Some performances stay with us a lifetime, vivid memories sparked by visceral reactions to the sights and sounds onstage. The Collected Works of Billy the Kid by Michael Ondaatje is one such a show. First staged in Victoria by the Belfry Theatre in 1993, in the full theatrical version, it unnerved me with its force. The powerful language painted pictures beyond anything I’d experienced to that point. Ondaatje won his first Governor General’s … [Read more...]
The Collected Works of Billy the Kid at Theatre Inconnu. My review.
November 29, 2013 By Leave a Comment
“It’s Christmas” holiday revue at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel
November 27, 2013 By 2 Comments
The new Oak Bay Beach Hotel celebrates its first anniversary (December 1st) in style with many Christmas-themed events throughout the month. Whether you are of the Christian faith or not, Christmas for most people is tied up in remembrances and nostalgia, dreams of childhood and past celebrations. Since everyone has their own interpretation of the “perfect” holiday, it is extremely challenging to design a program that will appeal to the … [Read more...]
Canary Club Speakeasy a Fundraiser for Atomic Vaudeville November 28, 2013
November 25, 2013 By 1 Comment
It's hard to imagine - Atomic Vaudeville, co-founded by Jacob Richmond and Britt Small in 2004, is now in its tenth season. The collective of new and emerging local actors, writers, musicians, artists and performers has staged over 60 cabarets and new works, winning multiple awards in the process. With hits like Ride The Cyclone, Legoland, The Qualities of Zero, and The History of Everything to their credit, they are about to embark on another … [Read more...]
True West by Blue Bridge Theatre at the Roxy. A review.
November 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment
True West, by Sam Shepard, currently playing at Blue Bridge Repertory’s Roxy Theatre until December 1st, is a searing tension-filled drama of sibling rivalry that crackles and sparks with male energy and disdain. Shepard was only 37, and already a Pulitzer Prize winner for Buried Child, when he penned True West, considered to be the final play in his Family Trilogy (Curse of the Starving Class 1976, Buried Child 1979). The structure is … [Read more...]
Heroes by Gérald Sibleyras at Langham Court Nov 13 – 30, 2013. A review.
November 18, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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...]
South Pacific musical co-presented by Victoria Symphony and Pacific Opera Victoria Nov 23/24, 2013
November 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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.
November 12, 2013 By 2 Comments
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
November 12, 2013 By 1 Comment
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
November 7, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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
November 4, 2013 By 3 Comments
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...]
