Welfarewell by St Lukes Players. March 12-23, 2014. A review Quoting Shakespeare and her own on-the-spot rhymes—in iambic pentameter no less—cat-food-eating erstwhile bank robber, and former actress, Esmerelda Quipp (Jane Guy) now in her 80s, must find a way to survive. What’s a penniless pensioner to do? Jailed after attempting to bury her cat in the landlord’s yard, she discovers the long-forgotten pleasures of a warm bed and three square … [Read more...]
Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival announces 2014 season.
March 10, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival announces 2014 season and a new acting programme. I've been a Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival volunteer for a number of seasons, and a great fan of the Victoria Shakespeare Society (the producers of the festival). 2014 marks a new era for both, as long serving Artistic Director Michael Glover steps down, and Karen Lee Pickett takes the reins as Artistic Director and Festival Producer (a role she … [Read more...]
The Graduate at Langham Court Theatre March 5-22, 2014. A review.
March 10, 2014 By Leave a Comment
With its snappy dialogue and tight physical comedy, The Graduate—currently at Langham Court Theatre until March 22nd—will have you laughing appreciably at the innuendo and humming along to songs that defined a generation. Originally written by Charles Webb (more about his story later) in 1963 and adapted into the iconic “coming of age” movie directed by Mike Nichols, the play by Terry Johnson dates from 2000. Fans of the movie will find that … [Read more...]
Victoria Arts Adventures March 2014
February 27, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Victoria Arts Adventures March 2014. When I started writing about the arts, some of my first posts were an attempt to capture what was happening on a seasonal basis in the theatre community in Victoria BC. It provided a place to get all the theatre listings in one place—I figured if I was having trouble keeping it straight most people would have the same problem. Since 2011 the number of offerings has increased exponentially, and I've also … [Read more...]
Langham Court Theatre presents “Here’s To You Mrs Robinson” group art exhibition and sale. Mar 5-22 2014
February 26, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Langham Court Theatre Presents ~ “Here’s to You, Mrs. Robinson” Group Art Exhibition and Sale Langham Court Theatre has invited 30 artists of various backgrounds and mediums to produce work inspired by the 1960’s iconic coming-of-age story, The Graduate. The art show concept is to connect the art work to the theatrical production allowing the theatre audience to experience a unique opportunity of visual expression through the eyes and minds of … [Read more...]
Puente Theatre update February – May 2014
February 26, 2014 By Leave a Comment
They’ve been busy at Puente Theatre recently, and are about to get even busier. Coming up (Friday February 28th) are A Party To End Seasonal Depression with the premiere of a puppet adaptation of Judd Palmer’s book The Umbrella and music by Bucan Bucan, followed by the next Analogue Launch and the closing night of WorldPlay, their series of play readings from around the world (Sunday March 2nd). You’ll want to be at either, or—hopefully—both of … [Read more...]
WordPLAY by Kerploding Theatre, March 1st, 2014. A preview.
February 26, 2014 By 2 Comments
Kerploding Theatre presents WordPLAY March 1st at the Intrepid Theatre Club as part of Intrepid Theatre’s The YOU Show series. I first met Mollison Farmer, Kerploding Theatre’s Artistic Director, during the Victoria Fringe Festival in 2013, where they presented Trunk! to enthusiastic young audiences as part of the Fringe Kids line-up. In the fall, I had the opportunity to see another show she directed—Amelia and the Dwarves—which was part of … [Read more...]
What Happened Was…by Theatre Inconnu Feb 18-Mar 8 2014. A review.
February 21, 2014 By Leave a Comment
What Happened Was by Theatre Inconnu Feb 18-Mar 8 2014. A review. Just like many a first date, What Happened Was (currently at Theatre Inconnu from February 19th –March 8th, 2014) is quirky, awkward and vulnerable. It also has a deliciously dark twist that elevates it from standard rom-com territory, and takes it into the realm of bold social commentary. All the action takes place in “real time” in the period slightly prior to, and during, … [Read more...]
Picnic, UVic Phoenix Theatre, Feb 11-22, 2014. A review.
February 17, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Picnic, currently at the Phoenix Theatre (February 11-22, 2014) thrums with hope and yearning. Nothing is as it appears in a small town. In the space of one day, events can change the direction of people’s lives in spectacular, and devastating, fashion—the ripples felt throughout. Picnic may be set in small town Kansas in the early 1950s but there are definite parallels, even to our more sophisticated and inter-connected age. Hal (Jenson … [Read more...]
The Glass Menagerie by Blue Bridge Theatre at the Roxy (Feb 11-23, 2014). A review.
February 15, 2014 By Leave a Comment
The Glass Menagerie, by Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre, at The Roxy in Quadra Village (February 11th -23rd, 2014) is a moody and lush theatrical feast, ambitious and true to the playwright’s original vision. Written in 1944, The Glass Menagerie catapulted American playwright Tennessee Williams to success (New York Drama Critics' Circle Award 1945). Staged as a “memory play” it stands alone among his works—mixing realistic moments with mimed … [Read more...]
