I’ve seen The Nutcracker a couple of times with my mother, whether performed on stage or on TV (it’s a mother-daughter Christmas tradition) and we both agree that the rendition by Alberta Ballet, now playing at the Queen Elizabeth theatre, choreographed by Edward Stripe with live music by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, is by far the most awe-inspiring and magical out of any of the productions we’ve ever seen.
Photo courtesy of the Alberta Ballet. Credit: Darren Makowichuk
The ballet is based on an adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffman The Nutcracker and the Mouse King. It’s about a young girl, who is given a nutcracker doll that comes alive and after defeating the evil Mouse King in battle, whisks her away to a magical Kingdom populated by dolls.
Stripe, with his artistic collaborator and award-winning designer Zack Brown, roots the production in 19th century Imperial St. Petersburg with the russian-style tutus with soft capped sleeves, white wolves, and the long lines and broad style of Russian dance.
Yukichi Hattori really bursts with magic and mystery as the Nutcracker. The Sugar Plum Fairy (Mariko Kondo) and her Cavalier (Jaciel Gomez) elevate the spectacle to a dream-like level, capturing the imagination of the inner-child in every audience member with their solo performances in Act II. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra does a beautiful job in layering Tchaikovsky’s score with the every step and every move of every dancer–what a treat it was to have live music at the ballet.
But what really made the ballet were the more than 100 local dance students who danced alongside the 30 dancers of the Alberta Ballet. Whether crawling around stage as mice, or running around, teasing each other as children at the party–they were an absolute delight to watch. I was particularly happy at the culturally diverse casting of the children and parents (there were so many adorable hapa kids!) which I thought was suiting because The Nutcracker is ballet that celebrates the many diverse cultures we have–Russian, Spanish, Chinese, and even Sugar Plum Fairy. It is this combination of diversity and carefully-crafted elements that capture the imagination that make this production of the Christmas classic a complete success.
You still have time to catch The Nutcracker in Vancouver. December 29th and December 30th at 7:30pm and December 31st at 2:00pm. Follow Ballet BC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more information about their performances this season.
Celebrate the opulence and decadence of the 1920s in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s Lobby this New Year’s Eve as they host a Gatsby-themed party.
Photo courtesy of Rosewood Hotel Georgia
The hotel’s roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve Lobby Party features 23 performers including a live band, cabaret/burlesques entertainment, iced vodka and caviar bar, liquid nitrogen oyster station, dancing and countdown. Doors open at 8:30pm on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 and the party goes til 3:00am.
Tickets are available for $149 per person. Tables are an additional $75 per person and include a bottle of Champagne for every two people. A VIP Gatsby Table for $2,000 includes seating in fireplace area for 10 guests and five bottles of Champagne. Reservations can be made by calling (604) 673-7031 or emailing [email protected].
If you would like to win your way into this glitzy celebration, I have a pair of tickets to give away. Here’s how to enter:
- Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 10:00am on Monday, December 30, 2013. Must be 19+ to enter and attend. Follow the Rosewood Hotel Georgia on Facebook and Twitter for more information.
Update The winner is Daleth H!
There are a few family friendly options for New Year’s Eve in Vancouver but what about the big kids who don’t want to simply attend a club night? Luckily, there are several options for adults that include entertainment, attractions, and restaurant dining.
New Year’s Eve Events for Adults in Vancouver
Entertainment
New Year’s Eve Great Gatsby Party with the Boom Booms
Where: Imperial Vancouver (319 Main Street, Vancouver)
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2013 from 9:00pm
Features: The Imperial has lined up a sensational evening of entertainment featuring Vancouver’s favorite tropicalia jam band, The Boom Booms – these boys are sure to have you on the dancefloor breaking out your best Charleston. The evening will also feature performances by producer/songwriter Chin Injeti and DJ Su Comandante. Tickets on sale now.
Patrick Maliha’s Naughty Little New Year’s Eve at The Rio
Where: The Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway at Commercial, Vancouver)
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2013 doors at 8:45pm, show til 10:45pm, party til 1:00am
Features: Art Factora (Bite TV, Vancouver Comedyfest, NBC’s “Stand Up for Diversity”, SiriusXM Satellite Radio “Search For Canada’s Next Top Comic”) will be the MC. The show will feature Melody Mangler (Burlesque Hall of Fame’s Best of Burlesque, Vancouver International Burlesque Fest, Naughty But Nice Sex Show); Shirley Gnome (The People’s Champ of Comedy Competition 2012 $20,000 Winner, Edinburgh Fringe Festival); and headliner Patrick Maliha (World Record Holder, The Comedy Network, CTV, CBC, Bite TV, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, CKNW). Tickets on sale now and include party favours and complimentary glass of bubbly to ring in the New Year.
A New Year’s Eve Gatsby-Inspired Lobby Party
Where: Rosewood Hotel Georgia (801 W Georgia, Vancouver)
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2013 from 8:30pm
Features: Step into into the lobby of the historic Rosewood Hotel Georgia and magically step back in time to the 1920s: jazz will be playing, champagne will be flowing and dresses are sure to be head turning at this elegant experience, which includes a live band and cabaret. The Gatsby-style decadence of the 1920s is brought alive by the caviar bar and liquid nitrogen oyster station: pile on the pearls and bring your dancing shoes to enjoy the refined revelry long past the midnight countdown. Entertainment from The Malcolm Aiken Trio, Pandora & The Locksmiths and Skylab sounds will keep the dance-floor hopping. A welcome cocktail, entertainment throughout the evening, chef’s selection of canapés and party favours are included in the ticket price. For enquiries and tickets, call (604) 673-7031 or email [email protected].
The Edgewater Casino will also host a free fireworks show at midnight. You can also watch The Big Lebowski at the Vancity Theatre or catch Ballet BC’s The Nutcracker earlier in the day.
Attractions
New Year’s Eve – Elevation 2014
Where: Vancouver Lookout (555 W Hastings, Vancouver)
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2013 from 9:00pm to 3:00am
Features: The Vancouver Lookout offers a stunning 360° view of the city and Man About Town Entertainment will be playing music that will keep you dancing all night. The viewing deck will have two rooms with two different DJs spinning music until the early hours of 2014. With the purchase of a ticket, you will receive complimentary canapés from 9:00pm to 10:30pm and champagne at midnight. Tickets are available now, must be 21+.
Twisted NYE 2014
Where: TELUS World of Science/Science World (1455 Quebec St, Vancouver)
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2013 from 9:00pm to 3:00am
Features: Two rooms of music on two floors, six of the city’s top DJs, sound and lighting systems, five fully licensed bars, 1100-person capacity. Tickets on sale now.
Grouse Mountain New Year’s Eve Snowshoe Fondue
Where: Grouse Mountain
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Features: Following a one-hour guided snowshoe tour under the stars, warm up inside with a scrumptious cheese and chocolate fondue in cozy Alpine Cabin. Tickets include a one-hour guided snowshoe tour, headlamp, snowshoe rentals, Skyride access and fondue. To make your reservation, please call Grouse Mountain Guest Services at (604) 980-9311.
Restaurants
Mardi Gras NYE
Where: Uva Wine Bar (900 Seymour, Vancouver)
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2013 from 9:00pm
Features: New-Year’s-by-way-of-New-Orleans celebration complete with Mardi Gras beads, southern-inspired cocktails by Bar Manager Lauren Mote and passed midnight party treats for $40 per guest. Entertainment will be provided by the brassy, sultry and jubilant stylings of the James Danderfer Trio, which will transport listeners back to the small, 1930s jazz cabarets of New Orleans and Chicago with timeless tunes reminiscent of the Benny Goodman and Jelly Roll Morton trios. Tickets on sale now.
New Year’s Eve Gala at the Peak of Vancouver
Where: The Observatory, Timber Room, Altitudes Bistro at Grouse Mountain
When: Seatings at 5:30, 5:45, 8:30-9:00pm, 9:00pm-9:30pm, 8:30-9:45pm. Seatings from 8:30pm onward include a complimentary glass of sparking wine, DJ and dancing.
Features: The early seating offers great value and is perfect for those with other parties later in the evening or those who want to celebrate New Years on Eastern Standard time. The second seating provides a tasting menu of choice, a complimentary glass of sparking wine, DJ and dancing. Multi-course dinners include Skyride tickets. Reservations can be made via Chalet Reception (604) 998-5045.
New Year’s Eve at La Pentola
Where: La Pentola at the OPUS Hotel (350 Davie, Vancouver)
When: Early seating (7 courses) 5:00pm to 8:00pm, late seating (10 courses) 9:00pm to late
Features: La Pentola’s signature NYE menu will feature both family style platters and individual dishes. Highlights include a glass of Moet & Chandon Champagne upon arrival, caviar, vitello tonnato, lobster ravioli, Icelandic heritage breed lamb and celebratory dolci. For more information call (604) 694-2103 or email [email protected].
New Year’s Eve at Dockside
Where: Dockside Restaurant in the Granville Island Hotel (1253 Johnston St, Vancouver)
When: Tuesday, December 31, 2013 from 9:00pm to 1:00am
Features: Two parties in two rooms. Enjoy R&B from Brickhouse in the Dockside Restaurant and then DJ Jay Swing in the lounge. Tickets available now with a four-course dinner package option. Reservation required, call (604) 685-7070. Enjoy access to both parties along with bubbles and party favours at midnight and VIP Entry to Bar None in Yaletown after 1:00am.
These events are all for those 19+ or 21+, be sure to confirm when making your reservation or booking your ticket. Please enjoy responsibly and plan a safe ride home!
Follow me on Twitter for more information about New Year’s Eve events and happenings around Vancouver. If I missed anything here please feel free to leave a comment to have it included.
While we have to wait another year before the City of Vancouver hosts its own New Year’s Eve celebration, there are still a few options this year for family friendly fun.
Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Vancouver
Robson Square
Grab your mittens, jacket and skates and bring the whole family down to the Robson Square ice rink this New Year’s Eve for a celebration full of family fun.
The Robson Square ice rink is proud to host its fifth annual free family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Vancouver with live music, sugar cookie decorating, DJs and an early countdown with noise makers and glow sticks and of course skating.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
4:00pm – 8:00pm Cookie Decorating
5:00pm – 8:00pm Rumba Calzada
7:30pm Countdown to New Years
8:30pm – 10:30pm The Freshest DJ’s
Regular hours return on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 (9:00am to 9:00pm Sunday to Thursday; 9:00am to 11:00pm Friday and Saturday). Skating is free with your own skates otherwise rentals are available. Skate rentals are $4, helmets $2, and ice cleats are $2. The rink also features a concession stand with snacks and warm drinks.
The Robson Square Ice Rink is open until the end of February 2014 and you can join Miss604 Night at the rink on January 2, 2014 from 5:30pm until 7:00pm. I’ll have free hot chocolate (use code MISS604 at concession), free rentals for the first 4 people to find me, and a skate giveaway.
Mount Seymour
Head to the North Shore and ring in 2014 with an early countdown at Family First Night at Mount Seymour. The North Shore News Snowplay Area and Enquist Lodge will host festivities from 5:00pm to 9:00pm on Tuesday, December 31, 2013.
Throughout the night, enjoy tubing and tobogganing with your family, or cozy up in front of two custom made Seymour fire pits, enjoy hot apple cider and s’mores, music, sparklers, party hats and more.
An event ticket must be purchased for Family First Night, as tickets purchased earlier in the day will not be valid. Season pass holders will also have to purchase an event ticket. Tickets for Family First Night are now available in advance by either visiting Mt Seymour’s Guest Services in person or online here.
Variety Show at Vancouver Playhouse
Variety show entertainment for the whole family including live music and comedy acts with performances at 2:00pm and 7:30pm on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at the Vancouver Playhouse (601 Hamilton St, Vancouver). The show features local favourites such as the tight-and-bright Spandy Andy, magician Travis Bernhardt, circus acrobat Leah James, comedic juggler Daniel Zindler, and the swinging music of the Carnival Band. Shows by Vancouver Cabaret aren’t what your great granny would have seen, but give a bright new face to the Vaudevillian spirit of her day. All ages, $20.00 to $39.00.
Bright Nights in Stanley Park
If you didn’t have the chance to visit Bright Nights in Stanley Park before Christmas, New Year’s Eve might be a great time to visit with the family. Enjoy a miniature train ride, festivities on the plaza, and the beauty of the park in winter. Train tickets can be purchased in advance or on-site, admission to the plaza is by donation.
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
View the world’s largest living Christmas tree at Capilano Suspension Bridge as the Canyon Lights stay lit until January 4, 2014. Treetop adventures await once you cross the iconic bridge and photo opportunities abound on the Cliffwalk.
VanDusen Festival of Lights
The dazzling light display with over a million twinkling bulbs will remain open through the new year and you can visit the Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden on New Year’s Eve. Admission tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door.
I have a full list of adults-only attractions, entertainment, and restaurant listings available as well. REMINDER: Translink services are free from 5:00pm on New Year’s Eve until 5:00am on New Year’s Day.
Ring in the New Year at Doolin’s Irish Pub with DJ Shakespeare on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 from 8:00pm until 4:00am. Tickets are available online in advance and they include champagne at midnight, party favours, and pizza. For reservations or inquiries email info [at] doolins.ca or call (604) 605-4328.
Over the years we have become well-acquainted with Doolin’s Irish Pub on the corner of Granville and Nelson as it is the home of the Vancouver Southsiders (and we’re members). Hearty portions, a variety of menu options, local craft beer, and a festive atmosphere can always be found at this downtown pub.
If you would like to attend New Year’s Eve at Doolin’s, I have two tickets available to give away. Here’s how you can enter to win:
- Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
- Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
I will draw one winner at random from all entries on Friday, December 27, 2013 at 12:00pm. Must be 19+ to enter and attend. Please enjoy responsibly and plan a safe ride home in advance. Follow Doolin’s on Twitter and Facebook for more information.
Update The winner is @WFLBC on Twitter Kevin!
