Jubilations
Want a good laugh, listen to some good music, watch theatre, and eat at the same time? You need to visit Jubilations located at 1002 37 St. SW Calgary near Westbrook Mall.
Each year Jubilations puts on five musical theatre projects that spoof popular movies, television shows, and musical groups. There's usually a talented cast of about six to twelve young performers who sing, dance, and act each night for three hours. Sometimes the time seems long, but there's breaks between meal courses and moments of audience participation that help pass the time.
The choreography leaves a lot to be desired, but I really enjoy the singing and humour throughout each performance. The talent originates from all around Canada, each with impressive resumes.
I've been to three shows to date including spoofs on Gilligan's Island, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Cheers (my personal favorite of the three). The 2007-2008 roster includes, Gerry Steinfeld Show (Feb. 9-Apr. 15), Magical Mystery Tour (Apr. 20-June 17), Granny Ghost Whisperer (June 22-Aug. 26), Greedy Rotten Scoundrels (Aug. 31-Nov. 11), and 29 (Nov. 16-Feb. 9).
Each show runs nightly starting at around 7 p.m. and costs $53.95 for an adult on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday and another $10 if you go on Friday or Saturday. Children and seniors are cheaper of course and there are passes available if you plan on going to more than one show in a given season.
While you're being entertained on stage, you're served a four course meal consisting of soup, salad, entree, and dessert. The menu choices are limited (chicken, prime rib, fish, and a vegetarian dish each served with the same vegetables and potatos). The soup comes in a tiny bowl the size of a tea cup. You get a free bread basket of white and multigrain buns, which are tasty and the salad is not bad at all. There's plenty of alcohol to choose from and the dessert is yummy (cheesecake, chocolate cake, and one or two other options). I find the food and coffee regularly tepid, but the service is terrific. The staff are quite friendly and highly enjoyable as they take on animated characters along with the performing cast.
At the end of the entree, audience members who are celebrating a birthday or anniversary are invited up on stage to be congratulated and sang to by the staff. At various moments in the performance, audience members are infused into the show, adding an extra thrill to the evening. I've participated a few times and had a lot of fun.
You can dress however you prefer and all ages are welcome. The show is highly entertaining without the use of unnecessary profanity or gratuitous sex. It's a great atmosphere and not a bad seat in the house.
For more information, call 403-249-7799 or visit the Jubilations website at www.jubilations.ca.
