Prairie Theatre Exchange Launches Holiday Improv Amid Mall Changes

The Christmas season at Portage Place in Winnipeg will be notably different this year due to ongoing construction. With the food court walled off, the iconic clock tower removed, and the legendary fountains taken out earlier this week, the downtown mall is undergoing significant changes. Despite these alterations, the Prairie Theatre Exchange (PTE) is set to continue its holiday traditions with a fresh twist.

Beginning on December 19, 2023, PTE will present a new production inspired by the works of acclaimed children’s author Robert Munsch. This performance, running until January 3, 2024, marks the theatre’s return to Munsch’s world after a hiatus during the pandemic. The show, written by Debbie Patterson, aims to capture the magic of Munsch’s storytelling, rekindling a beloved holiday tradition.

Improv Comedy Takes Center Stage

In addition to the Munsch production, PTE has introduced a new holiday offering in collaboration with the improv comedy group Outside Joke. Since the Christmas season of 2022, this talented ensemble has been crafting unique, one-night-only performances that reimagine the conventional holiday narrative.

Originally inspired by Charles Dickens, the team has shifted its focus to the predictable tropes of holiday films, particularly those produced by Hallmark. The group, which includes Andrea del Campo, RobYn Slade, Toby Hughes, Jane Testar, Chadd Henderson, and Paul De Gurse, is known for its comedic flair and improvisational skills. Their current project involves creating a new Hallmark-style movie musical every night, running until December 21, 2023.

The process has involved extensive viewing of Hallmark films, allowing the group to dissect and analyze the genre’s formulaic elements. “You typically get one character from the big city who has to go to a small town for Christmas. They often don’t have time for Christmas, while the small town celebrates the holiday fervently,” says De Gurse. He has been meticulously tracking the group’s insights on a Hallmark movie spreadsheet, ensuring that the performances resonate with familiar themes such as threatened holiday traditions and rocky relationships.

“Of course, it always ends with a kiss,” adds De Gurse, capturing the essence of these feel-good narratives that audiences have come to love.

As the improv shows continue, the group anticipates guest appearances from local personalities, including blogger Natalie Bell and columnist Niigaan Sinclair, who will be joining in the holiday fun. On December 18, Leif Ingebrigtsen, a frequent collaborator, will add his musical talents to the performances.

PTE’s innovative approach to holiday entertainment comes at a time when traditional aspects of the Portage Place experience are changing. The theatre’s commitment to maintaining its festive spirit amid these developments reflects a dedication to community engagement and the arts.

As the holiday season unfolds, Winnipeg audiences can look forward to celebrating both the nostalgia of classic stories and the excitement of new, improvised adventures, ensuring that the spirit of the season remains vibrant, regardless of the physical changes taking place at Portage Place.