Ha Ha Halton to host 1st Halloween sketch comedy show since the pandemic at John Elliott Theatre

By Fatima Raza, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, TheIFP.ca

Ha Ha Halton is inviting the community to join in on its first Halloween-themed event since the pandemic, for an afternoon filled with fun and laughter through their sketch comedy and improv show.

Taking place on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m., at the John Elliott Theatre in Georgetown, the “Screaming with Laughter” performance marks the organization’s first Halloween show since the pandemic.

“From self-conscious slashers to possessed pumpkin spice lattes and even a haunted House of Commons, lovers of the odd and macabre will not want to miss what this show has in store,” reads the event description.

With nine years of experience in the community, Ha Ha Halton is excited to tackle themes like horror and Halloween they haven’t explored in years.

“Currently, Ha Ha Halton is in our first season back since COVID and this is our first season putting on a series of shows at the John Elliott Theatre,” said Molly Sicilia, one of the lead team members.

“It has been really exciting being back and putting on live productions since taking such a long break,” Sicilia added.

The team hopes to attract a large audience and provide an afternoon full of entertainment.

“We’re just hoping to bring out as much of the community as possible, to give them a good time and hopefully, a couple laughs,” said Michael Chantrel, another lead team member. “I think everybody could use a laugh right now so come out to our show, wear your costume and have a good time.”

Sicilia noted the organization has been actively promoting the event through social media and local posters, which has resulted in positive feedback and a record turnout of around 120 attendees for previous shows.

“It would be great if we got about the same turnout this time, but most importantly, we just want to make our audience have fun,” she said.

With a small yet dedicated team, the group has four leaders, nine cast members and six crew members.

“We’re a fairly small team but a lot of our members are capable of doing multiple jobs. It’s a smaller team, but it’s also like a family and we all get along very well,” Sicilia explained.

This show will feature new elements, including sketches filmed by the team. “I’m particularly excited to premiere those film sketches at this show because that’s something entirely new that we haven’t done before,” Sicilia said.

She said the humour will draw from familiar horror themes but in a comedic and new way. “It’s definitely going to be fun because you’ll recognize the characters that we’re trying to make fun of,” she added.

While the event is intended for all ages, the team advises parents to consider their children’s comfort levels with spooky themes. “We try to make our shows accessible for all ages and hopefully enjoyable for families,” Sicilia explained and recommended parents consider their children’s reactions to Halloween themes before attending.

Tickets can be purchased online and are priced at $20 for adults, $15 for students and $10 for children aged 12 and under. Proceeds from ticket sales will go toward costumes, props and other costs associated with putting on the show.

At the end of the season, any leftover funds will be considered as proceeds to a local charity, reflecting Ha Ha Halton’s commitment to giving back to the community it performs in.

In addition to the upcoming show, the group will be participating in the Georgetown Santa Claus Parade later this year.

“It’s a great way to see the community and share our brand of fun,” Chantrel said.

To purchase tickets and to stay up to date with the group’s future events, visit their Facebook page and website.