Review: Lunchbox's With Bells On provides hilarious, meaningful message
(read full review)
Hobson's Choice: Lunchbox spread holiday cheer with With Bells On
(read full review)
WITH BELLS ON
by Darrin Hagen
November 28 - December 17, 2023
He's a mild-mannered accountant with persistent bad luck who heads out for his first night of adventure after a nasty divorce. When he holds the elevator door for a 7-foot Glamazon who lives down the hall (who has “decked the halls” by creating the Ultimate Christmas Queen Pageant Outfit), they begin what should be an uneventful ride down to the main floor lobby.
But then the elevator gets stuck. And the unlikely duo is forced to work together to escape. The stakes are as high as her sparkly head-dress—she needs to be onstage by midnight, or relinquish her claim to the crown.
With Bells On is written by award-winning playwright, composer and drag artiste Darrin Hagen. This international hit was initially developed at Lunchbox and has gone on to great acclaim, and we are delighted to bring it home to our stage. With Bells On is the holiday comedy for everyone, even those who feel excluded from traditional Christmas entertainment.
Directed by Conrad Belau
Poster Artwork by Maezy Reign
Please be advised that With Bells On contains strong language that may not be suitable for all ages as well as dazzling performances suitable for all patrons.
The show's running time is 60 minutes.
Note: Video and audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Photos: Ben Laird
Cast and Crew:
Bernardo Pacheco | TED
Joel Schaefer | Natasha
Conrad Belau | Director
Lauren Acheson | Lighting designer
Alexa Elser | Choreography
Darrin Hagen | SOUND DESIGNER
CASSIE HOLMES | SET DESIGNER
Meredith Johnson | STAGE MANAGER
HAYSAM KADRI | FIGHT DIRECTOR
Caaryn Sadoway | APPRENTICE STAGE MANAGER
Benjamin Toner | COSTUME DESIGNER
Show Dates:
TUESDAY NOV 28 – 12PM (PREVIEW)
WEDNESDAY NOV 29 – 12PM
THURSDAY NOV 30 – 12PM (OPENING)
FRIDAY DEC 1 – 12PM & 7PM (CELEBRATING PRIDE)
SATURDAy DEC 2 – 12PM & 4PM
SUNDAY DEC 3 – 1:30PM (Relaxed & aSL-INTERPRETED, SUPER masK FRiENDLY - “PAY WHAT YOU CAN” AT THE DOOR)
TUESDAY DEC 5 – 12PM
WEDNESDAY DEC 6 – 12PM
THURSDAY DEC 7 – 12PM (Talk back)
FRIDAY DEC 8 – 12PM & 7PM
SATURDAy DEC 9 – 12PM & 4PM
SUNDAY DEC 10 – 1:30PM
TUESDAY DEC 12 – 12PM - SOLD OUT
WEDNESDAY DEC 13 – 12PM - SOLD OUT
THURSDAY DeC 14 – 12PM (Talk back) - SOLD OUT
FRIDAY DEC 15 – 12PM - SOLD OUT & 7PM - SOLD OUT
SATURDAy DEC 16 – 12PM - SOLD OUT & 4PM - SOLD OUT
SUNDAY DEC 17 – 1:30PM (CLOSING) - SOLD OUT
Location:
Lunchbox Theatre performances take place in the Studio at Vertigo Theatre, at the base of the landmark Calgary Tower.
#161, 115 - 9 Ave. SE
Calgary, AB T2G 0P5
Tickets can’t be purchased online 60 minutes before the show but you can call and book at 403-221-3708 or at the box office window before the show.
Doors open 30 minutes before the show.
You are welcome to pack your lunch or dinner and eat it during the show, the bar will be open before each performance to purchase snacks and drinks but there are no sandwiches/ lunches for sale at the venue.
Note: We aim to have a scent-sensitivity environment. Please avoid wearing scented personal care products such as perfume, cologne, aftershave, scented lotions or creams for the body, face or hands.
We suggest this show for 12+.
Note: Video and audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Celebrating Pride Organizations
We are excited to have a special day for the run of With Bells On that is dedicated to Celebrating Pride Organizations. Please join us for a time of entertainment, holiday cheer, and appreciation for your work and impact! Join us for either show on Friday, December 1 at 12 pm or 7 pm.
For December 1 only: Show your Lunchbox ticket and get 10% off your bill at ONE18 Empire after the show. Make plans to try a special “Celebrating Pride” cocktail! See you there!
Pay What You Can
Join Lunchbox Theatre for an accessible ticket price for a super accessible show of With Bells On on Sunday, December 3. Pay-What-You-Can pricing will be available at the door, the day of performance, beginning at 1:00 pm. The performance begins at 1:30 pm.
Relaxed and ASL
We'll also be joined by Inside Out Theatre's Good Host program on Sunday, December 3rd at 1:30PM to make this performance more accessible. We welcome the Deaf, Deafened and Hard of Hearing community to enjoy the show with ASL interpretation, provided by Good Host, and we'll also be offering this show as a Relaxed performance.
Masked Performance
Our priority is providing a safe environment for our patrons, staff, volunteers and artists. In an effort to support the comfort levels of all our guests, Lunchbox Theatre has made the decision to offer select Masked Performances this season. This decision was made to address the accommodations requested by some of our patrons, either for preference or personal health reasons. We hope this option gives reassurance of Lunchbox Theatre's support of all our patrons, and ask that all in attendance respect these special accommodations for these performances.
With Bells On
Sunday, December 3rd at 1:30 PM
What is a Talk Back?
After the show's performance, most (usually all) of the actors return to the stage to answer your questions and provide insight into the play you have just experienced.
Group Bookings
Make some memories with your staff this holiday season - get the group discount! Group rates are available for bookings of 10 or more and are a very affordable $25 per ticket. Call our box office at 403-221-3708 from 10 AM - 4 PM, Monday to Friday.
Volunteers
Our volunteers make it possible for us to do what we do, and we're always on the lookout for dedicated and passionate individuals to help us out!
See a show for free! Usher or volunteer front of house for any of our shows.
