New West finishes off the year with a ‘Blockbuster’

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on December 10, 2022.

Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman New West theatre cast members performs a scene from their latest show "Blockbuster" during a media call this week at the Yates Memorial Theatre

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

New West Theatre is ready to close out 2022 with Blockbuster, a hit parade of people’s favourite blockbuster songs and sketch comedy from Dec. 14 – 31.

Director Grahame Renyk said people can expect a lot of laughter and the goofiness on stage that is a staple for New West Theatre.

“We’re sort of riffing on this idea of blockbuster, looking a little bit at blockbuster movies from blockbuster artists, and then we also went back through the vaults to find some old numbers and comedy sketches that we dusted off and are bringing back,” said Renyk.

He said the audience will get a visit from Johnny Cash himself, old classic numbers, a little dancing in the streets and a little walking on sunshine.

“Maybe a little visit from a couple of movie musicals, Spray, Grease, Hair. We got lots going on and a little Miley Cyrus number, that you might think that given there’s a wrecking ball in it would be funny, but we’ve actually taken a different spin on it,” said Renyk.

He said the stage was designed by Jim Wills and it was designed to be bright and cheerful, while at the same time radiating warmth to the audience.

New West performer Erica Hunt said it is a great connection between the show and the audience.

“We are a little bit loose and sometimes things just happen, and we can actually share a laugh with the audience which actually works out really good,” said Hunt.

She said it is a great community event and they love performing it and hope many people get to enjoy it through the holidays.

“It’s a lot of fun, this has a lot of very comic numbers in it. I think we’ll have a little bit of something for everyone,” said Hunt.