2014 a Theatre Year in Review in Victoria BC Don’t let anyone ever tell you that Victoria is a cultural backwater—in a year that included a wonderful week at the Stratford Festival (with performances by legends like Martha Henry, Colm Feore and Shauna McKenna), I managed to see 90 theatrical performances in the regular season as well as 42 shows at the Victoria Fringe, and a regrettably smaller number of concerts, dance, comedy and spoken word … [Read more...]
Amadeus by UVic Phoenix Theatre March 12-21, 2015. A review.
March 14, 2015 By 1 Comment
Amadeus by UVic Phoenix Theatre March 12-21, 2015. A review. Modern history has not been kind to Antonio Salieri, a composer and Kappelmeister in the Hapsburg court of Emperor Joseph II. Despite his considerable musical influence in the development of Italian opera of the era, and the fact his students included Franz Schubert, Ludwig van Beethoven and Franz Liszt, his life has been reduced to the portrait painted by Peter Shaffer in … [Read more...]
A Spring of Music 2015 in Victoria BC. March-May.
March 11, 2015 By Leave a Comment
A Spring of Music 2015 in Victoria BC. March-May. Regular readers of my Monday Magazine column and this website know that I have a wide interest in the arts; it spans not only theatre but music, art and dance. In fact when my children were young (and taking piano and trumpet lessons) our arts experiences were mainly focused on concerts with the University of Victoria School of Music events being some of our favourites. In recent years I have … [Read more...]
The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Langham Court Theatre March 4-21, 2015. A review.
March 8, 2015 By Leave a Comment
The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Langham Court Theatre March 4-21, 2015. A review I never had the chance to see Jerry Gosley’s legendary Smile Show (which played in Victoria for over 40 years until the 1970s) but I’m sure his legacy is in good hands after seeing The Mystery of Edwin Drood at Langham Court Theatre (March 4-21, 2015). Drood (the original title of Rupert Holmes’ 1985 musical) is quick-witted, high-energy, expertly executed, fast … [Read more...]
Ring of Fire Project Johnny Cash at the Chemainus Theatre Festival February 20-April 11 2015. A review.
February 23, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Ring of Fire: Project Johnny Cash at the Chemainus Theatre Festival February 20-April 11, 2015. A review. It’s a long way from the wet west coast of Vancouver Island to the hills and fields of Arkansas, and the music halls of Nashville, yet music has the power to tie us together in a celebration of family and community. Mining this fundamental truth, Chemainus Theatre artistic director Mark DuMez opens the 2015 season with Ring of Fire: … [Read more...]
Belfry Theatre SPARK Festival 2015. March 9-22.
February 19, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Belfry Theatre SPARK Festival 2015. March 9-22, 2015 in Victoria BC. The SPARK Festival is the Belfry Theatre's celebration of new plays and new ideas. It's an opportunity for experiences outside their regular programming. I saw Hawksley Workman's The Good That Comes at UNO Fest in 2012 and wonder how it has developed since then as it has toured around the world. Anita Majumdar brought Fish Eyes to the SPARK Festival in 2012--here's my … [Read more...]
Voice ++ at Open Space March 19-22 2015 in Victoria BC.
February 18, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Voice ++ at Open Space March 19-22 2015 in Victoria BC. Media Release. I still remember the concert by Christian Zehnder at Voice ++ 2013--incredible artistry and mastery of the human voice. Open-minded music lovers are encouraged to go outside their normal listening and participate in this fantastic festival. Voice ++ (March 19-22) is Open Space’s festival that focuses on the exploration of the human voice and its intersection with sound … [Read more...]
Pacific Opera Victoria Opens the Baumann Centre. Victoria BC.
February 18, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Pacific Opera Victoria Opens The Baumann Centre. Victoria BC. (media release) On Monday, February 16, 2015, Pacific Opera Victoria (POV) officially opened The Baumann Centre, a new home for POV and for music-making in the community. The former Hall of the Church of St. John the Divine at 925 Balmoral Road in Victoria, B.C., has been re-designed to include a rehearsal and recital hall, an office suite, music room and public entrance. Over … [Read more...]
Victoria Symphony New Music Festival celebrates Gerald Barry March 5-9 2015
February 18, 2015 By 1 Comment
Victoria Symphony New Music Festival celebrates Gerald Barry March 5-9 2015. Victoria BC. Irish composer Gerald Berry will be celebrated in his first feature festival in North America March 5-9 in Victoria BC. Explore the unexpected and wacky genius of his music and delve into other works created to exhibit the lighter side of life. The vibrant Barry will be in attendance to join the fun. Other concerts in the festival will include the Emily … [Read more...]
Black History Month 2015 in Victoria BC
February 3, 2015 By Leave a Comment
Black History Month 2015 in Victoria BC A Black History and Heritage Day (February 15th), an evening of performance and song (February 23 at the Belfry Theatre), a gala awards night (February 28th at the Copper Owl), a cemetery tour (February 22nd) and three presentations make up the very ambitious schedule in celebration of BC Black History Month February 2015 in Victoria. Many people are not even aware of the significant role black … [Read more...]
