Everyone’s favourite theatre-forward festival is gearing up for another year of family-friendly entertainment.
Project X Theatre Company is bringing Kamloops the 14th edition of X Fest to Prince Charles Park from July 15 to August 3, 2019.
The annual event has been adored within the community since its inception in 2006, as it started out with performances of classic Shakespeare works, before morphing to showcase readaptations of popular plays that many know and love.
The 2019 event boasts new interpretations of the fairy tale classics, Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk, over the course of three weeks.
Reimagined by popular children’s playwright Mike Kenny, this version of Cinderella stays true to the storyline but is packed with even more loveable characters, rambunctious rat storytellers and fun new twists!
“The rats and I are so excited for X fest! They’ve been asking me every day when they can finally tell our story,” said Cinderella in an exclusive interview with KamloopsBCNow.
“Sometimes, they get so excited they have to sing and dance! They do such a wonderful job that I think it’s going to be hard not to join in.”
We all know the story of how Jack climbed the beanstalk, but have you ever heard it told with puppets? Well, this year at X Fest you’ll get to.
Revamped by Randi Edmunson, this new take on an old classic is one that will have the whole family entertained through the show's entirety.
With new and original music, a sprinkle of magic and incredible puppetry — you can relearn the story of Jack and the Beanstalk in a way it’s never been told before.
“I'm pretty excited to tell my story. I mean, it has music and magic and friends, so what more could you want?” said Jack.
“Plus, the audience gets to cast spells and give me advice and stuff, so it's pretty much like everyone is on an adventure with me!”
To keep the festival accessible and inclusive, X Fest is bringing back the popular Pay-What-You-Can Matinees for the July 20th 2 p.m. performance of Jack and the Beanstalk in addition to the 2 p.m. performance of Cinderella on August 3rd.
Early Bird Tickets are on sale now through Eventbrite. Single show tickets start at $25 for adults and $11 for children, with two show bundles available for $45 and $19.
Family packs (including two adult and two child tickets for each show) are also available for $135.
“If my town had something as fun as X Fest to do in the summer, I'd never be bored, it's so awesome to come with your whole family and be outside and see a play!” said Jack.
Jack also wants to remind attendees to dress for the weather, because you never know what mischief may be lurking in the skies.
“Make sure you bring clothes for any weather, because the wizard - you know, the one who gives me the beans - she likes to be mischievous and cast lots of spells that change the weather. Look out for her!”
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to support the arts, spend quality time with family and enjoy summertime in Kamloops — Cinderella is excited to see you.
“I am so excited to get to have a lovely time with my best friends, the rats, and to see beautiful faces all around the park. Although the step-sisters give me lots of cleaning to do, we still have a great time!” said Cinderella.
