Category Archives: Vancouver

Evil Dead: The Musical (Upcoming Show[s])

Posted on September 23, 2009 | Leave a comment

Evil Dead: The Musical makes its Vancouver premiere– wait a second.  I’m having a major case of déjà-vu.  I feel like I’ve already written this before. Oh, that’s right, I did write this . . .  last week!

Just to be clear, there is now a second and entirely different production of Evil Dead: The Musical playing in Vancouver this Halloween.  Is anyone else feeling a bit awkward?

Let’s try it from the top.  Ground Zero Theatre, Hit & Myth Productions and Keystone present the Vancouver premiere of Evil Dead: The Musical at the Vogue Theatre from October 20-31, 2009.

evildeadtouring

Evil Dead: The Musical has drawn multiple comparisons to The Rocky Horror Show for its funny take on the low-budget Evil Dead horror trilogy.  I, for one, am looking forward to seeing both productions and both casts.  After multiple listens of the cast recording over the past week, I’m definitely getting into the Halloween spirit.

Evil Dead: The Musical features Kevin Corey, Lynley Hall, Bruce Horak, Daniel Mallet, Cailin Stadnyk, Jamie Tognazzini, Tyler Rive, and Guilly Urra.  Many local theatre-goers will remember Ovation Award winner Stadnyk from roles in past Arts Club and TUTS’ productions.

Directed by Kevin McKendrick, choreography by Glenda Stirling, and musical direction by Brent Rock, Evil Dead: The Musical plays October 20- 31, 2009 at the Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville St.  Tickets are available online now.

Leave a comment

Posted in Evil Dead: The Musical, Ground Zero, Musical Theatre, Touring Shows, Upcoming Shows, Vancouver

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Back to You – the Life and Music of Lucille Starr (Upcoming show)

Posted on September 21, 2009 | Leave a comment

The Firehall starts its 27th season with Back to You – the Life and Music of Lucille Starr.  Presented by Musical Theatreworks and written by Tracey Power (The Jungle Book), Back to You stars Beverley Elliott, Alison MacDonald (Songs for A New World, Not Another Musical Co-op) and Jeff Gladstone.

Beverley Elliott as Lucille Starr, photo by James Loewen

Beverley Elliott as Lucille Starr, photo by James Loewen

The musical journey of Back to You begins in 1981. Lucille Starr has come home to Coquitlam, BC to give her first solo concert in 25 years. It’s her comeback tour, in more ways than one and her nerves have peaked. The last time her hometown crowd saw her on stage, it was with their other hometown sweetheart, Bob Regan. Coming home has stirred up a lifetime of memories – from the duo’s rise in the country-music charts, her legendary solo career and international acclaim, to the loss of her voice and lengthy recovery.  Now here she is, the first night of her comeback tour, a tour that ultimately brings her back to her music, back to herself and back to you.

Directed by Barbara Tomasic, musical direction by Steve Charles, set and lighting design by April Viczko, and costumes by Barbara Clayden, Back to You plays from September 30- October 10, 2009 at the Firehall Arts Centre, 280 East Cordova St.  Tickets are available by calling the box office at 604-689-0926.

Leave a comment

Posted in Back to You – the Life and Music of Lucille Starr, Musical Theatre, Musical Theatreworks, Upcoming Shows, Vancouver

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Evil Dead: The Musical (Upcoming show)

Posted on September 13, 2009 | 2 comments

Evil Dead: The Musical makes its Vancouver premiere this year just in time for Halloween.  Based on the series of Evil Dead cult films, the musical version is a campy take on the horror genre.

Scott Walter as Ash in Down Stage Right's production of Evil Dead: The Musical.

Scott Walter as Ash in Down Stage Right's production of Evil Dead: The Musical.

This made-in-Canada musical has already amassed its own cult following and promises to be a great time.  I’m not overly familiar with the show, but spent this past weekend listening to the original cast recording.  Five college kids staying in a cabin during spring break encounter an ancient evil and bloody (but hilarious) mayhem ensues.

Evil Dead: The Musical is presented by Down Stage Right Productions in its 19th season.  Starring Scott Walter (We Will Rock You, Mirvish) as Ash and co-starring the talents of Meghan Anderssen (Thoroughly Modern Millie, TUTS), Mat Baker (Les Misérables, Arts Club), Meghan Gardiner, Matthew Graham, Erik Gow, Ian Rozylo and Jennifer Neumann (Songs for a New World, Not Another Musical Co-op).

Directed by Mark Carter, choreography by Ken Overbey, and musical direction by Sylvia Zaradic, Evil Dead: The Musical plays from October 29- November 7, 2009; 8 PM (with additional midnight shows October 30, 31 and November 6) at the Norman Rothstein Theatre, 950 West 41st Ave (at Oak). Tickets are available online now.

2 Comments

Posted in Down Stage Right, Evil Dead: The Musical, Musical Theatre, Upcoming Shows, Vancouver

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some shows are better, bigger (Guest Post)

Posted on September 1, 2009 | 6 comments

Today’s post is written by guest blogger, Rebecca Coleman.  To view Musicals in Vancouver’s response, check out our guest post at the Art of the Business blog

I love independent theatre. It’s where I live, it’s where my heart is, and it’s where I make my living.

But I also love theatre in general, and, while I tend to hang out in the indie scene, I’ll go see pretty much anything going.

A few months back, I went to see Les Misérables at The Arts Club, and a couple of weeks ago, Rent at Presentation House.

First, you have to understand that these two musicals hold significant sentimental value for me. Les Miz was my favorite musical for a long, long time, and it was only replaced in my heart when Rent came along. I knew all the words in Les Miz, and used to daydream about being Éponine, even learning “On My Own” for auditions. I saw a touring version of it, about 10 years ago at the Q.E., and was blown away by the spectacle.

Then, in 1996, while watching the Tonys, I saw the original Broadway cast of Rent singing “Seasons of Love” and “La Vie Bohème,” and I was instantly smitten. I’ve now seen Rent four times, including once at the Nederlander Theatre in New York, where it ran for 12 years.

The Nederlander Theatre in New York City

The Nederlander Theatre in NYC.

So, I’m pretty familiar with both of those shows. So, seeing them done in a smaller theatre, on a smaller scale, was a very interesting experience.

And I felt like they were missing something. Don’t get me wrong—both productions were excellent—big hearted, beautifully sung, and with strong production values. But because of money and size of venue, some of the big special effects were cut.

It makes a huge visual impact to see the barricade in Les Mis slowly rotating into view, strewn with dead bodies. The Arts Club production did have a barricade, and it did move, but with more of a pulling-out-a-drawer motion. The impression it made was not as strong. Similarly, Javert’s suicide was not as impactful (sorry about that choice of words).

I had a similar experience seeing Rent. I missed Mimi howling “Out Tonight” as she straddles both staircase railings and slides down, and Joanne’s first arrival on a motorcycle.

Maybe it’s just my sentimentality speaking, but maybe some things are better, bigger.

Now, anyone know of a production of Miss Saigon happening? I got a hankering to see a helicopter land on stage…

Rebecca Coleman is a freelance theatre publicist here in Vancouver. Her roster includes Touchstone Theatre, Ruby Slippers, Radix, Leaky Heaven Circus, Presentation House, Capilano University’s Theatre Department, and Itsazoo. In addition, she does social media training, and has published an e-book on the topic titled Getting Started with Social Networking for Artists and Arts Organizations. Her blog is The Art of the Business.

Rebecca Coleman

Rebecca Coleman

6 Comments

Posted in Guest Post, Les Misérables, Musical Theatre, Opinion, Rent, Vancouver

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Saying goodbye to summer

Posted on August 29, 2009 | Leave a comment

Over the last month, there’s been so much theatre to see and so little time.  And now it all seems to be ending.  The cheeky SHINE: A Burlesque Musical finished its two-week run at the Waterfront Theatre on Granville Island last weekend and we also bade adieu to the toe-tapping Thoroughly Modern Millie and Annie at Theatre Under the Stars.

At the Arts Club, the Altar Boyz are spritzing their hair with product for the last time and at Pacific Theatre, the good folks from Not Another Musical Co-op are singing the last notes of Songs For A New World this weekend.     Across the water, at the Presentation House Theatre in North Vancouver, comes the final curtain call for the newest object of my affection, Fighting Chance’s Rent.

Fighting Chance Production's cast of Rent; Clockwise from top left, Craig Decarlo, Christine Quintana, Jacqueline Breakwell, Anton Lipovetsky, Nick Fontaine and Cesar Erba.

Fighting Chance Production's cast of Rent; Clockwise from top left, Craig Decarlo, Christine Quintana, Jacqueline Breakwell, Anton Lipovetsky, Nick Fontaine and Cesar Erba.

I have a rather shameful admission to make . . .  I’ve never been a giant Rent fan.  Nor a Rent fan of any other size, for that matter.  It stems from a certain stubbornness that I possess when it comes to being told what to do or what to like.  In fact, I have an aversion to jumping on to bandwagons of all kinds.  It’s that contrary quality that made me disregard the film version and pooh-pooh the various Rent soundtracks.

But now, I’ve drunk the Kool-aid and have been totally taken in by Rent.  I’ve seen it three times and would have seen it again, if it hadn’t kept selling out.

Which brings us back to the end of the summer season and the sudden onset of my musical-theatre withdrawal blues.  My current state of despair is somewhat tempered by the knowledge that the fall musical season will soon be upon us.  Though, truth be told, I’m not overly enthused by this.  I’ve seen all of these latest summer shows twice and sometimes more and they’ve become familiar, like friends.  And it’s so hard to say goodbye.

Leave a comment

Posted in Altar Boyz, Annie, Arts Club, Fighting Chance, Musical Theatre, Not Another Musical Co-op, Rent, SHINE: A Burlesque Musical, Songs for a New World, Theatre Under the Stars, Thoroughly Modern Mille, Vancouver

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tony winner Jason Robert Brown performing in Vancouver

Posted on August 17, 2009 | 2 comments

I have some amazing breaking news for all Vancouver musical-theatre fans and performers.  Tony Award winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years) will be in attendance for the Friday, August 21st showing of Songs For A New World (click here for my review) at Pacific Theatre and will also be performing a post-show concert.

For Friday the 21st only, tickets will be $65 all-inclusive; don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity!

2 Comments

Posted in Musical Theatre, Not Another Musical Co-op, Songs for a New World, Theatre News, Upcoming Shows, Vancouver

Tagged , , ,

Songs For A New World (Review)

Posted on August 17, 2009 | 5 comments

Sometimes less really is more.  Songs For A New World, presented by Not Another Musical Co-op, is an extremely minimalist production.  It’s a small four-person cast, there is little in the way of a set, and the stories told on stage are often left up to the interpretations of the audience.  That simplicity allows the actors and Jason Robert Brown’s music and lyrics (Parade, The Last Five Years) to soar, and they do.

Although there is no plot, the show is bound together with overarching and entwining themes, and while the actors do not play the same characters throughout the show, they do develop and grow.  The complexities of the music and of the human experience are always at the forefront and make for a captivating experience.

new world

Jennifer Neumann, Jonathan Winsby, Daren Herbert and Alison MacDonald; the cast of Songs For A New World

The cast have all been seen in recent Vancouver productions.  Daren Herbert (Man 1) and Jennifer Neumann (Woman 1) played Richie and Maggie respectively in Royal City’s A Chorus Line in the spring.  Neumann also shared the stage with Alison MacDonald (Woman 2) and Jonathan Winsby (Man 2) in the recent Arts Club smash hit Les Misérables.

Herbert’s softer falsetto contrasts beautifully with Winsby’s powerful baritone and both Neumann and MacDonald are in equally fine form vocally.  Each one has the chance shows off in their solos and yet still come together to complement each other in the many harmonies.

The ever-charismatic Jonathan Winsby demonstrates his prowess as a leading man in both “The World Was Dancing” and “She Cries.”  Jennifer Neumann is fearless yet guarded in “I’m Not Afraid;” then she lets loose in her duet with Winsby, “I’d Give it All For You.”

Alison MacDonald is a bundle of neuroses threatening to jump out of an apartment window in “Just One Step” and then is a fierce and romantically-frustrated Mrs. Claus in “Surabaya Santa.”  Daren Herbert shows off in “Steam Train” and then is a dynamo of raw emotion in “King of the World.”

I find something new in Brown’s score on each and every listen, but my favourite has always been the oft-recorded “Stars and the Moon.”  Alison MacDonald embraces the song with open arms and hits all the right notes, emotionally and musically.

The ubiquitous and multi-talented Sara-Jeanne Hosie co-directs and co-choreographs with Shane Snow.  Their synchronised choreography worked well in “The Steam Train” but in other numbers, was far too distracting.  Brown’s score is piano-centric and the three piece band receives almost as much attention as the actors.  Pianist Sean Bayntun, percussionist Sam Hutchison and bassist Hugh Macdonald make beautiful music together.

Songs For A New World is a work of art and should be contemplated and savoured.  Come for both the amazing talent and the sumptuous score and you won’t be disappointed.

Songs For A New World is playing August 12th – 29th, 2009 at Pacific Theatre, located at 1440 West 12th Avenue. The show runs Wednesday – Saturday at 8pm, with matinees on August 22nd and 29th at 2pm.  Tickets are available online or by calling 604-684-2787.

5 Comments

Posted in Musical Theatre, Not Another Musical Co-op, Reviews, Songs for a New World, Vancouver

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SHINE: A Burlesque Musical (Review)

Posted on August 15, 2009 | Leave a comment

SHINE: A Burlesque Musical is not so much a traditional musical as it is a bawdy version of TV’s old variety shows.  Think of a cross between burlesque and an adult-only Muppet show.  The show is a reworked version of an improvised one-act, originally known as By the Seat of Our Panties, presented at the Vancouver International Burlesque Festival in 2008.

The book by Sam Dulmage and The Wet Spots is thin, but works nevertheless.  Theatre owner Shine Mionne (Cass King) and her troupe of burlesque performers are approached by a producer who promises to revitalise the ailing show with buckets of money.  Various hijinks, gags, and word-play ensue.

shine-flare

Cass King as Shine Mionne in SHINE: A Burlesque Musical

The original music by first-time musical theatre writers the Wet Spots (John Woods and Cass King) has some bright spots and a tonne of potential, but isn’t given the full opportunity to shine as brightly as it should.

The female cast is full of incredibly strong personalities and they almost completely overwhelm the male contingent of the show. Michael Smith as wealthy producer Richard Suit is nowhere nearly up to the challenge of matching the stage presence or vocal abilities of his female co-stars.  Both of Smith’s songs, “When You Deal With A Suit” and “Matinee Crowd” fell unfortunate victim to his weak singing voice and weren’t given a fair airing.

The tempo of certain songs (“Everybody Wants to be A Star” and “Rocky Horror”) could also use some reworking to better steady the pace of the overall show.  There were too many slow numbers.  SHINE’s score would also be better served by the use of live music as opposed to the current pre-taped backing tracks.

None of these criticisms should take away from the overwhelming positives of SHINE.  I went in not knowing what to expect, but was completely won over.

Cass King is a natural performer and brings to life the “Perversions of Yesteryear.”  Her speaking delivery is peppered with shades of Katharine Hepburn and she periodically channels various other classic stars of the silver screen.

“Broadway Love Song” wryly spoofs a musical-theatre ballad and makes for a strong closer to the first act.

The chorus/ensemble comprised of Violet Femme, April O’Peel, Calamity Kate and Sister Madly, Keri Horton and Fairlith Harvey provide a rock-solid backing to SHINE; there’s not a single weak link in the bunch.  Choreography by April O’Peel and Melody Mangler is inspired and sinfully fun.

Gemma Isaac as an overeager grad student and Teddy Smooth as an aspiring young actor make wild and dirty magic in “The Nasty.”  Noelle Pilon as Lulu Von Doozy, the resident diva, is a force of nature and sells all of her numbers with relative ease.

SHINE is chockfull of clever moments and snappy dialogue; it will absolutely and thoroughly entertain you and leave you wanting more.

SHINE: A Burlesque Musical is presented by Screaming Chicken Theatrical Society and The Wet Spots and plays from August 12-22, 2009; Wed-Sat @ 8 PM, at the Waterfront Theatre, 1412 Cartwright St, Granville Island.  Tickets are available online or call 1-800-838-3006.  SHINE is an adult-oriented show which contains nudity and themes of healthy sexuality and is not suitable for those under the age of 18. Age restriction strictly enforced.

Leave a comment

Posted in Musical Theatre, Reviews, SHINE: A Burlesque Musical, Vancouver

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

SHINE: A Burlesque Musical; Opening Week

Posted on August 11, 2009 | Leave a comment

SHINE: A Burlesque Musical bills itself as ‘a tassel-twirling original musical about an infamous burlesque theatre and the family of talented misfits who try to save it from demolition… or worse, respectability’.  SHINE is the brainchild of songwriting-duo The Wet Spots and burlesque group Screaming Chicken Theatrical Society.

Usually at this point, I’d give my critical pre-perspective, but honestly, I’m not sure what to expect.  I’m definitely looking forward to seeing it and will make sure to report back. SHINE promises to combine burlesque, cabaret, and variety with catchy songs, campy jokes and plenty of bump and grind (click here to view the YouTube trailer).  I’m intrigued to see what they will deliver.

shine poster_final

SHINE: A Burlesque Musical was written and created by Cass King, John Woods and Sam Dulmage. Directed by Jen Cressey with choreography by Lauren Allen (AKA April O’Peel) and Rebecca Franklin (AKA Melody Mangler).

SHINE: A Burlesque Musical plays from August 12-22, 2009; Wed-Sat @ 8 PM, at the Waterfront Theatre, 1412 Cartwright St, Granville Island.  Tickets are available online or call 1-800-838-3006.  SHINE is an adult-oriented show which contains nudity and themes of healthy sexuality and is not suitable for those under the age of 18. Age restriction strictly enforced.

Leave a comment

Posted in Musical Theatre, SHINE: A Burlesque Musical, Upcoming Shows, Vancouver

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Songs For A New World; Opening Week

Posted on August 11, 2009 | Leave a comment

After the success of last summer’s Ovation award-winning The World Goes ‘Round, some of its production decided to try their luck again.  Songs for a New World has been described as not fully a musical but something more than a song cycle.  While I’ve never seen it performed, I have heard most of its songs, as many have become cabaret-style standards.  Composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years) has written some beautiful music and I can’t wait to see it performed by some of our extremely bright local talents.

Not Another Musical Co-op presents Songs for a New World starring Daren Herbert (A Chorus Line, RCMT), Alison MacDonald (Les Misérables, Arts Club), Jennifer Neumann (A Chorus Line, RCMT) and Jonathan Winsby (Les Misérables, Arts Club).  Directed by Shane Snow and Sara-Jeanne Hosie and musical direction by Sean Bayntun, the show runs August 12th – 29th, 2009, Wed. to Sat. at 8PM, with matinees August 22nd and 29th at 2PM. All performances are at Pacific Theatre, 12th and Hemlock. Tickets are available online or by calling 604.684.2787.

new world

Leave a comment

Posted in Musical Theatre, Not Another Musical Co-op, Songs for a New World, Upcoming Shows, Vancouver

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,