Vancouver Adventures: Our Picks for November 16 to 22

Check out a hit Broadway musical, shop local, experience romantic comedy improv + more

 

1. Waitress — Now until Sunday, November 17

Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Pouring her heart into her pies, she crafts desserts that mirror her topsy-turvy life such as “The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie” and “Betrayed By My Eggs Pie.” When a baking contest in a nearby county — and a satisfying encounter with someone new — show Jenna a chance at a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it. Change is on the menu, as long as Jenna can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness. Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by seven-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (“Brave,” “Love Song”), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam), choreography by Lorin Latarro (Les Liaisons dangereuse, Waiting For Godot) and original direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Hair, Pippin, Finding Neverland).
Queen Elizabeth Theatre; 8 p.m. (2 p.m. Saturday matinee); From $59; Details online 

 

2. Winter Royal Tea — Saturday, November 16 to Monday, December 16

The Hilton Vancouver Metrotown invites little prince and princesses to a special afternoon tea hosted by snow sisters Queen Elsa and Princess Anna. The Hilton will transform into a magical winter wonderland where children are encouraged to come dressed in their favourite costumes to sing and dance with Elsa and Anna. During the tea, children will have the opportunity to meet the sisters and take pictures together while enjoying their royal teatime. The menu has been specially created to reflect the magical winter theme and includes items such as Sweet Frozen Snowflake sugar cookies, Frost Bite scones with jam and cream and ‘We Finish Each Other’s Sandwiches’, which includes a variety of finger sandwiches. 
Hilton Vancouver Metrotown, 6083 McKay Ave; Saturday, November 16 & running every Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. until December 16; $98 for one adult & one child, $180 for two adults & two children, $45 for one additional person; Details online

 

3. Eastside Flea Holiday Market — Saturday, November 16 & Sunday, November 17

Shop local this holiday season. Held every weekend over the festive season, Eastside Flea Holiday Market sees the warehouse decked out with local vendors, two food trucks per day, hot apple cider, a spinning prize wheel fundraiser, great gifts from over 50 vendors, stocking stuffers & more!
The Eastside Flea, 550 Malkin Ave; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Details online

 

4. So You’re a Little Sad, So What? by Alicia Tobin — Wednesday, November 20

Join comedian Alicia Tobin (of the live show Alicia Tobin’s Come Draw With Me and podcasts Retail Nightmares & Super! Sick! Podcast) plus special guests for an evening of comedy to celebrate the launch of her debut book So You’re a Little Sad, So What? Nice Things to Say to Yourself on Bad Days & Other Essays. Hosted by Katie-Ellen Humphries and featuring additional jokes by Charlie Demers, Andrea Jin, and Aaron Read. 
Havana Theatre (Back of Havana Restaurant), 1212 Commercial Drive; Doors at 7:30 p.m. show at 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.; $2 to $10 PWYC all proceeds donated to the BCSPCA; Details online 

 

5. East Van Panto: Pinocchio — Wednesday, November 20 to January 5

East Van Panto returns for a seventh year, welcoming back the creative team behind last year’s hit Wizard of Oz: playwright Marcus Youssef, composer Veda Hille, and director Stephen Drover. When a lonely old ice-cream seller named Gelato is given a puppet by the mysterious Beckwoman of Commercial Drive, his dreams of having a child suddenly come true. Join a locally famous cricket, an angry orca, and a dastardly fox as poor Pinocchio does his best to tell everyone the truth and become a real boy.
The York Theatre; Ages 5 plus; $26 to $40; Details online 

 

6. Vancouver Christmas Market — Wednesday, November 20 to December 24

Celebrating 10 years, the Vancouver Christmas Market features more than 80 huts of authentic German sweets, treats and treasures. Experience the signature yuletide celebration at its expansive seaside site at Jack Poole Plaza. 
From $12 (adult), $8 weekdays before 2 p.m.; Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Details online 

 

7. Merry Kissmas: A Royal Romance — Wednesday, November 20 to December 24

Join in the seasonal merriment with an improvised romcom parody that sees Vancouver Theatresports improvisers use audience suggestions to create on-the-spot, never-to-be-repeated comedic versions of stereotypical romcoms, as well as Royal Wedding characters and situations. Flashbacks will take the audience to key moments in the couple’s courtship as the action moves forward to the day of the wedding – ‘Kissmas Day’.
The Improv Centre; Ages 8 and up; Wednesday to Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Matinees:  December 15, 21 & 22 at 11:30 a.m., December 24 at 2:00 p.m.; $12.75 to $29.75; Details online

 

8. FUSE — Friday, November 22

Curated by Simranpreet Anand and Stephanie Bokenfohr, this edition of FUSE will include performances by local and visiting artists Mike Bourscheid, Raven Chacon, Ralph Escamillan, Elisa Harkins and Kimmortal. The FUSE x CURRENT Art Bar will feature music/DJ performances by Nancy Lee (aka Which Nancy), Katayoon Yousefbigloo, Dae Shields (aka Ital Blue) of Afro Van Connect, with Buni Kor and Vuyo, with visuals and installation by Moniker Press, Colt Darling, Zandi Dandizette and Kyla Yin (aka Kyinskies).
Vancouver Art Gallery; 7:30 p.m.; $15 to $29; Details online

 

9. Deer Lake Craft Festival — Friday, November 22 to Sunday, November 24

Burnaby Arts Council presents more than 60 artisans, including glass blowers, sculptors, potters, wood, fashion and jewelry designers, as well as new artists. Indulge in a selection of seasonal foods such as chocolates, mixed spices, Christmas cakes, cookies, jams, jellies, chutneys and even designer honey. 
Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby; Free parking and admission; Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Details online 

 

10. Peak of Christmas — Friday, November 22 to January 5

Grouse Mountain comes alive with festive delights from Santa’s Workshop to the majestic mountain Light Walk through the forest. Enjoy the snow in the Sliding Zone or stroll through the Gingerbread Village. Meet Santa’s Reindeer and take a sleigh ride through the snow. Craft your own decorations in the Elf Headquarters, write a letter to Santa or watch a Christmas movie together before skating on the outside rink. 
Details online