The Pine ‘N’ Sandy troupe — the Sunshine Coast’s hardest-working drag performance ensemble — is planning a sequel to rival last year’s groundbreaking holiday show.
Fab-Yule-Us 2023 will take place at the Raven’s Cry Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 16 as a benefit for the Sunshine Coast Affordable Housing Society. According to Shayne Forster, who coordinates Pine ‘N’ Sandy’s bookings and also appears as Shaylo, this year’s revue is set in a fantastical Candyland.
Forster and other members of the group gathered at Helmsen Joinery — owned by troupe member Eoin Helmsen — to construct elaborate set pieces for the show.
“Unlike a typical drag show, this show will be story-based,” explained Forster. “The hosts will be going on a journey. All the members will combine all the features of drag. There will be sincerity and sadness, the whole range of emotions.” The show will fuse spoken-word, lip sync performance, and dance.
Since its formation last year, the 15-member troupe’s bimonthly drag performances have been attracting capacity audiences. Resident host Poison Mercury and guest host Randy Darlin’ will serve as masters of ceremony for the Raven’s Cry performance.
“After last year’s performance, we had a great deal of positive feedback,” said Forster. “It’s a reflection of what we do in the community. Working with Sunshine Coast Affordable Housing, people who might go to their events come to our events and vice-versa. And people who went to our fundraiser were excited to come to our regular shows in general. There’s a lot of ways people can see what we’re doing — we’re very transparent.”
The Pine ‘N’ Sandy ensemble presented a free family-friendly performance during the springtime Sunshine Coast Pride event in Mission Point Park.
For sound reinforcement at the Fab-Yule-Us, Spencer Carson and DJ E-List have partnered to concoct an intoxicating mix. A silent auction will raise additional funds for the Affordable Housing Society. Tickets ($50) are available by browsing to local listings on Eventbrite.
A very stable story
Members of the St. Bart’s community will be presenting a live nativity play at the Gibsons Heritage Farm on Dec. 15 and 16.
The light-hearted retelling of the Advent story features a constellation of dancing angels, a wild star, and animals.
Donations are requested ($10 or $20 for families) but no one will be turned away. Warm treats will also be served.
Performances take place on Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. and Dec. 15 at 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. The Gibsons Heritage Farm is located at 713 Henry Road in Gibsons.
Calling all artists
Members of the Sunshine Coast Arts Council are invited to submit pieces for the upcoming Friends of the Gallery show. Any member is invited to submit one piece in any medium, including three-dimensional and digital work.
Artwork drop-off is available at the Council’s Medusa Street location in Sechelt on Dec. 20 and 21 (noon to 2 p.m.) and Jan. 3 (10 a.m. to noon).
The exhibition’s opening reception will take place on Jan. 5.
