A 2016 Arts Prospective. Victoria BC. From Pixabay by geralt A prospective—I’m eagerly awaiting the following productions, seasons, events, festivals, shows, new works, new artistic risks, and celebrations for a variety of reasons. Some include—the first time a company has been able to produce a complete season (Scrumpy Productions); a significant milestone like a 5th (Sing Your Joy young adult chorus, Broken Rhythms) or 10th birthday (Snafu … [Read more...]
Happening (winter) & Homo for the Holidays December 4, 2015.
December 1, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Happening (winter)/Homo for the Holidays Cabaret December 4, 2015. Art Gallery of Greater Victoria in partnership with Intrepid Theatre. December is typically chock-a-block full of arts events from music to theatre, musicals to art openings. Two years ago, in 2014, Intrepid Theatre introduced another contender into the mix with Homo for the Holidays, a cheeky cabaret celebrating gay culture and queer artists. From its debut, Homo for the … [Read more...]
Elf the Musical at the Chemainus Theatre Festival. A review.
December 1, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Elf the Musical at the Chemainus Theatre Festival November 20-December 31, 2015. A review. Christmas classics have a long and rich history in the North American canon. From time to time, a relative newcomer takes everyone by surprise. The 2003 film Elf (featuring Will Ferrell in the title role) is much-loved for its gangly central character who never seems to quite fit in. Adapting the film for Broadway, veterans Bob Martin and Thomas Meehan … [Read more...]
Chelsea Hotel the Songs of Leonard Cohen at the Belfry Theatre, October 20-November 15, 2015. A review.
October 23, 2015 By 2 Comments
Chelsea Hotel-the Songs of Leonard Cohen at the Belfry Theatre, October 20-November 15, 2015. A review. For generations of fans, both of his poetry and his music, Leonard Cohen has epitomized the archetype of Writer as tortured, tormented soul. In an audacious move, playwright Tracey Power has dared to tamper with the author’s creation, rendering a startling re-interpretation of the master’s oeuvre. Loosely imaging a solitary and dark night … [Read more...]
Dispatches from the Victoria Fringe 2015. Day Nine.
September 5, 2015 By 1 Comment
Dispatches from the Victoria Fringe2015. Day Nine. Victoria Fringe Festival August 26-September 6, 2015. Reviews of Lieutenant Nun and Two Ruby Knockers, One Jaded Dick. Read all of my Victoria Fringe Festival 2015 coverage HERE. Please remember on this final weekend of the 29th Victoria Fringe Festival--advance tickets (or lining up well in advance) are advised. If a show is sold-out, take a risk on another. That's what the Fringe is … [Read more...]
BOOM by Rick Miller at the Belfry Theatre August 4-23, 2015. A Review.
August 10, 2015 By Leave a Comment
BOOM by Rick Miller at the Belfry Theatre August 4-23, 2015 From the macro to the micro, Rick Miller’s BOOM, currently at the Belfry Theatre until August 23rd, is a sweeping, dazzling and entertaining display of creativity and research. Marrying historical, personal, musical and political observations of the defining moments in a sweeping 25 year overview of the Baby Boom generation this ambitious creation showcases Miller’s enormous talents … [Read more...]
The Wanted Composers Tour. Victoria Composers Collective tours BC interior June 28-July 9 2015
June 29, 2015 By Leave a Comment
The Wanted Composers Tour.Victoria Composers Collective tours BC Interior June 28-July 9, 2015. I had the opportunity to attend the Victoria kick-off concert and was highly impressed not only by the skill of the musicians, but the variety of musical offerings in the programme. I am familiar with a number of the composers through their association with A Place to Listen and it was a true joy to see them spread their wings with this … [Read more...]
Shrek the Musical by Four Seasons Musical Theatre May 22-31, 2015. A review.
May 27, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Shrek the Musical by Four Season Musical Theatre May 22-31, 2015. A review. The appreciative buzz in the jam-packed lobby of the Isabelle Reader Theatre (Spencer Middle School in Langford) as fans jostle for a chance to speak to their favourite performers after the opening of Shrek The Musical, says it all—Four Seasons Musical Theatre have another hit on their hands. Featuring a cast of 36 ranging in age from 6 to sixty, production team of … [Read more...]
Smokey Joe’s Cafe at the Canadian College of Performing Arts. A review.
April 20, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Smokey Joe's Café at the Canadian College of Performing Arts. A review. Presented April 16-25, 2015 in Victoria BC. Youthful energy and exuberance abound in Smokey Joe’s Café, the end-of-year On Broadway! production by the first and second year students of the Canadian College of Performing Arts. With no story line or dialogue Smokey Joe’s relies on staging and the ability of the artists to convey the emotional through line. The College, … [Read more...]
Kelt Eccleston’s Kitchen Party at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. A review.
March 21, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Kelt Eccleston's Kitchen Party at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. A review. March 13-May 2 2015 in Victoria BC. Kelt Eccleston has been a performer for decades, since his teens. It’s evident in the wonderful synergy he creates onstage in Kelt Eccleston’s Kitchen Party at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel (March 13-May 2, 2015) where a group of long-time friends and associates, including his sister Colleen, join him in a warm, relaxed set of old favourites, … [Read more...]
