Get ready to rock with one of the most anticipated shows of the season as the Chemainus Theatre fills with the melodies of the world’s greatest musical pioneers as Rock Legends runs June 2 through Aug. 26.
Conceived and directed by Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment, Rock Legends revisits the incredible discography that forever changed the landscape of modern music. Rock Legends is a sequel of sorts to the smash-hit Twist and Shout: The British Invasion, which wowed sold-out audiences in 2015.
“From the mid 1950s through the mid 1970s, a number of artists refused to bow to industry pressure and creatively set their own musical trends,” says Mustakas. “They were courageous and outrageous, and this production is our way of saluting the most influential rock and roll acts of the 20th century.”
Once again, the story harkens back to a simpler period in history, when families gathered around the television to watch the hottest acts of the day perform on The Ed Sullivan Show. This time around, popular television host Roy Solomon is signing-off the air after 20 years with The SBC Studio, and theatregoers become the live studio audience who are taken on a stroll down memory lane, while millions of television viewers look on from their living rooms.
Featuring a hit-parade of over 60 unforgettable songs by such unique artists as Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Beach Boys, The Everly Brothers, The Supremes, Ray Charles, Elton John, ABBA, The Monkees, and many more, this lighthearted musical tribute captures the spirit of the era in an imaginative piece of pop culture nostalgia.
Mustakas assembled an exceptionally talented 13-member ensemble to breathe new life into the golden age of music, and he does an exemplary job of integrating all elements of music, dance, and performance to create a truly winning production that will have audiences feeling positively invigorated as they leave the theatre.
Mustakas endows each performer with a special moment to shine. The electricity is palpable from the very first number – Tina Turner’s legendary hit “Proud Mary,” delivered by the vocal prowess of Stephanie Roth, Dusty Springfield’s “Son Of A Preacher Man” sung with the finesse of Jennifer Kee, and Jocelyn Gauthier wows audiences with Aretha Franklin’s classic, “Respect.”
Aidin Church shows incredible range in soaring performances of “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,” “Mony Mony” and “Oh, Pretty Woman.”
Michele LeFleche gives charismatic performances of “Johnny B. Goode”, “Do You Believe in Magic?”, and his rendition of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” is a showstopper. Justin Stadnyk has all the right moves to portray Mick Jagger in “Paint It, Black,” and Michael Clarke does great renditions of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” and “I Heard it Through The Grapevine.”
Duff MacDonald’s terrific voice is a perfect fit for classics like John Lennon’s “Imagine” and Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Down on the Corner”. Stephanie Roth delivers a stellar performance of Dionne Warwick’s “There’s Always Something There To Remind Me,” and Jennifer Kee brings down the house with a searing version of Janis Joplin’s “Me And Bobby McGee,” while Jocelyn Gauthier channels Nancy Sinatra in “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’” and delivers a captivating version of Petula Clark’s “A Sign of the Times.” The three come together to wow audiences with back to back renditions of The Supremes’ “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Baby Love,” and “Stop! In The Name of Love.”
Shae Bourne, Julio Fuentes, Caitlynn Miller and Braiden Stevenson dance up a storm in numbers like “Rock Around The Clock,” “I’m Walkin’,” “Tutti Frutti” and many more. Cast members also showcase fantastic harmonies covering such Motown classics as The Temptations’ “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone,” The Four Tops’ “Reach Out, I’ll Be There,” Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours” and many other memorable tunes.
As television host Roy Solomon, Ted Simonett delivers charm and laughs throughout the show – especially in Tiny Tim’s “Tip-Toe Thru’ The Tulips with Me.” While Rock Legends is a celebration of music, it also boasts many comedic nuggets. The final number, a musical medley honoring the greatest rock ’n roll legend of them all – Elvis Presley – encapsulates the charisma and sheer exuberance that sustains the entire production. This tremendous accomplishment must also be partly attributed to the stellar five-piece live band, under the guidance of Music Director Nico Rhodes with orchestrations and vocal arrangements by Robert Foster.
Choreographer Gino Berti has done a fantastic job with intricate choreography, designing an alluring display of dance sequences that highlight the signature styles from each decade. In doing so, he depicts the mood of a generation that was bursting with hope and optimism.
Special mention must also be made of Peter Conrad and Steve Kelly, whose stunning visual elements span multiple decades, providing audience members with the chance to relive their youth, while giving younger patrons an opportunity to experience the magic for the first time. Michael Bignell’s expertise in historical consultation and research adds further authenticity to the theatre experience.
The effective pod Set Design and complementary Lighting Design by Jeff Johnston Collins, and era-appropriate Costume Design by Jenine Kroeplin complete the magical spirit of this production. The end result is an exciting journey through the vast repertoire of music that radically changed an entire generation and impacted the cultural climate of one of the most important eras in modern music history.
Rock Legends runs through June 2 through Aug. 26. Tickets are available at Chemainus Theatre, online at chemainustheatre.ca or by calling the box office at 250-246-9820 or toll free at 1-800-565-7738.
Langham Court Theatre’s 2016/17 season closes with Proof, a drama by David Auburn, directed by Dick Stille.
Can a young woman whose primary education at advanced mathematics comes from caring for her “bughouse crazy” father be the author of a brilliant mathematical proof? Delving into the caring, sacrificing and often hilarious nature of family relationships, this engaging drama explores the depths of love and the mystery of brilliance. Winner of three Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize in 2001. Proof is a play that explores the depths of love as much as the mystery of brilliance with some intriguing conclusions you will not want to miss.
What is the nature of “proof” and which has more value for our lives, proof or trust?
What is the value of trust in human relationships?
Proof runs June 7 to 24 at A Langham Court Theatre in Rockland.
Langham Court Theatre is Victoria’s longest running theatre in its 88th consecutive season. With nearly 400 volunteers and members, it is also Victoria’s largest volunteer-run community theatre which operates its own theatre facility in the community of Rockland.
Visit langhamtheatre.ca for tickets.
Proof creative team
Dick Stille (Director)
Julie Newson (Producer)
Dick Newson (Set Designer)
Colleen Maguire (Costume Designer)
Carol-Anne Moore (Lighting Designer)
Kevin Stinson (Sound Designer)
Gloria Snider (Stage Manager)
Proof cast
Jon Scheer (Robert)
Melissa Taylor (Catherine)
Melissa Blank (Claire)
Liam McDonald (Hal)
Garson Kanin’s 1946 classic comedy Born Yesterday next for Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre’s summer season. Written in the glow of the post Second World War American and Allied victory over Germany and Japan, Born Yesterday was an immediate critical and box success which went on to enjoy several important world wide revivals and two film versions since its premiere.
“It seems to me to be both an hysterically funny and sad truth that the warnings about the potential for corruption in the highest political offices in the post WWII world still seems so relevant to us today,” said director Brian Richmond. “Contemporary audiences will, of course, be struck by just how prophetic Garson Kanin appeared to be when he warned of the dangers involved in letting unethical, mindless, sexist and bullying thugs get too close to the levers of power.”
Born Yesterday tells the story of Billie Dawn, a former showgirl who enjoyed a brief flicker of fame as a chorus member on Broadway before becoming the mistress of the millionaire junk dealer Harry Brock. Following Harry to Washington as he attempts to influence the political elite into allowing him to serve as the chief scrap metal collector of post Second World War detritus in Europe, Billie discovers a whole new world of ideas and her place within them when Harry hires a young journalist, Paul Verrall, to “smarten her up.”
Assembling an all star cast from both the Blue Bridge acting ensemble and beyond, Director Janet Munsil spoke of just how pleased she was to be asked to direct this wonderful period comedy. For his part Richmond stated “I am just delighted that we have been able to attract Janet to direct this piece. I have been a huge fan of her work as a playwright for many years and feel that the wit and humanity that she injects into all her work is a perfect fit for this play.”
Taking the lead as Billie Dawn will be Blue Bridge alumna Kassianni Austin. Appearing last season in Blue Bridge’s hit comedy The Importance of Being Earnest, Austin is also well known in the Victoria cultural scene as the co-founder of the popular music festival Rifflandia. Co-starring in the role of Harry Brock is Blue Bridge core acting ensemble member Jacob Richmond while Paul Verrall is played by Jonathan Mason who just returned to his hometown Victoria from studies at Britain’s famed theatre school, the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Rounding out the cast are Tim Machin in the role of Ed Devery, Michael Armstrong as Eddie Brock, Kelly Hudson as Helen, Malcolm Harvey as Senator Hedges, Iris McGregor Bannerman as Mrs. Hedges and Chase Hiebert, Danielle Janess, Nicholas Guerreiro and Caitlin Holm as members of the acting ensemble. The set, costumes and sound are designed by recent UVic grads Barbara Clerihue, Graham McMonagle and Carolyn Moon while lights are designed by Blue Bridge founding member Giles Hogya.
Discounted seasons tickets for all three of Blue Bridge’s remaining 2017 summer season as well as single tickets for Born Yesterday are available as the box office, 250-382-3370 or online at bluebridgetheatre.ca. All performances take place nightly from Tuesday to Saturday at 8 p.m. with matinees Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and 1 p.m. at the Roxy Theatre, 2657 Quadra St.
Kaleidoscope Theatre for Young People hosts its fifth annual Family Theatre Festival, June 10 in Centennial Square. The free festival is a thank-you to the community for another wonderful season of professional children’s theatre. It features five performances by four talented groups:
• Cam & Daisy have been engaging Vancouver Island’s young audiences for over 20 years. The loveably quiet clown Daisy and her musical pal Cam will lead a fun-filled hour of song, play, and merriment, featuring classic children’s music and songs made up on the spot.
• Paul Kilshaw has wowed crowds in Victoria and across Canada for over 40 years. A highly regarded professional magician and balloonist, he creates wonderment and magic again this year.
• The Purple Pirate is an award-winning children’s performer whose career has taken him across the country and around the globe. His Magic Pirate Ship integrates dance, music, magic, and comedy to take the audience on an unforgettable adventure.
• Story Theatre produces theatre that allows audiences to experience words come to life through action. Since 1981, they have delighted people with their infectious style, from the Yukon to Newfoundland and from New York to Singapore.
Food for the event will be provided by two of Victoria’s finest food trucks: L’Authentique Poutine and Burgers, and Hungry Rooster Perogies. Activities between and during the show will include an interactive program presented by the Maritime Museum of British Columbia and colouring pages for younger children. The Family Theatre Festival runs on Saturday, June 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, but space to each show is limited, so show up early.
As spring rolls along toward summer in this 150th year of Canada’s nationhood, the Victoria Mendelssohn Choir teams up with Duncan’s popular Medford Singers to create a unique and stirring musical celebration. The choral tribute will feature composers and music spanning Canada’s entire history, lightly seasoned with a few Felix Mendelssohn favorites. The choirs will present works from a variety of genres and traditions, and from regions Coast to Coast to Coast. The program even includes some tunes by Canadian folk icon Stan Rogers and a surprise or two for lovers of contemporary popular music.
Under the direction of Maestro Simon Leung, each choir will offer a range of Canadian pieces, followed by a massed-choir presentation of choruses from Felix Mendelssohn’s Elijah — “because it’s gorgeous and exciting,” says Mendelssohn Choir alto, Katie Pirquet. “Mendelssohn’s music just makes us happy, and we hope it will have the same effect on our audiences.”
Two 150th anniversary performances are scheduled for Duncan, and two for the Victoria area. The choirs are inviting local dignitaries to share this special celebration, including mayors, MLAs, local MPs, First Nations leaders and others.
Victoria performances take place at on Saturday, June 3 at 7 p.m. in the First Metropolitan Church, 937 Balmoral St. and Sunday, June 4 at 3 p.m. at the SHOAL Centre for Seniors, 10030 Resthaven Dr. in Sidney. Tickets for the Victoria area performances are on sale at Ivy’s Bookshop in Oak Bay, Russell Books and Long & McQuade in Victoria, Tanner’s Books in Sidney, or at the door. All tickets are $20.
Both choirs are always eager to welcome new members who love to sing, have some choral experience and enjoy a variety of musical genres. Interested singers are cordially invited to audition for the September 2017 season. Please phone 250-478-8843 (Victoria Mendelssohn Choir) or 250-0932-8801 (Duncan Medford Singers) for more information.
The Mary Winspear Centre presents Tower of Song on Friday, June 9 at 7:30 p.m.
The duo of Oliver Swain and Glenna Garramone re-imagine and interpret the songs of Leonard Cohen, as well as present original material.
When Cohen sang these words, the Tower of Song was a metaphor for the inspiration that flows between songwriters, each toiling away on their own, but connected by their shared craft. Moved by this concept, Victoria’s Swain and Garramone produce a project that is dialogue through song and a tribute to the legendary songwriter. Re-imagining both rare and classic works of Cohen, the duo have created a sound that resonates with both longtime Cohen fans and a younger audience.
Visit marywinspear.ca for tickets.
