Pirates will be taking over the Harbour City this month.
On Friday (Dec. 19) the Nanaimo Theatre Group will open its annual Christmas pantomime at Bailey Studio.
This year’s pantomime, Pirates of the Panto, runs until the end of the month.
The production stars Rachel Scheibel, Tayelor Bourque, Doug Roszmann, Timothy vonBoetticher, Janna Logan, Kim Rogers, Shane Murphy and was directed by Nikita Towe, who is making her directing debut.
Pirates of the Panto is loosely based on the popular Disney movie series Pirates of the Caribbean and centres around Zac Sparrow.
“It’s about Sparrow and his family, who are off in search of buried treasure,” Towe said. “They are being followed by the evil Captain Spongebag Roundpants.”
Sparrow is played by Scheibel, 18, who has previously appeared in productions of Little Shop of Horrors, Legally Blonde: The Musical and Aladdin.
“It is a very fun panto,” Scheibel said. “It’s fun for all ages. They get to interact with the characters, which is great because they feel like they have been involved.”
Towe said the audience will enjoy Scheibel’s portrayal of Sparrow.
“I think people are going to love her. She is a very enthusiastic young girl who steps up and makes the most of everything that she is directed to do,” Towe said.
Pirates of the Panto runs until Dec. 31 at Bailey Studio, 2373 Rosstown Rd.
For more information, including ticket prices and purchases, visit www.nanaimotheatregroup.com.
arts@nanaimobulletin.comTwitter: @npescod