New West Theatre is performing Blockbuster from December 14 to 31, 2022, at the Yates Memorial Centre. (Photo: LNN, December 8, 2022)

By Sarah Jones

New West Theatre putting on its final show of the season, Blockbuster

Dec 8, 2022 | 3:24 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – New West Theatre has gathered its ensemble cast to put on its final performance of 2022, a brand new music-comedy revue.

Blockbuster is set to hit the stage at Yates Memorial Centre this month with tunes that will have audience members moving and grooving in their seats.

The theatrical troupe will perform songs and musical numbers from films while incorporating sketch comedy.

Director of Blockbuster, Grahame Renyk said, “From Blockbuster, you can definitely expect a lot of laughter and some goofiness that is certainly a New West staple.”

“We’re sort of riffing on this idea of Blockbuster looking a little bit like blockbuster movies, some blockbuster artists, and then we also went back through the vault to find some old numbers and comedy sketches that we dusted off and are bringing back,” he explained.

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Renyk hinted that songs will include numbers from Johnny Cash, Miley Cyrus and visits from musicals like Hairspray, Grease, and Hair.

Joining the ensemble cast is a new fresh face, Ethan Bintu-Watt, whom Renyk described as a treat to work with, alongside a former New West cast member who will be returning to the stage, Devon Brayne.

The variety show runs for two hours and New West Theatre promises to give the audience a night they won’t soon forget.

“What we wanted was something bright and cheerful but also that sort of radiates warmth out to the audience,” added Renyk. “I feel like that’s kind of the thing I love about directing the New West shows, but also being in them is just the fun we have up here that we like to share with people.”

New West Theatre hopes to see the community come out and support local performances, after admitting they saw some success in their fall production, Decades.

In November 2022, New West Theatre launched their Save our Stage Fundraiser as they could face postponement or closure heading into the new year.

The non-profit is looking to raise $150,000 within the next two months in order to eliminate deficits faced during this year and ensure they can maintain operating costs in 2023.

Ticket sales from Blockbuster will be going directly towards New West Theatre with additional opportunities to donate to the Save our Stage Fundraiser online.

New West Theatre warns that tickets can only be purchased directly on their website, the ENMAX Centre website, or the Yates Memorial Box Office, as there have been several ticket re-seller pages popping up and marking up tickets to astronomical prices.

Blockbuster runs at the Yates Memorial Centre from December 14 to 31, 2022.

READ MORE: New West Theatre could face closure without community support