A Year of Blessings

A brave Little Shrimp with a big heart takes us on a musical adventure through the underwater and underworld to connect with friends, family, and ancestors on Qing Ming, the tomb-sweeping holiday.

A Year of Blessings’ Episode 2: ‘Little Shrimp’

‘Little Shrimp’ is devised and co-written by Nancy Tam, Derek Chan, Natalie Gan, Howard Dai, and Robyn Jacob

With performances by 

Little Shrimp - Derek Chan

Cousin Mantis Shrimp - Johnny Trinh

Auntie Lo - Mitchell Hung

Mo - Rose Pichler

Mom Shrimp - Agnes Hui

Curry Squid Server - Jenny Zhou

Big-Headed Shrimp - Kevin Lam

Gramma Shrimp - Elaine Tsang

DJ Rockfish - Penelope Choi

Lobster Bisque - Penelope Choi

King Crab - Angus Yam

Lobster the Mobster - Kenny Poon

DJ Jellybelly - Olivia Poon

Translation by Olivia Poon

'Little Shrimp Theme Song', 'I’m Late', 'The Goodbye Song', composed and performed by Robyn Jacob

Sound Design and additional composition by Nancy Tam

Additional sound design by Howard Dai

Mixed and mastered by Ira Jordison

Illustrations by Cherry Lu

Recorded at Monarch Studios, Vancouver, BC

‘A Year of Blessings’ is devised and co-written by Five Blessings, Amanda Sum and Kristin Fung

Five Blessings

Nancy Tam, Derek Chan, Robyn Jacob, Jasmine Chen, Howard Dai

Charlie Cooper - Associate Producer

We kick off this Lunar New Year with tales from our bunny friends at the Bao household. In the midst of preparing for the lunar new year family feast, twinned bunnies Bunnifer and Bunnithy learn the true meaning of new year festivities and a couple of…interesting… recipes along the way. 

‘A Year of Blessings’ Episode 1: ‘Bun Fun New Year’

'‘Bun Fun New Year’ is devised and co-written by Nancy Tam, Derek Chan, Jasmine Chen, Howard Dai, and Amanda Sum 

With performances by 
Bunnifer - Athena Chan
Bunnithy - Howie Kwan
Mama Bao - Lynne Lee
Baba Bao - Angus Yam
Gong Gong Bao - Robin Leung
Tiger Mom - Carlie Cheukyiu Yeung
Terry - Jonathan Pang
Bao Bey Babies - Rose Pichler
Lobster Bisque - Penelope Choi
Dim Sum Auntie Cat - Nancy Tam
Ox - Kevin Lam
Po Po Dragon - Jenny Zhou

Snake - Harmony Yen
Rat Uncle - Derek Chan
Dog - Kenny Poon


Translation by Olivia Poon

Bun Fun New Year Theme Song, Disowned, A-BUN-DANCE composed, and performed by Amanda Sum

Sound Design and additional composition by Nancy Tam
Mixed and mastered by Ira Jordison
Illustrations by Cherry Lu

Recorded at Monarch Studios, Vancouver, BC

‘A Year of Blessings’ is devised and co-written by Five Blessings, Amanda Sum and Kristin Fung

Five Blessings 
Nancy Tam, Derek Chan, Robyn Jacob, Jasmine Chen, Howard Dai

Charlie Cooper - Associate Producer

We kick off this Lunar New Year with tales from our bunny friends at the Bao household. In the midst of preparing for the lunar new year family feast, twinned bunnies Bunnifer and Bunnithy learn the true meaning of new year festivities and a couple of…interesting… recipes along the way. 

‘A Year of Blessings’ Episode 1: ‘Bun Fun New Year’

'‘Bun Fun New Year’ is devised and co-written by Nancy Tam, Derek Chan, Jasmine Chen, Howard Dai, and Amanda Sum 

With performances by 
Bunnifer - Athena Chan
Bunnithy - Howie Kwan
Mama Bao - Lynne Lee
Baba Bao - Angus Yam
Gong Gong Bao - Robin Leung
Tiger Mom - Carlie Cheukyiu Yeung
Terry - Jonathan Pang
Bao Bey Babies - Rose Pichler
Lobster Bisque - Penelope Choi
Dim Sum Auntie Cat - Nancy Tam
Ox - Kevin Lam
Po Po Dragon - Jenny Zhou

Snake - Harmony Yen
Rat Uncle - Derek Chan
Dog - Kenny Poon


Translation by Olivia Poon

Bun Fun New Year Theme Song, Disowned, A-BUN-DANCE composed, and performed by Amanda Sum

Sound Design and additional composition by Nancy Tam
Mixed and mastered by Ira Jordison
Illustrations by Cherry Lu

Recorded at Monarch Studios, Vancouver, BC

‘A Year of Blessings’ is devised and co-written by Five Blessings, Amanda Sum and Kristin Fung

Five Blessings 
Nancy Tam, Derek Chan, Robyn Jacob, Jasmine Chen, Howard Dai

Charlie Cooper - Associate Producer

A Year of Blessings’ finale episode, ‘Operation Double Happiness’ tracks a family of Taiwanese Mandarin ducks who reside in different parts of Turtle Island. Clara and Cici are identical twins who have been in rivalry since birth and are now estranged, but their daughters Jamie, and Mallory are tightly connected–thanks to the interwebs. The two BFF cousins hatched Operation Double Happiness to unite their family for the Winter Solstice celebration in Taiwan. Jamie and Mallory narrate their mission to us in this heist-style, spy-movie episode—think The Incredibles meets 007. Will the wily cousins be able to restore family harmony?

A Year of Blessings Episode 6: ‘Operation Double Happiness’

‘Operation Double Happiness’ is devised and co-written by Derek Chan, Jasmine Chen, Howard Dai, Kristin Fung, and Nancy Tam

With performances by 

Cici Yuan - Nhi Do
Clara Tang - Debi Wong
Mallory Tang - Tiana Jung
Jamie Yuan - Angela Chu
Waipo 外婆 - Elaine Tsang
Floor Manager - Derek Chan

‘Family Harmony’ composed by Robyn Jacob, performed by Angela Chu, Debi Wong, Nhi Do, and Tiana Jung
‘Fight Song’ composed by Robyn Jacob, performed by Nhi Do and Debi Wong

Sound Design and additional composition by Nancy Tam
Mixed and mastered by Ira Jordison
Illustrations by Cherry Lu
Voice Direction by Jasmine Chen

‘A Year of Blessings’
A Five Blessings Collective Production
Co-Presented by Gateway Theatre and Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre

‘A Year of Blessings’ is devised and co-written by Five Blessings, Amanda Sum and Kristin Fung

Five Blessings
Nancy Tam, Derek Chan, Robyn Jacob, Jasmine Chen, Howard Dai

Charlie Cooper - Associate Producer

‘A Year of Blessings’ is supported by Canada Council for the Arts, and British Columbia Arts Council

We celebrate the Mid Autumn Festival with Eunice, RoRo, and Mabel. The three chum salmon swim upstream from the ocean, through the estuary, up the creek, and homeward bound into the forest where they will spawn. With rising temperatures and lowering water levels, The Three Chums will need to rely on their enduring friendships, new connections, the myth of Chang Er, and the legend of The Whooshhh—the salmon cannon—to get them safely home. 

A Year of Blessings’ Episode 5: ‘Legend of the Whooshhh’

‘Legend of the Whooshhh’ is devised and co-written by Derek Chan, Jasmine Chen, Howard Dai, Nancy Tam, and Kristin Fung.

With performances by 
Eunice - Stephanie Wong
RoRo - Angela Chu
Mabel - Harmony Yen
Tuna Turner / Vendor 2 - Kristin Fung
Seahorse Dad - Pedro Chamale
Brad - Cindy Kao
Jean Claude van Dam / Mini bus driver - Raugi Yu
PA / Rude Frog - Kayleigh Sandomirsky
DJ JellyBelly - Robyn Jacob
Steelhead - Jasmine Chen
Uni the Urchin Merchant - Conor Wylie
Duncan - Charlie Cooper

‘Fins Together, Friends Forever’’ composed and performed by Kristin Fung; ‘Whooshing up the River (Proud Chang’e)’ arranged and performed by Kristin Fung; ‘Baby When I Row My Boat’ arranged by Kristin Fung, performed by Cindy Kao; ‘Do You Believe in Life After Whoosh’ arranged by Robyn Jacob, performed by Kristin Fung

Sound Design by Nancy Tam
Mixed and mastered by Ira Jordison
Illustrations by Cherry Lu
Voice Direction by Jasmine Chen

‘A Year of Blessings’
A Five Blessings Collective Production
Co-Presented by Gateway Theatre and Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre

‘A Year of Blessings’ is devised and co-written by Five Blessings, Amanda Sum and Kristin Fung

Five Blessings
Nancy Tam, Derek Chan, Robyn Jacob, Jasmine Chen, Howard Dai

Charlie Cooper - Associate Producer

‘A Year of Blessings’ is supported by Canada Council for the Arts, and British Columbia Arts Council

Star athlete Faye, a 5th-generation dragon boat drummer, has a secret passion for playing music in the band, Skyhorns. When the Skyhorn’s biggest gig yet–opening for Manta Del Rey–falls on race day of the Dragon Boat Festival, our hero is faced with an impossible decision: fulfill traditions, or forge a new path. Faye seeks wisdom from the immortalized Chinese poet, 屈原 (Qu Yuan). With so much on the line, how will our young dragon choose? Will they sync, oar, swim? 

A Year of Blessings’ Episode 3: ‘Band of Dragons: Sync, Oar, Swim’

‘Band of Dragons: Sync, Oar, Swim’ is devised and co-written by Derek Chan, Jasmine Chen, Howard Dai, Amanda Sum, and Nancy Tam

With performances by 
Faye - Heidi Damayo
Devon - Aidan Chan
Aria - Katrina Teitz
Coach - Amy Amantea
Qu Yuan - Derek Chan
Jellybelly - Robyn Jacob
Logan Longan - Conor Wylie
Dimsum Auntie Cat - Nancy Tam
Noodle Guy - Howard Dai

Additional voice acting by: Cindy Kao, Stephanie Wong, Kimberly Ho, and Jasmine Chen

'The Dragon’s Heart (Band of Dragons)', 'We are the Skyhorns', 'why??? (Ask the Water)', composed and performed by Robyn Jacob

Sound Design and additional composition by Nancy Tam
Mixed and mastered by Ira Jordison
Illustrations by Cherry Lu

‘A Year of Blessings’ is a Five Blessings Collective Production
Co-Presented by Gateway Theatre and Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre
‘A Year of Blessings’ is devised and co-written by Five Blessings, Amanda Sum and Kristin Fung

Five Blessings
Nancy Tam, Derek Chan, Robyn Jacob, Jasmine Chen, Howard Dai

Charlie Cooper - Associate Producer

‘A Year of Blessings’ is supported by Canada Council for the Arts, and British Columbia Arts Council

A brave Little Shrimp with a big heart takes us on a musical adventure through the underwater and underworld to connect with friends, family, and ancestors on Qing Ming, the tomb-sweeping holiday.

‘A Year of Blessings’ Episode 2: ‘Little Shrimp’

‘Little Shrimp’ is devised and co-written by Nancy Tam, Derek Chan, Natalie Gan, Howard Dai, and Robyn Jacob

With performances by 
Little Shrimp - Derek Chan
Cousin Mantis Shrimp, 婆婆 (GRAMMA SHRIMP), and Auntie Lo - Natalie Gan
Mo, Mom Shrimp, and Curry Squid Server  - Nancy Tam
Big-Headed Shrimp - Howard Dai
Radio Announcer 2 (DJ Rockfish) and Radio Announcer 3 (Lobster Bisque) - Robyn Jacob
King Crab - Pedro Chamale
Lobster the Mobster - Daniel O’Shea
Radio Announcer 1 (Jellybelly) - Milton Lim

Additional voice acting by: The Carousel Theatre Staff of 2021 (Shizuka Kai, Randi Edmundson, Angie Descalzi, Rick Chung, and Tanya Schwaezle)

'Little Shrimp Theme Song', 'I’m Late', 'The Goodbye Song', composed and performed by Robyn Jacob

Sound Design and additional composition by Nancy Tam
Additional sound design by Howard Dai
Mixed and mastered by Ira Jordison
Illustrations by Cherry Lu

‘A Year of Blessings: Little Shrimp’ is a Five Blessings Collective production, presented by Gateway Theatre
‘A Year of Blessings’ is devised and co-written by Five Blessings, Amanda Sum and Kristin Fung

Five Blessings 
Nancy Tam, Derek Chan, Robyn Jacob, Jasmine Chen, Howard Dai

Charlie Cooper - Associate Producer

‘A Year of Blessings’ is supported by Canada Council for the Arts, and British Columbia Arts Council

We kick off this Lunar New Year with tales from our bunny friends at the Bao household. In the midst of preparing for the lunar new year family feast, twinned bunnies Bunnifer and Bunnithy learn the true meaning of new year festivities and a couple of…interesting… recipes along the way. 

‘A Year of Blessings’ Episode 1: ‘Bun Fun New Year’

'‘Bun Fun New Year’ is devised and co-written by Nancy Tam, Derek Chan, Jasmine Chen, Howard Dai, and Amanda Sum 

With performances by 
Bunnifer - Amanda Sum
Bunnithy - Aidan Chan
Mama Bao - Anjela Magpantay
Baba Bao - Howard Dai
Gung gung Bao - Derek Chan
Tiger Mom - Jasmine Chen
Terry - Charlie Cooper
Bao Bey Babies - Ida Juliani, Alma Juliani, Otto Juliani
Lobster Bisque - Robyn Jacob
Dim Sum Auntie Cat - Nancy Tam
Ox - Emily M Cheung
Popo Dragon & Snake - Kristin Fung 
Rat Uncle - Anthony Lee
Dog - Justin B. Stein

Bun Fun New Year Theme Song, Disowned, A-BUN-DANCE composed, and performed by Amanda Sum

Sound Design and additional composition by Nancy Tam
Mixed and mastered by Ira Jordison
Illustrations by Cherry Lu

‘A Year of Blessings’ is co-produced by Five Blessings Collective, Gateway Theatre, and Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre
‘A Year of Blessings’ is devised and co-written by Five Blessings, Amanda Sum and Kristin Fung

Five Blessings 
Nancy Tam, Derek Chan, Robyn Jacob, Jasmine Chen, Howard Dai

Charlie Cooper - Associate Producer

‘A Year of Blessings’ is supported by Canada Council for the Arts, and British Columbia Arts Council