Every Victoria Fringe Festival presents wonderful surprises and this year is no exception. I hadn’t been paying too much attention to the program (yet!) when a conversation with my son Elliott Loran in Toronto turned to “Do you know Carey Wass is doing a show at the Fringe?” What? … [Read more...]
Carey, OK! Volume 1 at the Victoria Fringe Festival 2018. An interview.
August 8, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Sweeney Todd at Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre July 31-August 12, 2018. A review.
August 3, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Sweeney Todd by Sondheim, currently playing at Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre July 31-August 12, 2018, bristles with electricity and a terrible current of visceral vitality that keeps audiences spell-bound throughout. Daunting in scope for a small ensemble of ten players, this version of Sondheim’s cult hit—it’s been staged around the world since its original Broadway run in 1979, adapted as a movie in 2007 by Tim Burton with Johnny Depp … [Read more...]
Sweeney Todd at Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre July 31-August 12 2018. An interview.
July 30, 2018 By Leave a Comment
The behemoth that is Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd comes to the Roxy Theatre from July 31st- August 12th in Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre’s creative re-imagining. I met with Patrick Du Wors, set and lighting designer, and Graham McMonagle, costume designer, to discuss the many innovations they have employed to redefine the scenario while remaining true to Sondheim’s original intentions. “Sweeney Todd is extremely taxing, even for the largest … [Read more...]
Reminiscences of Reconciliation by Logan Richards at the Victoria Fringe 2018. An interview.
July 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Logan Richards is the second recipient of the Victoria Fringe Indigenous Artist Program. He answered questions about his show, Reminiscences of Reconciliation. The Victoria Fringe IAP provides access and mentorship for local artists who identify as Indigenous, and wish to produce work as part of the Victoria Fringe. The program incorporates collaborative mentorship, access to resources and support to strengthen participating artist’s producing … [Read more...]
Confessions of an Operatic Mute at the Victoria Fringe 2018. An interview.
July 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Brian Nasimok was at one point Canada's foremost operatic mute. Confessions of an Operatic Mute is his story. How long have you been producing work on the Fringe circuit? As an artist/company? About 13 years ago I directed a show that went to the Atlantic Fringe Festival and then four years ago I directed a show at the Toronto Fringe. To make a long story, shorter - after my opera “years” I pursued a stand-up career and then moved … [Read more...]
Fado the Saddest Music in the World at the Victoria Fringe 2018. An interview.
July 28, 2018 By Leave a Comment
The team that brought you the 2015 Fringe hit Lieutenant Nun are back this year with the world premiere of FADO, the Saddest Music in the World. Director Mercedes Bátiz-Benét answered questions about the show. How long have you been producing work on the Fringe circuit? As an artist/company? Puente Theatre has been producing work on the Fringe circuit since 2015. Last time at the Victoria Fringe? Shows you've presented at the … [Read more...]
Hedwig and the Angry Inch by Atomic Vaudeville July 20-29, 2018. A review.
July 23, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Hedwig has fans, and so too does Griffin Leonard Lea, as attested by the long line snaking from the top of the stairs at the Upstairs Cabaret on opening night of Atomic Vaudeville’s Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Those waiting spoke of seeing productions in London, New Year, San Francisco, Toronto and then went on to compare Lea’s performances in not only Hedwig (this show is a reprise of the last year’s inaugural run at the Metro Studio) but also … [Read more...]
Theatre Al Dente presents Phantom of the Light Opera in Victoria BC. A review.
July 13, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Summer—a time for light reading, light clothing, light eating and—light entertainment, a welcome diversion from regular fare. Nothing too troubling or difficult—like the beach books we all love to read (even if we don’t want to admit it). Theatre Al Dente has it covered. For six season (2010-2015) a team helmed by the father/daughter duo of Gerald Schieven and Sasha Moriarty-Schieven (he directs, she writes and choreographs) produced a … [Read more...]
Victoria Operatic Society VOS 2018-2019 season
July 12, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Victoria Operatic Society VOS 2018-2019 season. Preview. VOS is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization established in 1945 with the purpose of bringing top-quality live musical theatre to Victoria and giving aspiring young singers and performers the opportunity to display their talents. Over the years, VOS has produced Broadway Musicals, Light Operas, and Gilbert & Sullivan productions, using and promoting local talent on and … [Read more...]
Hedwig and the Angry Inch presented by Atomic Vaudeville. July 20-29 2018. Preview.
July 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Hedwig and the Angry Inch presented by Atomic Vaudeville. July 20-29 2018. Preview. Media release. I ended my review of last year’s inaugural Hedwig and the Angry Inch presented by Atomic Vaudeville with the prescient words “with its boisterous energy and cabaret vibe it is well on its way to cult-hit status. I’m already asking when they plan next year’s version.” Wait no more, loyal fans—Hedwig returns, this year to the Upstairs Cabaret … [Read more...]
