Kim’s Convenience at Chemainus Theatre Festival. A review. April 24-May 26, 2018. It’s a dream come true for any Fringe performer or playwright—navigating the tricky waters from alternative theatre to mainstage production. And, although it makes a compelling story, the reality of Ins Choi’s seemingly “instant” hit is much more complex. Kim’s Convenience is now a CBC series and has even had a run in New York but in 2011 when Mr Choi staged … [Read more...]
Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson at the Chemainus Theatre Festival. A review.
October 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson at the Chemainus Theatre Festival. A review. From the depths of the human soul to the vastness of space, Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson—at the Chemainus Theatre Festival October 13-November 4, 2017—is a transcendent journey filled with passion and love. Henrietta Leavitt (Emma Slipp) deserves to be more well-known. She was at the forefront of ground-breaking research in early 20th century astronomy, … [Read more...]
Hildas Yard by Norm Foster at the Chemainus Theatre Festival October 7-November 5, 2016. A review.
October 17, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Hilda’s Yard by Norm Foster at the Chemainus Theatre Festival October 7-November 5, 2016. A review. Hilda’s Yard, currently playing at the Chemainus Theatre Festival until November 5, 2016, is a light-hearted reminder of the importance of family when life becomes difficult. Norm Foster is considered to be one of Canada’s most prolific playwrights, popular with theatres—community, school, university and professional—from coast to coast. … [Read more...]
Harvey, at the Chemainus Theatre Festival. A review.
May 16, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Harvey, at the Chemainus Theatre Festival. A review. Harvey by Mary Chase, currently at the Chemainus Theatre Festival May 6-28, 2016, is an endearing and enduring classic of the American theatre cannon, winning the Pulitzer Prize in 1946, and showing remarkable longevity in its 70 year history (including a 2012 Broadway revival). This winsome and whimsical tale of a gentleman, Elwood Dowd (Mark DuMez), living outside society’s norms, with … [Read more...]
Million Dollar Quartet at the Chemainus Theatre Festival February 12-March 26, 2016. A review.
March 1, 2016 By Leave a Comment
Million Dollar Quartet at the Chemainus Theatre Festival February 12-March 26, 2016. A review. Million Dollar Quartet, currently at the Chemainus Theatre Festival until March 26, 2016 is a boisterous tribute to a seminal moment in rock ‘n roll history—brim-full of excellent musicianship, impeccable design and enough moments of nostalgia to satisfy fans of the era. The legendary Sam Phillips of Sun Records (played here by Leon Willey in a … [Read more...]
The Mousetrap at Chemainus Theatre Festival April 24-May 30, 2015. A review.
April 29, 2015 By Leave a Comment
The Mousetrap at Chemainus Theatre Festival April 24-May 30, 2015. A review. There is something irresistibly delicious about being wrapped in a comfortable sweater, sipping a mug of hot Ovaltine, ensconced in a pair of well-worn slippers. Certain literary and theatrical forms recall this sense of familiarity. Agatha Christie’s play The Mousetrap, currently at the Chemainus Theatre Festival April 24-May 30, 2015 is one of the finest examples, … [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...]
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