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...]
Casino Royale a fundraiser for the Canadian College of Performing Arts
February 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Sing Your Heart Out Vocal Jam Sunday February 12 2012
February 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Music! And people. What a great community building endeavour. Carol Sokoloff, a local poet, writer and jazz singer sent me information about the new "Sing Your Heart Out Vocal Jazz Jam" taking place at The Well 821 Fort St (Victoria BC) on Sunday February 12th 7pm. Come to listen or to sing at this weekly vocal jazz jam. Try out new tunes and polish your stage presence in a friendly atmosphere, with emcee Carol Sokoloff and Laura Cave on … [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...]
Merlin’s Sun Theatre – little known theatrical space in Victoria BC
December 7, 2011 By 14 Comments
Tucked away in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Fairfield is one of Victoria’s best kept theatrical secrets – a small 50 seat, purpose-built home theatre. Originally known as La Run, and constructed in 1995 by Romany Miller, it is now the home of Timothy Gosley, Petra Kixmoeller and their two children. During its previous incarnation, La Run hosted many readings, and evenings of music. Publicity was mainly word of mouth … [Read more...]
Victoria Conservatory of Music Presents! Concert Series Premiere Season
October 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Founded in 1964, the Victoria Conservatory of Music (VCM) has trained generations of musicians. They slowly outgrew several locations - the Union Hall near Centennial Square, Craigdarroch Castle, the annex of St Ann's Academy. In 1997, with over 1000 students, they purchased the Metropolitan United Church at the corner of Quadra and Pandora, moving into the space in 1999. The magnificent 800 seat Alix Goolden Hall is a much desired … [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 “away” picks
August 26, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Disclaimers first: I am not a reviewer, but I do see a lot of theatre –33 shows at last year’s Victoria Fringe Festival. During the year I volunteer regularly with Atomic Vaudeville, Intrepid Theatre, The Canadian College of Performing Arts and Theatre SKAM. I attend the Belfry, Theatre Inconnu, Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre and the Phoenix Theatre at Uvic too. I have either seen these performers in previous shows, or been intrigued by … [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...]
