logo
  • News
    • Community
    • Local Government
    • Sports
    • Alberta Politics
    • Opinion
    • Deke
  • Events
  • Jasper Builds
  • Peaks & Valleys
    • Wildlife
    • Hiking and Climbing
    • Biking
    • Fishing
    • Snow Sports
  • Culture
    • Jasper Arts & Culture
    • Local Dining
    • Local Literature
  • Jasper History
  • Support
    • News
      • Community
      • Local Government
      • Sports
      • Alberta Politics
      • Opinion
      • Deke
    • Events
    • Jasper Builds
    • Peaks & Valleys
      • Wildlife
      • Hiking and Climbing
      • Biking
      • Fishing
      • Snow Sports
    • Culture
      • Jasper Arts & Culture
      • Local Dining
      • Local Literature
    • Jasper History
    • Support
From Jasper With Love: side-splitting satire for tourists and locals alike
Bob Covey photo
Arts and Culture, Community, Jasper Arts & Culture, News
By Bob Covey
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
From Jasper With Love: side-splitting satire for tourists and locals alike

Hoots, hollers, cheers and tears were emanating from the Lobstick Lodge for the debut of Jasper Theatre Productions‘ outrageous new show, From Jasper, With Love.

On June 26, in anticipation of the production’s June 28 public premiere, a local audience filled the seats of the Lobstick’s Skyline Lounge, delighted to be the first theatregoers to take in the hour-long sketch comedy by newly-minted Jasperites Joost Tijssen and Pieter van Loon.

They weren’t disappointed. After a short introduction, the Netherlands ex-pats got into quirky character, delivering their razor-sharp lines with brilliant comedic timing. In highlighting what makes Jasper National Park so endearing for residents and visitors alike, they lovingly lampoon locals, tenderly tease tourists and playfully poke fun at Parks Canada. The satire is spot-on as the actors traverse a trail of Jasper-specific situations which engender universal, relatable reactions. Although scripted, the play has an exciting element of improv, due in part, surely, to the Dutch duo’s training in that genre of theatre games, but also from the always-improvisational positions of working as servers in busy Jasper restaurants. 

The premise of the play is simple enough: convince the audience not to fall in love with Jasper. “Warn, protect, save!” Tijssen and van Loon chant, before delving into their tourist “tips,” advice which will help innocent visitors avoid the pains of the heartbrokenness they’ll eventually suffer when they have to move on from Jasper.

“You thought you were going to a fun play about Jasper, about two people falling in love with this beautiful place,” they begin. “No! We are here to warn you, to protect you, to save you from this little town.”


Advertisement

The actors explain that they themselves were only supposed to be here for six months. 

“And then? Jasper.”

With athletic physical comedy, using hilariously-exaggerated props and by interacting with the audience (which is mere metres away from the two stages Tijssen and van Loon designed specifically for the room and the script), the cast of two riff on local tropes, demonstrating how quickly they’ve ingrained themselves with the community, all the while keeping it relatable for an audience of visitors. They intersperse each sketch with enough Jasper trivia and tourism truths that the play is (in the very best way) not unlike a series of live-acted memes—funny on first glance, hysterical if you get the deeper references.

The fact that Tijssen and van Loon’s script has so many deep cuts is a testament to their ability to make fast friends. In an hour that races by as fast as their white-sneakered feet carry them around the room, the neophyte mountain dwellers throw perfect darts at unprepared campers, overzealous wildlife watchers, extra-ambitious sightseers and ultra-“helpful” locals. Hopping into a host of ridiculous characters such as Eddie the Elk and the seductive Madam (Lake) Annette, Tijssen and van Loon nail the summer vibe in J-town: bustling, beautiful and charmingly chaotic. 

Like the town they fell in love with not even a year ago, amid the frenzy, Tijssen and van Loon’s play has at its heart a wholesome pull. The actors themselves radiate exuberance, and between the laughs there is genuinely good guidance for making the most out of one’s trip to Jasper, no matter how long that stay is. Whether it’s a dark skies viewing recommendation or a tip of their hats to the kids that call the community home, there is an honest, heartfelt component to each act that draws you into the story. It’s easy to see how when they’re not producing and promoting their play, Tijssen and van Loon would be great at waiting tables.

While the play is aimed at tourists, From Jasper With Love gives enough witty winks to locals that it’s this reviewer’s opinion that every Jasper resident ought to get their (free for the first week!) tickets to see this excellent act. Beyond the tourism-specific yuks, however, it’s apparent that Tijssen and van Loon’s summer-long show is something special. Audiences will fall in love with the the smart script, the simple and brilliant props and the passionate performances from these two talented thespians. 

But be prepared, you also might fall in love with Jasper all over again.


From Jasper With Love runs Tuesdays to Saturdays, all summer long, at 8p.m. at the Lobstick Lodge. Tickets are available here.


Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com

Articles You May LIke ›
Most Read ›
Rebut the Rebuttal: Do Mark Hall’s criticisms ‘bear’ up to scrutiny?
Alberta Politics
Rebut the Rebuttal: Do Mark Hall’s criticisms ‘bear’ up to scrutiny?
Mark Bradley 
Monday, September 1, 2025
Mark Hall’s reaction to my article on the newly legalized practice of hunting bears with dogs started with the statement that it ‘relies on emotional ...
this is a test
On the roof of the Rockies
Hiking and Climbing
On the roof of the Rockies
Cameron Jackson, freelance contributor 
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
A father and son’s five-year journey to summit mighty Mount Robson From a distance, Mount Robson looks like something painted onto the horizon. Mount ...
this is a test
Tip to tip provincial bike ride for Search and Rescue
Biking
Tip to tip provincial bike ride for Search and Rescue
Bob Covey 
Thursday, August 28, 2025
A team of cyclists riding from Alberta’s southern border to where the province meets the Northwest Territories passed through Jasper on Tuesday, Augus...
this is a test
Green thumbs and jam
Community
Green thumbs and jam
Su Young-Leslie 
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
A gardener and a publisher walk into a Farmers’ Market I sow seeds in potting soil. When we were chatting at the market, Jasper Local publisher Andrea...
this is a test
Latest ›
Walking Through Fire: The Land
Environment
Walking Through Fire: The Land
Kirsten Schmitten 
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Part 3: Seeing the forest floor through the trees In  Part 1 of our Walking Through Fire series , we discussed how post-fire vegetation bounces back. ...
this is a test
Jasper RCMP make stolen vehicle arrest
News
Jasper RCMP make stolen vehicle arrest
Monday, August 18, 2025
RCMP have charged a Jasper resident with possession of stolen property and dangerous driving. On August 17, Jasper RCMP received multiple reports of a...
this is a test
Jasper’s Mayor will run again in 2025
Alberta Politics
Jasper’s Mayor will run again in 2025
Bob Covey 
Friday, August 15, 2025
Richard Ireland has indicated his intent to run for mayor in Jasper again. The only mayor that the community has ever known filed his notice of intent...
this is a test
Bet on Jasper: Reflections from the river
Community
Bet on Jasper: Reflections from the river
Georgia Ristivojevic 
Friday, August 15, 2025
Were it not for a life-altering wager, longtime local and raft guide Andre Blanchette-Dube might not have been raised in Jasper. “My parents moved to ...
this is a test

NEXT ARTICLE

Once in a red moon

Local Indigenous

Most Read ›
Rebut the Rebuttal: Do Mark Hall’s criticisms ‘bear’ up to scrutiny?
Alberta Politics
Rebut the Rebuttal: Do Mark Hall’s criticisms ‘bear’ up to scrutiny?
Mark Bradley 
Monday, September 1, 2025
Mark Hall’s reaction to my article on the newly legalized practice of hunting bears with dogs started with the statement that it ‘relies on emotional ...
this is a test
On the roof of the Rockies
Hiking and Climbing
On the roof of the Rockies
Cameron Jackson, freelance contributor 
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
A father and son’s five-year journey to summit mighty Mount Robson From a distance, Mount Robson looks like something painted onto the horizon. Mount ...
this is a test
Tip to tip provincial bike ride for Search and Rescue
Biking
Tip to tip provincial bike ride for Search and Rescue
Bob Covey 
Thursday, August 28, 2025
A team of cyclists riding from Alberta’s southern border to where the province meets the Northwest Territories passed through Jasper on Tuesday, Augus...
this is a test
Green thumbs and jam
Community
Green thumbs and jam
Su Young-Leslie 
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
A gardener and a publisher walk into a Farmers’ Market I sow seeds in potting soil. When we were chatting at the market, Jasper Local publisher Andrea...
this is a test
Latest ›
Green thumbs and jam
Community
Green thumbs and jam
Su Young-Leslie 
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
A gardener and a publisher walk into a Farmers’ Market I sow seeds in potting soil. When we were chatting at the market, Jasper Local publisher Andrea...
this is a test
Rebut the Rebuttal: Do Mark Hall’s criticisms ‘bear’ up to scrutiny?
Alberta Politics
Rebut the Rebuttal: Do Mark Hall’s criticisms ‘bear’ up to scrutiny?
Mark Bradley 
Monday, September 1, 2025
Mark Hall’s reaction to my article on the newly legalized practice of hunting bears with dogs started with the statement that it ‘relies on emotional ...
this is a test
Election 2025: Voting tools for residents
Election 2025: Voting tools for residents
Friday, August 29, 2025
Residents displaced by the 2024 wildfire can still participate in this October’s municipal election. And with voting booths opening in less than two m...
this is a test
Robson Valley Mushroom Festival to spore no detail
Arts & Culture
Robson Valley Mushroom Festival to spore no detail
Georgia Ristivojevic 
Friday, August 29, 2025
Make room for mushrooms this September 26-28 in B.C.’s fertile Robson Valley. The Robson Valley Mushroom Festival , spore-headed by longtime Jasperite...
this is a test
This site complies with Jasper requirements
Contact us
Privacy Policy
Advertise With Us
About The Jasper Local
Accessibility Policy
Support

Follow Us

Advertise with us

Measurable, targeted, local. Email example@thejasperlocal.com

ePaper
coogle_play
app_store

© Copyright The Jasper Local