Double Diamond at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, January 22-February 20, 2016. A review. Bill Zaalberg (Double Diamond) is close in age to Neil Diamond, and like Diamond, has been performing since he was young, having formed Victoria’s first rock band in 1961 before making music his full-time profession in 1975 when he resigned from the telephone company. Although an admitted “shy person” (as is Diamond himself) he is an experienced and smooth … [Read more...]
Double Diamond at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, January 22-February 20, 2016. A review.
January 28, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Dance Victoria presents Dance Days 2016 January 22-31.
January 22, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Dance Victoria presents Dance Days 2016 January 22-31. (media release) Dance Victoria’s popular city-wide Dance Days event is back for its seventh year featuring free classes in all kinds of styles in studios all over town. This year the free classes include a larger dance fitness component for adult beginner, intermediate and professional levels that’ll move you. You can try your hand (or foot) at salsa, swing, flamenco, yoga, nia, zumba … [Read more...]
A Winter of Theatre 2016 in Victoria BC. January and February.
January 21, 2016 By 2 Comments
A Winter of Theatre in Victoria BC 2016. January and February. Over the past few years, the normally staid months of January and February have been a hive of activity as local theatre groups launch new projects and regular seasons and series. This year is no exception with 23 productions in January and February (and I'm sure more will be added as I become aware of them). I most apologize for the late posting of this article. The beginning of … [Read more...]
Into The Woods by Company C January 28-February 6, 2016. A preview.
January 21, 2016 By 1 Comment
Into The Woods by Company C January 28-February 6, 2016. A preview. It’s hard to believe how quickly time flies. It’s been 10 years since my son Elliott Loran first became a student at the Canadian College of Performing Arts and I still remember, fondly, the productions of the inaugural season of Company C, the year III program that sees students forming their own repertory company and taking on roles from production to performance. To cap … [Read more...]
Describe My Lonely by Robbie Huebner January 19-22 2016. A Review.
January 21, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Describe My Lonely by Robbie Huebner January 19-22 2016. A Review. Describe My Lonely by Robbie Huebner (The Dangers of Daphne, Archand)--presented by Catador Theatre January 19—22 at the Intrepid Theatre Club--is an assured production: emerging playwright Robbie Huebner’s dialogue, whip-smart and full of comedic flair, truly capturing not only the zeitgeist of an age—and gamer and fantasy culture—but also the heartbreak of romance and the … [Read more...]
Murder by Midnight Interactive Dinner Theatre. Interview with creator Vanessa Baylen.
January 19, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Murder by Midnight Interactive Dinner Theatre. Interview with creator Vanessa Baylen. There's a new dinner theatre in town--one that promises to be quite different from previous incarnations in the genre. I first learned of Chris Rudram of Enigmatic Events from his food blog, Victoria, In Person. Chris, a recent transplant from England, had the most engaging way of chronicling his experiences, and he is prolific. It so happens he also has … [Read more...]
Stepping Out at Langham Court Theatre January 13-30 2016. A review.
January 18, 2016 By 2 Comments
Stepping Out at Langham Court Theatre January 13-30 2016. A review. Diligent hard work, dedication, commitment and persistence pay off significantly for the talented cast and crew of Stepping Out (currently at Langham Court Theatre until January 30, 2016). Working together since June of last year (the longest rehearsal period ever in the theatre’s storied 87 years) they’ve crafted a show that is entertaining, and sure to please with its … [Read more...]
A 2016 Arts Prospective Victoria BC
January 1, 2016 By Leave a Comment
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...]
A Very Commedia Christmas by Lightning Theatre December 2015 in Victoria BC. A review.
December 15, 2015 By Leave a Comment
A Very Commedia Christmas by Lightning Theatre December 2015 in Victoria BC. A review. Mining a centuries-old theatrical tradition, one on which much of modern improvisation, comedy and drama is based, and re-inventing it, while making it relevant for today’s young, hip and culturally obsessed generation, is a massive undertaking requiring perspicacity, diligence and practice. Originally founded as an improv troupe with a twist in 2013, … [Read more...]
A Very Commedia Christmas December 10-12, 2015. Interview with Kevin Koch of Lightning Theatre.
December 7, 2015 By Leave a Comment
A Very Commedia Christmas December 10-12, 2015. Interview with Kevin Koch of Lightning Theatre. Emerging theatre company Lightning Theatre promises a show that will be “Part Christmas Carol, part Marx Brothers, part Citizen Kane”. Find out more as I interview Kevin Koch, founder and one of the writers of the show. Lightning Theatre has traditionally performed improvised work. Why the decision to go to a scripted play? We’d wanted to … [Read more...]
