The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC) is thrilled to announce the world premiere of a new holiday play by Canada’s most beloved playwright Norm Foster as a part of the PAC’s 19/20 HOT TICKET season.

Aunt Agnes for Christmas will play for 15 performances in The Recital Hall from 11 – 22 December 2019.

The idea for Aunt Agnes for Christmas came about over a celebratory lunch hosted by the PAC’s Executive Director Steve Solski after the completion of The Foster Festival’s successful 2017 season of programming. “With audiences raving about the quality of Foster Festival productions and attendance nearly doubling from our inaugural season,” explains Foster Festival Artistic Director Patricia Vanstone, “we decided the time was right to extend our season with a uniquely Canadian Christmas story that would engage the whole family.”

“We are thrilled to see the incredible success The Foster Festival has had in their first few years and to work with them to build on their offerings for the community,” says Steve Solski. “The addition of this new holiday classic-in-the-making to our HOT TICKET program is sure to be a hit.”

Part Mary Poppins with a dose of Auntie Mame to spice things up, Aunt Agnes for Christmas is a zany romp through the ups and downs of family life with a heartwarming Christmas message.

Norm Foster explains, “I love Christmas and in order to capture the essence of the holidays, I wanted to write it in the months leading up to Christmas. I handed Trish the first draft in October 2018.” Vanstone adds, “When I read Aunt Agnes For Christmas, I fell head over heels with the lovable and quirky Trimble family and their eccentric Aunt. With an all-Niagara cast, this is destined to become a Canadian Christmas classic in downtown St. Catharines.”

Aunt Agnes for Christmas will star Shaw Festival veteran Nora McLellan and feature a stellar cast of Niagara actors including two talented local children. Vanstone says, “The search is on for a 9-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl –  we’re introducing a new generation of talent at The Foster Festival.”

Tickets will go on sale this Friday 10 May @ 10am, with discounted tickets available for current HOT TICKET members and Foster Festival Subscribers.

Visit firstontariopac.ca.