Arts Club Theatre Company

Speaker’s Corner

February 4, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Nevermore audiences weigh in…

Only 4 more performances left for Nevermore! Arts Club, PuSh Festival, and Cultch audiences are being chilled to the core by Catalyst Theatre’s spooky and atmospheric production. Here are some of the rave reviews.

Nevermore is one of the most exceptional, intriguing and creative pieces of theatre I have ever seen. I recommend it to everyone who likes theatre. You will be completely enchanted.”
–Nancy, Vancouver

“Awesome! Spectacular! Everything about this performance was perfect. The costumes were miraculous – I especially liked the hats. The set was simple but evocative. The music was wonderful. And the singing and choreography were spell-binding! The performers did an amazing job – every movement and expression was a delight. Your entire cast and crew should be commended. Bravo!”
–Peggy, Vancouver

“Brilliant lighting and costumes! The pace, music, and performance were great! They earned a standing ovation.”
–Michael, Vancouver

“This extraordinary production was a masterpiece of artistic achievement. The powerful energy and tremendous talent of the players resulted in a stunning and memorable experience. From the opening scene to the conclusion, the audience is spellbound by the compelling story, the evocative connection to Poe’s works and the versatility of the actors/singers/dancers. The standard of the production was second to none. These seven talented performers did a wonderful job of bringing this haunting and tragic story to life. This is a must-see production, whose impact will remain timelessly in the mind of the theatre-goers.”
–Jenifer, Lantzville

“I loved this play! The costumes, the choreography, the singing and especially the way it was written all blew me away – I absolutely recommend seeing it while it’s still here!”
–Kristin S.

Nevermore was a totally unexpected delight of the highest order. The wonderful music underlying the story line as well as the incredible physicality of the play left us both breathless. This is a new genre of opera and I loved it. I would also love a DVD of the production if it exists. Of course, we are spreading the news.”
–Heather, Vancouver

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And from the critics:

“Wildly imaginative and utterly inspired… Do whatever it takes to see, hear and experience this outrageous opera… This is a landmark piece of theatre” Peter Birnie, The Vancouver Sun Read review

“A skillfully executed sensory feast that will simultaneously astound and entertain” Mark Robins, GayVancouver Read review

“Prepare to go into sensory overload” – Jo Ledingham, Vancouver Courier Read review

“A spectacular fusion of fact and fantasy” – Kristie McCallum, Plank Magazine Read review

“Everything melds together to bring you an amazing piece of art that once you have experienced it, you will never ever forget…This is avant-garde theatre at its finest”

– Lorelei Burk, Gothic Beauty Magazine Read review

“Go see this phantasmagorical musical on the imaginary life of Edgar Allan Poe…this is must-see theatre”

–Martin Millerchip, North Shore News Read review

“Sweeps its audience along on a robust rollercoaster ride ranging from the ridiculous to the sublime…an epic poem set to music, and performed with world class finesse by an acting troupe lavishly attired in postmodern costumes that outclass some of Tim Burton’s best work”

– Roger Eberle, Review Vancouver Read review

Nevermore must close this Sat, Feb 6! Buy tickets here.

→ Leave a CommentCategories: General · News and Reviews · Speaker's Corner
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The day the music died

February 3, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Today marks the 51 st anniversary of the untimely deaths of Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and JP “Big Bopper” Richardson in the airplane crash which would later be immortalized in Don McLean’s song, “American Pie”. We are looking forward to bringing some of this legend to life on the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage in May with Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story. Here are a few facts and a few songs from Buddy Holly to remember him by today.

The Story of the Crash

From Wikipedia: Following a performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa on February 2, 1959, Holly chartered a small airplane to take him to the next stop on the tour. He, Valens, Richardson, and the pilot were killed en route to Moorhead, Minnesota, when their plane crashed soon after taking off from nearby Mason City in the early morning hours of February 3.

The Music of Buddy Holly

Listen and watch the rock ‘n’ roll icon himself, in rare footage from the Ed Sullivan Show, singing “That’ll be the Day.” Click here.

Buddy Holly and the Crickets on The Ed Sullivan Show, 1957

Here is Buddy on the Arthur Murray Dance Party, Dec 29, 1957, singing “Peggy Sue.” Buddy Holly and the Crickets, his band, are charmingly introduced as “rock ‘n’ roll specialists.” Click here.

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Facts about Buddy Holly

Known all his life to his family and later his fans as Buddy, his real name was Charles Hardin Holley. Apparently the misspelling of his last name occured on his first contract with Decca Records in 1956 and became his stage name from then on.

The song American Pie by Don McLean was written about the fatal airplane crash that ended the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and JP “Big Bopper” Richardson. It is a common myth that the plane’s name was American Pie. In fact the plane had no name and is known among devoted fans by its wing numbers, N3794N.

Fender Stratocaster

Buddy Holly’s favourite guitar was the Fender Stratocaster. He is reported to have owned as many as five of these guitars in his short career. The last of these is on display at the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock, Texas (Buddy’s hometown.)

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Bathroom renovation complete

February 2, 2010 · Leave a Comment

The bathroom renovations at the Granville Island Stage are complete!

Thanks to all our Granville Island patrons who patiently put up with our (albeit lovely) porta-potties and longer than usual line-ups. All of the hard work and inconvenience came to fruition yesterday when our amazing (and frankly beautiful) washrooms were re-opened to great fanfare and excitement. In just 12 short weeks, Proscenium Architecture and Interiors and CEC Construction Ltd led by project supervisor Robin Craig, accomplished the complete overhaul of our facilities.

Thanks to our diligent Board of Directors, particularly Capital Campaign committee members Stan Hamilton, Jamie Corbett, Bruce Flexman, Jim Storie, and Howard Young. And course, thanks to the generous support of the Department of Canadian Heritage and the City of Vancouver.

 

Here are the photos of the big reveal.

Official ribbon cutting: Executive Director Howard Jang, Buildings Manager Jack Holmes, Past Board Chair Stan Hamilton, and Artistic Managing Director Bill Millerd

Men's side

Women's side

Arts Club gang gets a tour

Board members celebrate: Jim Storie, John Sutherland, Current Board Chair Jamie Corbett, and Anne Rowland

For Arts Club regulars we thought we should point out that the Men’s and Women’s bathroom locations have been reversed. You may want to pay special attention to the symbol as you enter!

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Ovation Awards

February 1, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Congratulations to the cast of Les Miserables and Altar Boyz, as well as Bill Millerd, for winning awards last night at the OVATION AWARDS!

Cast of Les Miserables, 2009. Photo by David Cooper

 

Les Misérables won Outstanding Production of a Musical – Professional,  Altar Boyz won Best Ensemble, and our own Artistic Managing Director, Bill Millerd, won for Outstanding Direction. 

Cast of Altar Boyz, 2009. Photo by David Cooper

 

Arts Club Alumnis Alison Green, Ted Roberts, Kaylee Harwood, Susan Anderson, Keri Minty, Anna Kuman, Kieran Martin Murphy, Sara-Jeanne Hosie, Shane Snow, and Valerie Easton were also honoured with nominations for Les Miserables, White Christmas: The Musical, A Chorus Line, and Songs for a New World.

The Ovation Awards celebrate outstanding musical theatre in the Lower Mainland and took place last night at the Vancouver Academy of Music. Thanks to Applause Musicals Society for hosting the event and congratulations to all involved.

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Go behind the scenes with the Arts Club and Electric Company Theatre!

February 1, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Electric Company production of Brilliant! Greg Spottiswood, Kerry Sandomirsky, and Jonathon Young. Photo by David Cooper.

The Arts Club Theatre Company, in association with Electric Company Theatre, are producing Tear the Curtain! for an upcoming Arts Club season. An innovative multimedia production, this smart and stylish retro thriller is inspired by the “reel” history of the Stanley Theatre, set in a fictionalized 1930s Vancouver. With the support of the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, the filmed portions of Tear the Curtain! will be shot during this year’s Cultural Olympiad celebrations and you’re invited to be a part of the action!

Here’s how!

1. Open House: If you want to check out the filming process for Tear the Curtain! but don’t like being in front of the camera, there will be an Open House on Friday, February 12, between 2 pm and 5 pm at the Stanley Stage (2750 Granville Street at 12th, Vancouver). At the Open House, you will have the opportunity to view all of the action from the balcony of the Stanley as the Electric Company film in a studio environment. Contact the Electric Company at 604.253.4222 for more details or just drop in to see the action!

 

2. Hundreds of volunteer extras wanted: The next day, Saturday, February 13, Electric Company will be shooting background/extras scenes at the Stanley for Tear The Curtain! Hundreds of volunteers are wanted to work with accomplished director, Kim Collier. This is a rare opportunity to share the unique creative process with the wider community. No experience necessary.

What we need from you: Some costumes are on-site, but if you have things in your closet, please bring them along. For men, we’ll need suit jackets, shirts and ties. For the ladies, we’ll need you in any tops or dresses that feel vintage. Trench coats, fedoras, or other vintage hats, gloves and accessories will be very helpful. Let’s put it this way: the more 1930s you look, the better chance you’ll have of being featured in close-up! Bring a book, snacks, and tell friends. Some food will be available on-site. Interested? Contact Electric Company by email info@electriccompanytheatre.com or phone 604-253-4222. You can expect a reply within a few days to confirm the exact call times but expect a longish (8 am to 8 pm) and fun day! 

 See you at the theatre!

 

→ Leave a CommentCategories: Behind the Scenes · General · New Words, New Works
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Mrs. Dexter & Her Daily audiences weigh in….

January 29, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Speaker’s Corner

Our world premiere production of Mrs. Dexter & Her Daily has been wowing Stanley audiences for the past two weeks with incredible performances by Nicola Cavendish and Fiona Reid. We hope you’ll check out the great responses below and come and see these dynamic performers before they take the show to the National Arts Centre on Feb 8.

Nicola Cavendish in Mrs. Dexter & Her Daily. Photo by David Cooper.

“I have been a fan of Nicola Cavendish since she first started in the 70’s. Once again she gave an amazing performance as did Fiona Reid. It really didn’t seem like they were acting they just were those women! Thanks for such an enjoyable performance.”
—Diane

“I enjoyed the production very much. The actors were superb and the set design lovely. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to see live theatre. Every time I go to live theatre it makes me wonder why I don’t go more often.”
Bev, Port Coquitlam

“Wonderful production. Amazing how two ‘old ladies’ can keep an audience spellbound. We had heard nothing but good about the play and it lived up to expectations.”
Patricia, Vancouver

“Incredible. My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed this play. Both the script and the actresses get 5 stars in my book. I look forward to returning to the Stanley.”

—Judy
“Bring us more Joanna Glass! The writing was superb. And to see two such brilliant actors, Nicola Cavendish and Fiona Reid, inhabit the characters she so insightfully created was a delight. Kudos to everyone involved with the production.”
—Judith, Gibsons
“Nicola and Fiona were absolutely amazing and the set was outstanding. Their timing and precision was a joy to watch.”
—Lea

“For these two esteemed actors to each do one hour and ten minutes non-stop dialogue + cleaning the fridge, making tuna sandwiches, ironing curtains and hanging them in the window, wrapping glasses, etc. etc. etc…was totally incredible !! Nicola and Fiona are stage gems !! A grand tribute to the acting profession. Bravo ! Bravo ! and Bravo !”
—Larry, retired Drama teacher, Vancouver

“It is amazing how much was right about this production. The writing is so authentic, I could recognize individuals I’ve known in both of the on stage characters as well as those who never appeared but were made real through allusion. The acting was superb, extracting every nuance of pathos, comedy and realism that could be wrung from a seemingly mundane and familiar scenario. Bravo!”
—CD

“Excellent!! Amazing acting. Flawless in spite of it being the first night. How do they remember those long monologues?! Most enjoyable.”
—Margaret

Fiona Reid in Mrs. Dexter & Her Daily. Photo by David Cooper.

 And from the critics:

“Seasoned pros shine…full of terrific moments” The Vancouver Courier  [Read More]

“Finely wrought… Glass has given us something rare” Michael Harris, The Globe and Mail  [Read More]

“I will bask in the afterglow of this wonderful play for some time yet” Mark Robins, GayVancouver  [Read More]

“I loved this show…Don’t miss the opportunity to see this new play by one of Canada’s gifted playwrights and featuring two accomplished actors at the top of their game” Gillian Lockitch, Review from the House  [Read More]

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