Jubilations dinner theatre can best be described as an "experience." When attending their shows, you quickly get drawn into the cast of characters not only on stage but also serving you. Mixing parodies of classic TV shows with popular songs equates to an evening of dining and entertainment that is truly one-of-a-kind.

This is especially the case with their current production, "The Best of F.R.I.E.N.D.S." which is a takeoff from the hit TV show that went off air last year. Set after the finale, the talented cast of actors immediately knocks you off your feet with their dead-on grasp of the characters. From their voices to the little mannerisms each character is well known for, you truly believe that the original cast is in front of you. Without a doubt, it must have been a great deal of hard work for the cast to nail these parts, and it speaks to their talent that they pull it off so brilliantly.

Before the show, patrons sample the delicious potato leek soup and "Rachel’s Greens" salad, before choosing from their main course to be served during the first intermission. While the Prime Rib (dubbed "Joey’s Big Beef") is very popular, my companion loved "Ross’ Rustic Chicken" while I chose the delicious "Monica’s Marine" – salmon with hollandaise sauce. For those who like pasta or are of the vegan inclination, you can try "Phoebe’s Veggie Medley." You get to wrap up the night with a choice of either strawberry cheesecake or lemon meringue pie. The show also features theme drinks like "Ross’ New Monkey" coffee, "Joey’s Juice" shooters and "Phoebe’s Favorite Smelly Cat" cocktails.

The cast interacts with the audience as well!  Much to our amusement, Phoebe served us our dinner and kept telling people about the "torrid affair" she and I had when we were both in college.  She told people she could read my mind, and demanded I stop thinking dirty thoughts about her. When I asked her about the rumor that her character was bisexual, she replied "Oh yes. I’ll buy anything, I love to shop." We also forced one of the poor characters wearing an N-sync jacket to give us a few bars of "It’s gonna be me."

If you were a fan of the original show, you have to see this production!  From the jaw dropping choreography to classic 80’s rock songs, the show will likely stand out as one of the best in Jubilation’s history.

A night out with some great food, awesome music and a few good "Friends?" As Chandler would say, "Could there BE anything better?"

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Contributor Jason Clevett |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Jubilations | Theatre |