Heather Morrison loves Halloween – the ghosts and ghouls, the monsters, witches and candy.
"I dress up every year," says the 26-year-old dancer, who gets to have an extended All Hallow's Eve this year.
Morrison has been a character in the musical The Great Big Boo since it debut in Vancouver in 2004.
She went from a dancer, to dance captain to performance director and now works as an executive assistant for Patrick Roberge Productions, the company behind the musical that also produced the opening ceremonies for the Vancouver Paralympic Games and Grey Cup Halftime Show.
Instead of leaving the stage and working behind the scene, Morrison wanted to continue performing.
"It's a great opportunity to dance with my friends," she says.
"Anytime I get to dance with my friends I'm grateful for that because I know I will not be doing this for the rest of my life."
The Great Big Boo follows Justin, Zoe and their zany character friends from Boo Alley as they sing and dance their way through a maze of wacky adventures to save Halloween.
The show has been a Halloween tradition for many families in the Lower Mainland. Kids attend the show in costume and trick-or-treat adventure with Boo characters after the curtain closes.
"The characters are just lovable," says Morrison, who enjoys meeting the audience after the show.
Unlike most Halloween offerings, the Great Big Boo bills itself as a non-scary experience that will captivate and delight audience members of all ages.
"It's spooky but not scary that's why it's great for families," says Morrison.
Besides Morrison, there are a host of other dancers from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
They include: Cierra Martin, Nicole LaPlaca, Valin Shinyei, Trinity Desaulniers, Jessica Herman, Sydney Plante, Amber Plante, Aidan Springle, Natalie Wiens, Keegan Langenhaun, Emma Mazer and Chelsea Miller.
Showtime
• The Great Big Boo plays at the PNE Forum, 100 Renfrew Street in Vancouver on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The show plays again on Sunday, Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets at www.ticketleader.ca.