Moms tackle Christmas in 30th Anniversary Show.
“Funny, insightful, embarrassing, pretty much true, and wonderfully universal” Vancouver Sun
Victoria, BC...From December 3 - 22 2024, the Belfry Theatre will present Mom’s the Word: Talkin’ Turkey by The Mom’s the Word Collective. Directed by Pam Johnson, Mom’s the Word: Talkin’ Turkey stars its creators Jill Daum, Alison Kelly, Robin Nichol, Barbara Pollard, and Deborah Williams.
“Whether from gut-busting laughter or finding the heart in life’s little and big triumphs, it’s hard not to shed a tear during Mom’s The Word: Talkin’ Turkey.” Jay Minter
It started as a lark: Six new mothers got together every Saturday morning to write a show about motherhood. Thirty years on and over two million audience members later, the Moms are back to tackle the most wonderful time of the year: Christmas. Nothing is sacred as the Moms tell their truth—the hilarious truth and nothing but the embarrassing truth. The Moms see you.
“…just plain hilarious.” Stir Vancouver
Why I Chose This Play
When I was Artistic Director of the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario, I invited a show to come and play on that stage. It was called Mom’s the Word. I fell in love with the show—and with Jill, Alison, Robin, Barbara, and Deborah. They were not only hilarious—they were also heartwarming and heartbreaking. I loved them then—and I love them now—all these years later! Come and help us celebrate their 30th Anniversary of real stories, by and about real moms. —Michael Shamata
Playwrights’ Notes
31 years ago, we got together as a group of young moms, desperate for our experiences to be shared and our voices to be heard. Since then, our shows include Mom’s the Word, Mom’s the Word 2: Unhinged, Mom’s the Word: Remixed (a combo of 1 & 2), Mom’s the Word: Nest 1⁄2 Empty, and Mom’s the Word: Talkin’ Turkey. The scripts have been translated into 10 languages and played in over 19 countries, including a run in London’s West End: Just for Laughs/Montreal and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Over two million people have experienced MTW. It has united parents through laughter and tears around the globe. We are delighted to be coming home to the Belfry and grateful to our favourite son, Michael Shamata, for his unwavering belief in us and support over the last 3 decades.
Mom’s the Word: Talkin’ Turkey tackles this wonderfully dangerous time of the year, because no matter what kind of family you’re from, Christmas is a ride. And, if we’re honest, it’s Mom who usually finds the mittens, packs the hot chocolate, and hauls the sled up the hill. No matter how you feel about the season, we invite you to tuck your napkin under your chin, raise a glass, and join us for a merry time at the table!
The Mom’s the Word Collective: Jill Daum, Alison Kelly, Robin Nichol, Barbara Pollard & Deborah Williams.
Cast
Jill Daum
Alison Kelly
Robin Nichol
Barbara Pollard
Deborah Williams
Colleen Winton – Standby
Creative Team
Pam Johnson – Director / Set Designer
Barbara Clayden - Costume Designer
Hina Nishioka - Lighting Designer
Candelario Andrade - Projection / Sound
Mishelle Cuttler - Composer
Caryn Fehr - Stage Manager
Becca Jorgensen – Assistant Stage Manager
Colleen Winton - Dance Captain
Original Choreography by Anna Kuman
Ticket Information
We are offering Pay What You Want tickets for all performances this season. Tickets are available at 250-385-6815 or online at tickets.belfry.bc.ca.
Show Sponsors
Mom’s the Word: Talkin’ Turkey is generously supported by Richardson Wealth IC Blue Heron Wealth Advisory Group and Used.ca.
Season Sponsors
The Belfry is generously supported by The Times Colonist, Helijet, and Splashes Bath & Kitchen.
Public Funders
The Belfry is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts, the Province of BC, BC Arts Council, CRD Arts Development, and the City of Victoria.
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Mark Dusseault