Holiday Laughs

I'm always endlessly impressed by live drama. Especially when there aren't any lines to hide behind, as is the case with improv. These actors are expected to be bright, funny, and memorable at a moment's notice - and they do it so well. It's not a talent I share.

This latest bout of admiration has been brought on by a new a show, Holiday Special, presented by the Vancouver TheatreSports League at the New Revue Stage on Granville Island.

I got invited to the opening night, and an hour and a half later my stomach hurt from laughing so hard. The 'plot' is that of an old-school holiday special on TV, where two groups are brought together by a jovial host for a bunch of holiday games. The two teams - the "neighbours" and the "colleagues" -then launch into theatre sport games led by audience suggestions.

From gross-out humour about milking a cow to the funniest skit I've ever seen about the Christmas traditions of India (Bollywood style!) it was about as much Christmas humour as can be tolerated in early November. I think there's even a family show!

Learn more about Vancouver TheatreSports' Holiday Special online.

Ferry Cruisin'

One of the best things about living in (or visiting) Vancouver is the ease with which one can get away from the city for a day, or a weekend.

But this post isn't about all the great things to do in Whistler, the Okanagan, or Vancouver Island, it's about the journey. Specifically, the journey to Vancouver Island, onboard one of Vancouver's great transportation traditions, the BC Ferries.

These behemoth boats cart moving vans, cars, motorcycles, backpackers and day-trippers upwards of a dozen times a day to different areas on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

$75 sees two people and a car getting the experience of driving from the city onto a ship and emerging a couple of hours later in a colonial city, romantic coastal town, or on their way to a rugged rainforest.

In the warmer months, cozying up deckside will offer great views of the islands you will weave through, while looking to the sea can show off pods of killer whales and dolphins.

When the weather isn't as nice, like this weekend, grab a seat by the window and a coffee.

On the newer ships, for an extra fee of $10 a person, you can grab a seat in the Seawest Lounge. Seats with more space face the windows, there are complimentary magazines, snacks, and Starbucks coffee. Best of all, in my opinion, is that its 18+, so you won't inadvertently get caught in the middle of a brotherly food fight.

BC Ferries run 25 routes servicing 47 ports of call, from a commuter to and from Bowen Island to a bigger ship cruising the Inside Passage. Learn more about BC Ferries here.

Openings and Events - This Week in Vancouver

This new feature will profile all the notable events, exhibition openings, and other happenings in Vancouver. If I miss anything, shoot me an email!

Ballet BC presents The Faerie Queen (11/06 - 11/08)
Queen Elizabeth Theatre
The ballet take on the Shakespeare classic A Midsummer Night's Dream. Beautiful costumes and beautiful bodies. Date night?

The Vancouver Canucks
GM Place
Local heros - the Vancouver NHL team - take on the Phoenix Coyotes (11/06), the Minnesota Wild (11/08) and the Colorado Avalanche (11/12).

Folding Cultures (Opens 11/07)
Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens
A contemporary exhibit of Chinese fans, painted by Vancouver-based artists, in a beautiful, natural venue.

BC's Creative Expo (11/07 - 11/08)
Vancouver Exhibition and Convention Centre
With over 100 workshops on the latest techniques in Scrapbooking, Quilting, Crafts, etc, this is the largest educational consumer show in BC.

TheatreSports League presents iProv (ends 11/08)
New Revue Stage (Granville Island)
Vancouver's best theatresports taking the internet offline and putting it on stage. If the Apple commercials have taught us anything, it's that technology can often be hilarious.

Festival of Remembrance (11/11)
Orpheum Theatre
An inspiring concert that helps to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the end of World War I.

Circle Craft Christmas Market (11/11 - 11/16)
Vancouver Exhibition and Convention Centre
Crafts, artisan goods, and tasty gift ideas. Start your shopping early.

Must Love Dogs (11/12)
The Coast Plaza Hotel
A date night unlike any other, where prospective suitors and pets can meet, mingle, and suss out the competition. Proceeds go to the BC SPCA.