I sit transfixed as Meena’s (Anita Majumdar) fast and furious footwork punctuates and underscores the dialogue of a phone call between her dance teacher Kalyani Aunty & India, in Majumdar’s coming-of-age- tale-with-a-difference Fish Eyes (currently part of the Belfry Theatre’s SPARK Festival). Image provided Multi-layered and witty, it addresses teen-age angst with a unique cross-cultural perspective, examining parental and familial … [Read more...]
Atomic Vaudeville and CCPA present “Digital Sunshine”
March 10, 2012 By 1 Comment
There's a special place in my heart for both the Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA) and Atomic Vaudeville (AV). My son , Elliott Loran, graduated from the former, and performed with the latter (mostly recently in the hit musical Ride the Cyclone). Now, Victoria theatre audiences will have a chance to see both CCPA and AV perform together, for the very first time, in AV's Spring Cabaret - Digital Sunshine. … [Read more...]
15th Annual Victoria French Fest
March 1, 2012 By 2 Comments
Celebrate French culture and heritage March 8-11th in Victoria BC with free events for children, circus workshops, a sugar shack, artisans marketplace, performances and more! Centennial Square is the site of the 15th annual Victoria French Fest. (Complete program guide -in French and English here). Most free events take place noon - 4pm in the Square. People are often amazed at the number of Francophones and Francophiles in the Capital Region … [Read more...]
Casino Royale a fundraiser for the Canadian College of Performing Arts
February 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Glam, glitz and gambling. What fun! Step into your best gown or tux and out of this dreary and damp February weather. Imagine yourself in Montenegro at the famous Casino Royale, made popular by the Bond movie. For one night only, leave your pre-occupations aside for more pleasant pastimes at this fundraiser for the Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA). The college holds a special place in my arts world. I remember hearing co-founder … [Read more...]
New Works Festival – Canadian College of Performing Arts
January 18, 2012 By 1 Comment
Wouldn't you like to be able to say, just once, "I knew them when they were just starting out"? You'll have that opportunity at the Canadian College of Performing Arts New Works Festival January 19-21st in Victoria BC. Join creators in dance, theatre and playwriting; experience the pulse of youthful creation; learn what it means to be a performing artist in 2012. … [Read more...]
Vancouver Fringe Festival suggestions (from the Victoria Fringe)
September 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment
I am not a reviewer, but do see a lot of theatre – 38 shows at this year’s Victoria Fringe Festival (and somehow I managed NOT to see all the shows from Victoria going on to Vancouver). Here's a list of all the shows from the Victoria Fringe that are coming to Vancouver. The productions are uniformly excellent. However, my taste in theatre may not be yours. Caveat emptor! I've listed the shows alphabetically, as they are indexed in the … [Read more...]
Nanaimo Fringetastic Theatre Festival
September 7, 2011 By 2 Comments
After 14 years, Fringe Theatre returns to Nanaimo thanks to a trio of eager young impressarios - Jeremy Banks, Spencer Sacht-Lund and Chelsee Damon. From September 8-11, revel in a variety of theatrical experiences - 8 performers, 32 shows, 3 venues - something for everybody at the Nanaimo Fringetastic Theatre Festival. … [Read more...]
Victoria Fringe Festival 2011 – my “local” picks
August 10, 2011 By 2 Comments
I love the Victoria Fringe Festival! When my kids were growing up, I only attended the odd show here and there, but that all changed in 2006 when my second son moved away to take a job as a historical interpreter at the MacLean Mill in Port Alberni. Without two teenage boys to feed and house, there was suddenly disposable income. 2006 was the 20th anniversary of the Victoria Fringe, and I managed to see more shows that year than in all the … [Read more...]
Ride the Cyclone by Atomic Vaudeville
July 12, 2011 By 2 Comments
Image by Barbara Pedrick on Flickr (used with permission) There really isn't much I can say about Atomic Vaudeville's smash hit, Ride the Cyclone, that hasn't been said before. And since my son is one of the performers, any review I post would most assuredly appear to be biased. Other people have told you why you should go. So - do! Quick, before all the seats are sold and the show heads out of town (Victoria BC) on a cross Canada tour that … [Read more...]
