A New Westminster family is stepping into the spotlight together in a new holiday pantomime.
Kerri Norris and Stephen Elcheshen are appearing in Ellie King's Sword in the Stone, which is being staged by the Royal Canadian Theatre Company at the Surrey Arts Centre from Dec. 15 to 31.
The panto gives the King Arthur story a musical and comedic makeover, and Norris stars as the wicked Queen Morgana, battling Arthur for rulership of the kingdom of Britain.
Elcheshen appears as Owen Money, and the couple's two children are also in the spotlight - two-anda-half-year-old Cayleigh as a lost sheep, and five-yearold Aeron as G'nigel the Gnome.
Norris and Elcheshen were regular performers at New Westminster's former Burr Theatre - and, in fact, it was during the Burr Theatre's days that they were married.
Now the two are both part of the Royal Canadian Theatre Company under the direction of King, who was the founding artistic director of the Burr.
Sword in the Stone opens this week.
There's a two-for-one preview night on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. Evening shows are at 7 p.m. on Dec. 16, 17, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30, with 3 p.m. matinees on Dec. 17, 18, 24, 26 and 31.
Saturday, Dec. 17 is a special family gala to raise money for the CKNW Orphans' Fund. An exclusive pre-show reception, starting at 6 p.m., includes refreshments, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, music and a magician, plus a craft table for kids.
Tickets for the gala night are $55. Tickets for the regular shows are $25.25, $20.25 and $15.25, and groups of 10 or more get $2 off per ticket. Surrey Arts Centre is at 13750 88th Ave. Buy at the box office, 604-501-5566.
For more, see www. rctheatreco.com.
