Heroes by Gérard Sibleyras, translated by Tom Stoppard, currently playing at Langham Court Theatre until November 30, 2013, is a gentle, sweet , funny and slightly saucy play that treads carefully on well-worn ground, without becoming maudlin or hoary. Travel to Europe, and in every village or town square, at every coffee counter or small bar, pétanque field or outdoor chess game, you’ll see them gathered – the old men. Their days revolve … [Read more...]
Heroes by Gérald Sibleyras at Langham Court Nov 13 – 30, 2013. A review.
South Pacific musical co-presented by Victoria Symphony and Pacific Opera Victoria Nov 23/24, 2013
Two of Victoria's largest performing arts organizations, the Victoria Symphony and Pacific Opera Victoria, collaborate on a production of the beloved musical South Pacific (Rodgers and Hammerstein) with performances November 23rd and 24th 2013 at the Royal Theatre. “This is a first”, declared POV Artistic Director Timothy Vernon. “It’s the first time that Victoria audiences will experience this Broadway musical with a full orchestra and … [Read more...]
A Tender Thing, Belfry Theatre November 5 – December 8 2013 – a review.
A Tender Thing, Ben Power’s re-working of Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet, is a profoundly powerful, disquieting, and brave examination of eternal love at the end-of-life. With devastating simplicity, two of Canada’s most senior and accomplished actors, Peter Anderson (Romeo) and Clare Coulter (Juliet), working together for the first time, capture the heart-break of bidding adieu. Power was only 28, and a theatrical wunderkind, when … [Read more...]
The Skin of Our Teeth, UVic Phoenix Theatre – a review
The Skin of Our Teeth currently at UVic’s Phoenix Theatre until November 23rd is a magnificent and mesmerizing spectacle, a veritable aural and visual feast that sustains the audience’s attention over almost three hours. Beloved American novelist and playwright Thornton Wilder had already been awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his novel The Bridge of San Luis Rey and the play Our Town when, during a trip to Europe in 1941, he saw Mother Courage … [Read more...]
The Passionate Muse: The Life and Music of Pauline Viardot-Garcia Nov 8-10 2013
Mezzo-soprano Elisabeth Wagner presents The Passionate Muse: The Life and Music of Pauline Viardot-Garcia. Wagner first learned of Viardot-Garcia when she sang her compositions. When she did research, she learned that this accomplished vocalist was also a composer of more than 200 pieces, and yet, she remains largely unknown to contemporary North American audiences. Photo: Ergsap on Flickr The Passionate Muse: The Life and Music of Pauline … [Read more...]
2 for Tea by James and Jamesy – win tickets
Thanks to the remarkable physical theatre duo of James and Jamesy, I am thrilled to announce another ticket contest. Win tickets to their critically-acclaimed and award-winning Canadian Fringe hit “2 for Tea” coming to the Metro Theatre November 28th – 30th. I was fortunate to meet James and Jamesy while volunteering at the Victoria Fringe, and lucky indeed to secure a ticket to the first performance of what proved to be a most solidly booked … [Read more...]
Derwin Blanshard Season 2 Episode 2 Sunday October 27th 2013
Derwin Blanshard's Extremely Classy Sunday Evening Programme, launched in the fall of 2012, returns for the 2nd episode of Season Two. This hilarious post-modern take on the classic TV talk/variety show of the 1950s features - YOU - as a "live" studio audience, plus a plethora of guests drawn from politics, the arts, and quirky pop culture, as well as a recurring cast comprised of Victoria's finest thespians, improvisers and comedians. Join … [Read more...]
Twelfth Night by Company C – win tickets
I’m happy to announce a ticket contest for the up-coming production of Twelfth Night by the Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA) Year III students, Company C, November 8 – 10th at the Metro Studio Theatre. The students are part of the cast and most of the production roles, a unique experience for Canadian artists so close to launching their professional careers. “This program gives us the courage and skills needed to become more than … [Read more...]
Kitt and Jane, Alumni Spotlight at UVic’s Phoenix Theatre – a review
It’s the First International Wildlife Diversity Appreciation Day, and Kitt Pederson (Ingrid Hansen) and Lucas “Jane” Jameson (Rod Peter Jr) have been chosen out of all the Grade 9 students to make a brief presentation. What could possibly go wrong? As it turns out – plenty! Kitt and Jane, the current Alumni Spotlight at the University of Victoria’s Phoenix Theatre (October 17 – 26th) is the sequel to a previous Snafu Dance Theatre production, … [Read more...]