PHOTO BY ALFRED MEIKLEHAM
F R ID AY, M AR C H 4, 2011 T H E VAN C O U VE R C O U R IE R
CENTRE
STAGE spring 2011 arts preview
Playhouse hopes success continues with
Panych and The Simpsons The Trespassers features variety of storytelling styles by Brenda Jones Contributing writer
Two-thirds through the Vancouver Playhouse’s 2010/11 season, artistic managing director Max Reimer is ecstatic that the theatre’s recent production of Death of a Salesman consistently performed to sold-out houses. He is hoping the momentum from Death of a Salesman will continue—particularly with the teens and young adults that have filled the theatre in recent weeks—to fill the 662-seat theatre for the last two shows of the season: The Trespassers and MacHomer. “People don’t budget for great experiences,” Reimer says. “One good artistic experience leads them to buy another.” cont. » AMITAI MARMORSTEIN, RIGHT, STARS IN THE TRESPASSERS BY MORRIS PANYCH
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THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2011
25% of your food bill to benefit Friends For Life & A Loving Spoonful
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Special thanks to
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CENTRE STAGE CAROUSEL THEATRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE presents
Based on the books by ROBERT MUNSCH Adaptation by DEBBIE PATTERSON
FOR AGES +
3
MARCH 5 - 27 THE WATERFRONT THEATRE
1412 CARTWRIGHT STREET, GRANVILLE ISLAND
WEEKEND & SPRING BREAK PERFORMANCES
TICKETS & INFO 604.685.6217
WWW.CAROUSELTHEATRE.CA
spring 2011
No longer the theatre in Vancouver to stage elaborate Shakespeare productions, the Playhouse aspires to provide audiences with high quality, rich experiences. This season’s line-up offered a mix of classics and contemporary productions. Reimer, who is completing his second season with the Playhouse, says he doesn’t program along themes. “While themes are great and often emerge, it’s best when artist directors create a dialogue that is a bit of a menu instead of one theme or one flavour,” Reimer says. The Playhouse’s next production is The Trespassers, written by playwright Morris Panych, who is known for his existentialist themes and his unique, even quirky, view of the world. “This is an opportunity for audiences to continue a conversation with Morris, who we have gotten to know over the years through his plays,” Reimer says. The Trespassers was first seen when it opened at the Stratford Festival in 2009, directed by Panych, and then opened Victoria’s Belfry Theatre’s season last autumn, directed by Ron Jenkins, who is returning to direct the Playhouse production featuring the same cast. It is a coming-of-age story focused on the relationship of a teenage boy with his anarchist, atheist grandfather and his born-again Christian mother. The grandfather is trying to teach the boy to become a man, while the mother is trying to protect him. At its root, it is a tale of domestic reconciliation.
VANCOUVER PLAYHOUSE THE TRESPASSERS
The play is more conventional than most of Panych’s plays, and is set in a small B.C. town, where the closure of a mill has all but killed the town. According to Jenkins, Panych uses all different types of storytelling in this dark comedy.
“It’s everything you want in a play,” says Jenkins, who is a fan of Panych’s work and leapt at the opportunity to direct The Trespassers in Victoria and Vancouver. “It’s funny, sad, beautiful—sometimes all at once—and there’s a mystery in the play.”
The Trespassers is followed by a very brief two-day showing of MacHomer, a contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s MacBeth. MacHomer is directed at teenagers and young adults— typically a challenging demographic to attract to live theatre. The internationally acclaimed one-man play features Rick Miller, who performs 50 voices from the animated series The Simpsons. Reimer says he wishes more performances were possible, saying it will sell out quickly and “is a chance to introduce young people to classical themes on their own terms.”
The Trespassers runs March 26 to April 16, followed by MacHomer May 14 to 15. Tickets are available online at vancouverplayhouse.com or via phone at 604-873-3311.
40 YEARS - 80 TOURS! On the Road Again
8:00pm • Friday, March 18 3:00pm • Sunday, March 20, 2011 Ryerson United Church 2195 West 45th Avenue at Yew Street, Vancouver Vancouver Chamber Choir • Trinity Western University Chamber Choir Jon Washburn, conductor This 40th anniversary tour programme revisits some greatest hits from our first 80 concert tours, featuring favourite composers like the German Baroque master Buxtehude; the Englishman Dowland, Italian Rossi and Frenchman Janequin; Brahms, the ultimate German Romantic; and more recent composers like the brilliant young American Eric Whitacre and our beloved Canadians Willan and Daunais.
1-855-985-ARTS (2787)
www.vancouverchamberchoir.com
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F R ID AY, M AR C H 4, 2011 T H E VAN C O U VE R C O U R IE R
spring 2011
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spring
live arts and entertainment
SEASON
by Helen K. Peterson
The Vancouver Courier’s coverage of the city’s arts and entertainment line-up is an in-depth analysis of live theatre, orchestral music, choral works, dance and entertainment specials, staged in various venues around town currently and through spring 2011. Here’s a preview:
THESPIAN THEATRICS The Playhouse Theatre Company brings you The Trespassers, Mar. 26 through Apr 16. It’s a beautiful portrait of life, death, love and family written by Morris Panych and directed by Ron Jenkins. From one of Canada’s most original playwrights (The Overcoat, Vigil and 7 Stories among others) comes a poignant, thought-provoking and sardonic drama. Fifteen-year-old Lowell is no average teenager—and his grandfather, Hardy, is no conventional role model. MacHomer plays May 14 and 15. Created and performed by Rick Miller, this William Shakespeare adaptation of Macbeth has characters created by Matt Groening of The Simpsons fame. Miller performs his internationally acclaimed blend of classical and pop art in a oneman tour-de-force.
Join Carousel Theatre at the Waterfront Theatre Mar. 5 to 27 where the musical Munscha Mia, based on the books by Robert Munsch and directed by Carol Higgins, brings out a sensational high-octane play, with music based on five Robert Munsch stories. Join Carousel for old favourites like Stephanie’s Ponytail, Jonathan Cleaned Up–Then He Heard a Sound and Aaron’s Hair, and new ones like Down the Drain and The Sandcastle Contest. This spectacle will charm audiences, young and old, and have them singing along! Then it’s Pharaoh Serket and the Lost Stone of Fire, performed from Apr. 8 to 30. This riveting adventure, set in the ancient kingdom of Egypt, will have you on the edge of your seat. The Arts Club Theatre presents The Philanderer at the Stanley Theatre on South Granville. A favourite by George Bernard Shaw, it runs from Mar. 17 to Apr. 17. In this “wickedly wicked comedy,” Leonard will do anything to avoid commitment—even get married! Desperate to escape possessive Julia, he proposes to Grace, whose primary allure cont. »
e s c ’ n Experie r e v d u n o c n E Va t Wes
Two great events coming soon!
Diner’s Delight is happening again this year starting on Shrove Tuesday – March 8th, and running until St. Patrick’s Day. Come down and dine out at one of over 30 restaurants participating this year. Menus may be found on the website, and reservations may be made at each individual restaurant. When you dine at these great restaurants, you will take home a ‘doggy bag of deals’ – great coupons for super deals from other merchants in our BIA. Most of them run through Father’s Day, so be sure not to miss out! The very first annual West End Art Krall takes place May 6th through May 8th in Vancouver’s awesome West End. Artists will be showing art in various merchant locations throughout the West End BIA. ‘Art in the City 2011’ is also on at the West End Community Centre at that time. Alexandra Park will see some tents with some surprises inside!
May 5
THE MYSTICAL BOND Rachmaninov and Raminsh
th
West End Art Krall’s objective is to bring attention to the creative and through May 8 remarkable talents of unique and imaginative Artists and Crafters, both within and outside Vancouver’s West End. In so doing, we hope to have everyone around us ‘Experience Vancouver’s West End!’ th
For information about the Art Krall see www.westendatkrall.com
8pm • Friday, April 22, 2011 Orpheum Theatre Vancouver Chamber Choir • Vancouver Cantata Singers • Pacifica Singers Vancouver Chamber Orchestra • Jon Washburn, conductor The Vancouver Chamber Choir and its guests perform wonders from the Slavonic Liturgy by the Russian master Sergei Rachmaninov and then a world premiere of the latest new work by British Columbia’s Imant Raminsh, The Mystical Bond - a multi-language tribute to universal brotherhood. Meet composer Imant Raminsh in a pre-concert interview with John William Trotter at 7:00pm.
1-855-985-ARTS (2787)
www.vancouverchamberchoir.com
These two great events, brought to you for your tasting and viewing pleasure, by the West End BIA.
In the
At Stanley P • ark y Ba
lish g n See www.westendbia.com At E • Davie Village for more on what our great neighbourhood has for you.
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spring 2011
ARTS CLUB THEATRE HAIRSPRAY Jennifer Neumann & Jay Brazeau
Presents:
An Elegant Evening of Piano featuring
Avan Yu
S U N DAY, M A R C H 1 3 , 2 0 1 1 - 7 : 3 0 P M Doors open at 6:45 for refreshments
Koemer Recital Hall, 1270 Chestnut Street Tickets $40 through www.vtix.com or call 778-279-4214 More info at: www.vwms.ca
EARLY MUSIC VANCOUVER GF Handel: Acis and Galatea
Photo by David Cooper
VANCOUVER CHAMBER CHOIR
is an emotional detachment that rivals his own. Shaw’s classic drawing room satire is a hilarious examination of the quest to escape "happily ever after.” Then in May – it’s Hairspray, with doo-wop and sock hops! A musical for all ages.
widely acclaimed production of the Boston Early Music Festival features Handel’s delightful pastoral entertainment, in the original 1718 chamber version.
Arts Club’s Granville Island Stage continues with the forceful Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf until Mar. 12, then enter The Graduate. “Mrs. Robinson, are you trying to seduce me?” Benjamin Braddock is a little worried about his future. Just out of college, he doesn't know what he wants from life—but it sure isn't plastics. Then he meets Elaine. The only problem? She’s Mrs. Robinson’s daughter! This romp runs from Apr. 14 to May. 14.
Vancouver Chamber Choir presents 40 Years - 80 Tours! On the Road Again at Ryerson United Church – Mar. 18 at 8 pm and Sunday, Mar. 20 at 3 pm. Jon Washburn, conductor, says the Vancouver Chamber Choir has undertaken 80 separate tours, from Moscow to Beijing, from Whitehorse to Guanajuato, and this 40th anniversary tour programme revisits some of their greatest hits from the road. Stay tuned for The Mystical Bond on Apr. 22 at the Orpheum, where Rachmaninov and Raminsh are delved into by the Choir, and joined by the Pacifica Singers, Vancouver Cantata Singers and the Vancouver Chamber Orchestra. It’s sure to be a night to remember!
CLASSICAL CADENCES Early Music Vancouver incites passion on Mar. 21 at 8 pm with JS Bach: The St. John Passion. It’s a very special performance commemorating Bach’s birthday, and featuring Les Voix Baroques (Montréal) and The Portland Baroque Orchestra, directed by Monica Huggett with Charles Daniels tenor, Shannon Mercer soprano, Matthew White alto, Jacques-Olivier Chartier tenor, Joshua Hopkins and Tyler Duncan basses, and Cappella Romana. Next up: a Sunday matinee Mar. 27 at 3 pm - GF Handel: Acis and Galatea, a staged performance. The
CHORAL CHEMISTRY
On Mar. 19 at the Orpheum, enjoy a riveting concert by the Vancouver Bach Choir. The Rachmaninoff Vespers, or All Night Vigil, was premiered in Moscow in 1915 when Russia was at war and revolution was on the horizon. Rooted in the traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church, it has become an icon of Russian music. The work is unaccompanied, and its rich sonorities
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F R ID AY, M AR C H 4, 2011 T H E VAN C O U VE R C O U R IE R
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will be wonderfully showcased by the 150voice choir. Soloists are fast-rising stars of the operatic world, Barbara Towell, mezzo and John Arsenault, tenor. Apr. 16 brings Berlioz’ Damnation of Faust, the story of Faust's deal with the Devil and his descent into hell. It will be sung in French with English surtitles. Leslie Dala conducts the Bach Choir, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and a quartet of outstanding soloists.
Good Noise Vancouver Gospel Choir invites you to kick-start the spring season with the concert Lift Every Voice, with special guest: Coastal Sound Youth Choir, and Carrie Tennant, director. Two choirs come together to raise their voices in an explosion of jubilant and dynamic gospel music, to send Ryerson Church in Kerrisdale into a frenzy of musical delight. Takes place Mar. 5, with 3 pm and 7:30 pm concerts at
Ryerson United Church. It will be followed by Halleyluia!, where Good Noise will be joined by Christ Church Cathedral Choir and Vancouver Children’s Choir, with guest artists Paul Halley and Nick Halley, June 3 and 4, at 7:30 pm.
OTHER OFFERINGS Kay Meek Centre in West Vancouver is a not-so-hidden gem with plenty on the ballot for spring. Catch Richard Margison, tenor on Mar. 17, at 8 pm. Hailed for his blazing high notes, keen musical intelligence and spine-tingling power, Canadian tenor Richard Margison is one of the most critically-acclaimed singers on the international stage today. You won’t want to miss Martin Helmchen, pianist, performing Mar. 20 at 3 pm. He is “a young pianist of rare maturity and vision” according to Gramophone, and will be
executing a program of Bach, Schoenberg and Mendelssohn: Songs without Words, as well as Beethoven’s Sonata in B-flat major, Op. 106 ("Hammerklavier"). Mark your calendar for the Kay Meek Fundraiser Gala Event featuring The Manhattan Transfer - June 9 at 7:30 pm. Join Grammy awardwinning jazz/pop vocalists, The Manhattan Transfer, and celebrity host, Vicki Gabereau, for a spectacular evening of melody and song in support of the Kay Meek Centre. From their inception in the mid-1970s as a cabaret act with doo-wop tendencies to their be-bop covers to their daring experiments in jazz and swing, Manhattan Transfer have applied their uncanny harmonic abilities to some of the most impressive vocal calisthenics ever recorded.
GOOD NOISE VANCOUVER GOSPEL CHOIR CAROUSEL THEATRE
Munscha Mia
Few theatrical performances can match the excitement – the musical perfection, cont. »
$21
©2010 UNIVERSALSTUDIOS
NOW PLAYING
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$19
+ service charges
4:00, 7:00, 9:20 plus Sat & Sun 1:30 www.festivalcinemas.ca
VANCOUVER RECITAL SOCIETY AT KAY MEEK CENTRE
The
*
MARTIN HELMCHEN PIANO
PRESENTING SPONSOR
*
SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2011 3PM Pre-concert talk at 2:15pm KAY MEEK CENTRE
Manhattan Transfer
Bach, Schoenberg, Mendelssohn and Beethoven
“A YOUNG PIANIST OF RARE MATURITY AND VISION”
Diamonds &All That Jazz!
GRAMOPHONE
* *
Tickets and Info 604 913 3634 kaymeekcentre.com
A fundraiser to benefit Kay Meek Centre
JUNE 9, 2011
7:30 PM
Kay Meek Centre 1700 Mathers Avenue West Vancouver
604-913-3634 Season sponsor
kaymeekcentre.com
Series sponsor
1700 Mathers Ave West Vancouver
SPONSORS
Odlum Brown Limited | Penny Mitchell Re/Max Masters Realty | WestJet
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spring 2011 CIRQUE DU SOLEIL QUIDAM
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL WRITERS FESTIVAL JODI PICOULT
support your local arts groups & artists
costume design and jaw-dropping physical achievements of Cirque du Soleil, and Quidam, appearing Mar. 9 to 13 at Rogers Arena, is no exception. Seeking to fill the void of her existence, young Zoe slides into an imaginary world— the world of Quidam — where she meets characters who encourage her to free her soul. The Quidam is the one who cries out, sings and dreams within us all. This is the place that beckons—a place for dreaming and genuine relations where all quidams, by proclaiming their individuality, can finally emerge from anonymity, to the joy of audiences worldwide.
Vancouver International Writers Festival presents the best-selling author of My Sister’s Keeper, Jodi Picoult, who will read from her new novel, Sing You Home, accompanied by guitarist Ellen Wilber, Mar. 13 at 7:30 pm at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church. Booklist quotes: “Popular author Picoult tackles the controversial topic of gay rights in her latest powerful tale‌ told from the perspectives of all three major characters, Picoult’s gripping novel explores all sides of hot-button issue.â€? This is a can’t-miss event for all those who love novels, and behind the scenes information on the author’s research and inspiration.
e c i o V y r e v E Lift no A Celebratio
f
fro
m
!
Gospel Music
Gail Suderman, Artistic Director
with special guests
Coastal Sound Youth Choir
A SPARKLING, SEXY COMEDY
By George Bernard Shaw
Carrie Tennant, Director
March 5th, 2011 3:00pm & 7:30pm RYERSON UNITED CHURCH 2195 West 45th, Vancouver BC
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kerry sandomirsky, tom scholte, anna galvin. photo by emily cooper
STARTS MARCH 17 STANLEY INDUSTRIAL ALLIANCE STAGE Adults $25, Students/Seniors $18
www.goodnoisevgc.com
Ticket Information/Reservations: tickets@goodnoisevgc.com or call 778-868-7762
DAVID BERNER The tough questions – asked & answered! Shaw Community TV Channel 4 Tuesdays 10:30pm • Wednesdays 8:30pm • Fridays 2:30pm • Mondays 4:30am
POLITICS HEALTH CARE LAW & ORDER TAXATION ADDICTIONS SENIORS CITY PLANNING EDUCATION
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F R ID AY, M AR C H 4, 2011 T H E VAN C O U VE R C O U R IE R
spring 2011
CULINARY CRESCENDOS Sumac Ridge Estate Winery is graciously presenting this year’s Dining Out For Life event, taking place on Thursday, Mar. 24. Once again, readers are encouraged to dine out to support people living with HIV/ AIDS. Over 230 restaurants from Whistler to White Rock and across the Fraser Valley will contribute 25 per cent of their food revenues that day to two noble charities – The Vancouver Friends for Life Society and A Loving Spoonful. To date, Dining Out For Life has raised over $3 million for HIV/ AIDS support services over the 16 year history of the event. So enjoy a meal out, and order a tasty bottle of Sumac Ridge too! One dollar per bottle will be donated to the cause.
A casino has got to offer more than gambling tables and slot machines to lure in guests. All that wagering can make you hungry, so why not enjoy great food in pleasant surroundings by visiting the beautiful Redbar Lounge at Starlight Casino, New West. It features dining specials, live entertainment and free payper-view events. There’s more - the Salt & Pepper Cafe is the perfect choice for a quick meal. And Asian dining doesn’t get any better than world-renowned Kirin and Shang Noodle House. Redbar Lounge at Starlight Casino is where it all happens. Make your way to the Queensborough area of New Westminster, for plenty of fun… and games!
Websites
The annual California Wine Fair Ballroom Tasting is sure to please even the most discerning palate on Friday, Mar. 11 at 7 pm at the Vancouver Convention Centre (999 Canada Place). Whether you’re a casual wine enthusiast or a serious wine connoisseur, don’t miss this exciting opportunity to sample the finest wine from over 100 wineries from the Napa, Sonoma and Central Coast regions. Now in its 31st year, the 2011 California Wine Fair includes products currently available on the market, as well as new vintage and varietals that have yet to be released locally. You will also enjoy a diverse silent auction.
The West End Business Improvement Association is not sitting on its laurels this spring – there’s a bounty of fun to be had! Running from Mar. 8 through to St. Patrick’s Day – Mar. 17, Diner’s Delight is a cornucopia of dining opportunities that help you to “experience Vancouver’s West End” like never before. Participating restaurants will offer a fixed three-course menu, for either $16, $26 or $36. With all of the local cuisine and ethnic offerings available in the area centred around Denman Street, the world is your oyster! Also, catch the exciting West End Art Krall, coming up May 5 to 8, where artists and galleries display their wares.
www. artsclub.com
artsclub.com/events/winefair/index.html carouseltheatre.com
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Book and Lyrics by
Marty Chan Lyrics, Music and Orchestration by
Robert Walsh
April 7–23, 2011 Chinese mythology’s most beloved super hero the Monkey King stars in this action-packed musical adventure. Cheer on our intrepid explorer as he travels to a new world, rescues a damsel in distress, and battles an “Iron Dragon.” You’ll see and hear a unique, ten-piece orchestra combining instruments from east and west, and experience eye-popping martial arts. Bring the kids!
diningoutforlife.ca
St a r r i
earlymusic.bc.ca
Monkeng the y K i ng
festivalcinemas.ca goodnoisevgc.com gatewaytheatre.com
Tickets: gatewaytheatre.com Box Office: 604.270.1812
kaymeekcentre.com starlightcasino.ca vancouverbachchoir.com vancouverchamberchoir.com vancouverplayhouse.com westendbia.com writersfest.bc.ca THIS SECTION IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING ON OUR WEBSITE... CHECK OUT WWW.VANCOURIER.COM
Performed in English with Chinese surtitles