The Chutzpah! Festival, a celebration of Jewish culture, returns this fall with its Canadian and international programming of comedy, theatre, dance, music, and more. Taking place October 24-November 24 at multiple venues across Vancouver, the 2019 Festival features Sandra Bernhard, Iris Bahr, Daniel Cainer, Gary Lucas, AvevA, Yemen Blues, Guy Mintus Trio, Rami Kleinstein, The Rescue: A Live Film-Concerto, Geoff Berner and TJ Dawe & Friends, The Diary of Anne Frank LatinX, Tamara Micner’s Holocaust Brunch, ProArteDanza, MM Contemporary Dance, UNA Projects, and more. Details and tickets at www.chutzpahfestival.com

Ho-Ho-Ho! Capture your holiday memories and get a festive photo taken with Santa at Central City. Photos with Santa are offered during select shopping centre hours from November 15 to December 24 at Santa Land, on the south side of the centre near Tim Hortons. All kids that visit Santa will receive free treats (while quantities last). Santa’s FastPass payment option is available at www.centralcity.ca to reduce photo line-up wait time and offer convenient online ordering. Be sure to get your favourite furry friends’ photos taken with Santa too-exclusive pet photo sessions are available on select evenings. Visit www.centralcity.ca for full details including Santa’s visiting hours and package prices.

The Cultch is thrilled to present Theatre Replacement’s East Van Panto: Pinocchio at the York Theatre from Wednesday, November 20, 2019 to Sunday, January 5, 2020. 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 vendor named ‘Gelatto’ 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. But why are Pinocchio’s limbs always growing? Will there be a Cappuccino War between the ‘Abruzzos’ and the ‘Calabrias’? And why are all those kids ditching class to go to Hastings Racecourse? Don’t worry, Pinocchio – just follow your nose! “We had a wonderful time in Oz last year, and we are thrilled to be returning with the same creative team,” says Theatre Replacement’s Artistic Director, Maiko Yamamoto. “This year, we are headed straight to the heart of East Van: Commercial Drive! Marcus has taken inspiration from the neighbourhood’s Italian heritage to give Pinocchio a brand new, hyper-local spin. As always, we are trying to walk the line between respecting tradition and upending convention. We feel so lucky to be able to take these kinds of risks each year alongside thousands of families from across the Lower Mainland.” Heather Redfern, The Cultch’s Executive Director adds, “It means so much to us that the Panto has become such a wonderful holiday tradition for so many people. Last year’s Panto was so successful that we’ve extended the run dates this year to seven weeks. We are so excited to sing along with everybody. Go Panto, Go!” East Van Panto: Pinocchio is recommended for a general audience. As an advisory to adults who might bring young people, The Cultch recommends East Van Panto: Pinocchio for ages 5 and up. All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket. TICKETS: Tickets from $26; On sale now at The Cultch’s Box Office, by phone at 604.251.1363, or online at www.thecultch.com *Child tickets just $26 for any seat in the house *(must be 16 and under) **Family Packs from $160 **(Family Pack includes 2 adult 2 child tickets)