GORE BAY—The Gore Bay Theatre (GBT) is presenting Norm Foster’s ‘Dear Santa’ starting Saturday, November 30 and running until Sunday, December 8 at the Gore Bay Community Centre.
This family fun production is produced by award winning GBT member Walter Maskel and directed by GBT newcomer, and former executive director of Theatre Ontario, Andrea Emmerton.
‘Dear Santa’ is the tenth Norm Foster play produced by the GBT and a much-loved holiday production across Canada.
“It’s a fun story with a good message,” Ms. Emmerton told The Expositor. “It explores the true meaning of Christmas—that it isn’t all about the commercial aspect of gifts, it’s about spending time with friends and family.”
Ms. Emmerton added that the play combines subtle adult humor with a plot that includes Santa Claus, youth playing elves and Christmas carols, making it family friendly.
“We have seven youth playing elves,” revealed Mr. Maskel. “The cast and crew have been working hard rehearsing for the last three months. It is a very funny production intended for the entire family.”
Cast members include Vincente Belenson, newcomer Lori Evans, Susan Garlock, Kayla Greenman, Walter Maskel, and Kay Valentine, an actress who will be coming from Toronto to perform her role. The elves include Sophie Hietkamp, Malia and Mason Leighton, Dream McLaughlin, Ayriell Nodecker, Madison Swihart and April Torkopoulos.
‘Dear Santa’ opens at the Gore Bay Community Hall on Saturday, November 30 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth ages 5 to 18 and will be available at the door. Other show times are Sunday, December 1 at 2 pm, Friday, December 6 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, December 8 at 2 pm.