New West puts on a Carnival of fun

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In the dead of winter, even in Lethbridge where winter really isn’t that bad when you compare it to other places, it is only natural to want to escape the cold — to take a vacation. Maybe to Carnival. If you can’t get away, New West Theatre‘s latest production of Carnival, which runsMark Nivet and Erica Hunt enjoy Carnival. Photo by Richard Amery Dec. 26-Jan. 9 at the Yates Theatre, is the next best thing. As per usual it is 90 minutes of high energy popular hits, carefully choreographed dance numbers and some vacation themed comedy.
“It’s going to  be an exciting uptempo show with a lot of popular favourites,” said director Nicholas Hanson, as the cast ran through an exuberant rendition of Journey’s ‘Anyway You Want it.’
“Generally  the nature of the comedy is focused on travel, vacations and escaping from Lethbridge cold,” he continued adding the music includes everything from  classic  rock like the Beatles to more modern rock and pop.
“It’s a great mix of  big rock songs and some lovely ballads and a number of musical surprises,” Hanson grinned, refusing to tip his hand about the nature of the surprises. The cast is full of familiar faces including Jocelyn Haub, Jessica Ens, Kathy Zaborsky, Scott Carpenter, Mark Nivet and Erica Hunt, but it also features a new cast member, Steven Greenfield.
“We have a great  set of professional actors who are extremely  dedicated to the show,” Hanson enthused.The cast of Carnival. Photo by Richard Amery
“He (Greenfield) has brought a fresh perspective and enthusiasm,” he continued adding the cast has been rehearsing for the show since the beginning of December.
 The show runs Dec. 26-Jan. 9 at the Yates Theatre each night at 8 p.m. with  1 p.m. matinees Dec. 26 and Dec. 31. and Jan. 2 and Jan. 9. There will be a special New Year’s Eve champagne performance at 7 p.m.
Check http://www.newwesttheatre.com/ for more details.
— By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat editor
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