need a good laugh and maybe even a hug as we make the mad dash towards the finish line.
Who's with me?!
For tickets, including special pricing for PAC and Foster Festival subscribers, call the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre box office at 905-688-0722 or go to www.fosterfestival.com to order online.
The gift of Norm Foster this Christmas season. What could be better than that?
Have a great weekend!
December 14th, 2019.
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