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Live children’s theatre back in Penticton and Summerland starting in October

The popular Children’s Showcase live theatre series returns for its 35th season
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Kelowna’s Oots n’Oots band will be playing at the Cleland Theatre Feb. 3. Submitted photo

Looking for lots of dazzle, plenty of giggles, plenty of swagger and a bundle of conundrums? Then the Children’s Showcase has just the tickets.

Back for it’s 35th season, this year’s four live theatre performances once again offer up some of Canada’s top family entertainers.

“It’s going to be a really great season,” said Showcase publicist Jayme Friedt. “We are a mainly volunteer group of people who are really passionate about bringing live theatre to Penticton and surrounding area.

“I think what we are really looking for when we put a season together is a diversity of acts. The other thing is is that we try to appeal to the little ones and at the same time have something there for parents and grandparents so it’s enjoyable for everyone.”

Related: Cleland Theatre filled with childhood laughter

The season opener at the Cleland Theatre on Oct. 28 is award-winning hoop dancer Safire, billed as one of the best in the world with disciplines ranging from multi-hoop dance, flag spinning, contact juggling to stilt walking.

Next up on Nov. 25 at the Centre Stage Theatre in Summerland is DuffleBag Theatre from Ontario with their outrageous version of Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Goofy antics and witty story twists abound in a hilarious reworking of the beloved classic poem by the “nearly world-famous” DuffleBag Theatre.

Back at the Cleland on Feb. 3, performing music from their debut record Electric Jellyfish Boogaloo is the Kelowna band Oot n’ Oots, hailed as a group with chops, soul and swagger.

On March 3 at the Cleland the wrap up act is from award-winning creator Candice Roberts, Ideas Bobert! performed by CandyBones Theatre of Vancouver.

The show is described as a “clown tour de force of comedy and conundrum.”

Related: Sounds of Mardis Gras to fill Children’s Showcase in Penticton

With a vintage silent film styling, shadow puppetry and stop motion animation projections, the world of Ideas Bobert! is rich with magic and creativity, according to organizers.

“Over the years, I think we’ve brought in some absolutely amazing people,” said Friedt. “I think also that parents that used to go when they were kids, this has been around for so long, are now bringing their kids. It’s a generational thing.”

Single tickets are $12 or season tickets are available for $30 for all four shows.

Tickets are available at Tumbleweed Gallery, Penticton Arts Council office, Prague Café, Penticton Art Gallery, Oliver Veterinary Hospital, The Beanery Café, Summerland or online at Eventbrite.

Tickets also available at the door. For more information call 250-492-7997 or go to childrensshowcase.ca.

To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.

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Candy Bones will be performing Ideas Bobert? March 3 at the Cleland Theatre. Submitted photo
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Safire is a world renowned hoop dancer who will be opening the Children’s Showcase season Oct. 28 at the Cleland Theatre. Submitted photo