VO's Pirates of Penzance a festive, ridiculous escapade

The Pirate King and the Major General
[Photo by Tim Matheson]

Watching Pirates of Penzance by Vancouver Opera was like watching an episode of Monty Python or an old skit from SNL. Some of the jokes may have aged with time. The clothes and the hair have definitely aged with time. But as with any timeless form of comedy, the audience still gets it and everybody gets a good laugh.

PIRATES OF PENZANCE
Vancouver Opera
Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Dec 1-9, 2012
Tickets via [VancouverOpera.ca]

In the spirit of the Holidays, I took mother with me to catch the opening show of Pirates. Upon our arrival to the theatre, we were amused to find a rowdy bunch of pirates roving amongst the audience crowd. There no onstage supers in Pirates, instead they add some flavour to the pre-show, resulting in some rather varied reactions from the Opera-going crowd. Of course mother and I couldn't resist grabbing a shot.

Mom poses with the Pirate supers

The highlight of the night was by far Christopher Gaze's updated "I Am The Very Model of a Modern Major-General." In a brilliant turn by Vancouver Opera, some of the lyrics had been updated to be more current. And not just current, tailor-made to be very relevant to the Canadian, Vancouver-based crowd. The unexpected nature of the lyrics change had the entire audience laughing out loud and cheering for what was already the most popular number in the entire opera. The original lyrics to the song can be found within the pages of the show's program, complete with explanations of the more obscure references. However, to catch the updated version you have to go and see the show for yourself.

Bard on the Beach's Gaze as the Major-General
[Photo by Tim Matheson]

In Act 2, the baritones of the Vancouver Opera chorus manage to win the crowd with their physical comedy and comedic timing. As a group of bumbling police officers, led by Giles Tomkins, they manage to sing through a complex series of slapstick moves, all without missing a beat. The comedy within the show overall is often dependent on physical humour, and there were numbers where the movements weren't as large or a polished as it could've been. The baritones however, prove that they are more than just deliciously deep voices.

The drag queen moment of the show comes from Rachel Fenlon's entrance in Act 1. Seriously, what an entrance. Everything from her voice, her shimmering golden curls, to her pure white gown screamed "Me! Stare at me!" A product of Vancouver Opera's Young Artists Program, Fenlon proves to the Opera scene that she was indeed a choice candidate for the program. My own mother was quite impressed, more than once whispering to me how "effortless" Fenlon's soprano was.

Ruth (Judith Frost) and the Pirates of Penzance
[Photo by Tim Matheson]

Pirates was first performed in New York in 1879, and for an opera that's been around for more than a century, proves that some stories just never go old. You have your feisty cougar chasing after the young hottie. The Major-General would probably have been the Octomom of his time if reality TV existed. The flamboyant Pirate King paved the way for Johnny Depp's own famously flamboyant Pirate. Also, I'm pretty sure the opening of Act 2 with all the daughters in their nightgowns was the closest thing they had to a lingerie fashion show back in 1879.

If you're looking for a festive show to lighten up your holiday season, check out Pirates of Penzance.

Posted by Filipina Colada

Bringing out youthful truth from an old opera

La Boheme, one of the most beloved operas of all time, is at its core about the triumph and folly of youth. Which is why Vancouver Opera succeeds at bringing life to its most recent version of the play by casting young performers in the lead roles.

Krisztina Szabo and Etinne Dupuis
[Photo by Tim Matheson]

LA BOHEME Queen Elizabeth Theatre October 20-28, 2012
All in their mid-30s in real life, the four lead actors begin the opera with so much youthful energy, you'd swear they were gleefully reliving their University dorm days. The whole cast has an incredible chemistry together, and their comfortable interactions makes the play all the more vibrant.
There are two sets of lovers in the play, and their tight but oh-so-slightly awkward chemistry make the relationships all the more believable. The actors manage to bring out hints of youthful uncertainty and pride in their romance, that it ultimately adds depth to their imperfect love story.

Marriane Fiset as Mimi
[Photo by Tim Matheson]

Marriane Fiset's Mimi is sweet, likeable, and delightfully demure. Her "Mi chiamano Mimi" is so vulnerable and honest, I couldn't help but get goosebumps.
Krisztina Szabo and Etienne Dupuis as feuding couple Musetta and Marcello manage to delight and add a modern level of humour to both the more serious and lighthearted parts of the opera. Despite having less stage time, Szabo proves that she was cast in the right role by successfully display depth within her flamboyant, attention-seeking character.
The sets are simple, yet effective and appropriately reflect the squalor of the Bohemian lifestyle. The lighting does an amazing job of setting the tone and mood for each act.
Up next for Vancouver Opera is Pirates of Penzance, which opens on Dec 1st. Tickets for Vancouver Opera shows are available via their website, www.vancouveropera.ca
Posted by Filipina Colada

Mary Poppins Musical retells classic story with a different magic

Mary and Burt (Rachel Wallace & Case Dillard)
[Photo by Deen Van Meer]

The stage adaptation of Mary Poppins retells the musical with a different kind of magic for a brand new audience. It's not quite the story from the movie. Instead, the play takes more inspiration from the original books by P. L. Travers.

Does this new stage adaptation manage to retain the timeless charm of the film? Joining me in this review are guest reviewers David Levitt and Steven Pugh.

MARY POPPINS THE MUSICAL
Queen Elizabeth Theatre
July 17 - 22
Tickets via [Ticketmaster]

Mary Poppins interview with Rachel Wallace

Rachel Wallace as Mary Poppins

This summer, Rachel Wallace will be flying in, literally, as the original supernanny, Mary Poppins. Practically perfect in every way, she will be starring in the upcoming stage adaptation of the timeless 1964 Disney classic.

The role of Mary came quite naturally to Rachel, having been a babysitter many times. She describes her interactions with kids who visit the theatre, some for their very first time, and introducing them to the magic of stage.

Rachel also provides some insight on what she thinks might be in Mary Poppin's purse. And Rachel also tells us which food she wished she had spoonfuls of sugar for as a kid (but can now eat as an adult).

MARY POPPINS the MUSICAL
Queen Elizabeth Theatre
July 17 - 22
Tickets via [Ticketmaster]

Rock of Ages brings the laughs and nostalgia

The cast of Rock of Ages
[Photo credit: Scott Suchman]

You can tell that Rock of Ages is not your family friendly musical just by walking into the theatre. The stage is meticulously designed to look like your local dive bar. It comes complete with scrawling graffiti, strewn underwear, and signage from the neighbourhood strip club... er... gentlemen's club.

Not surprisingly, the opening night audience for Rock of Ages was different from your usual showtune crowd. No kids or older folks to be seen here. The age range was decidedly concentrated around the thirty to forty-somethings who had come to enjoy some classic rock from the 80s.

Rock of Ages
Centre for Performing Arts in Vancouver
May 8 - 13, 2012 
Tickets via [Ticketmaster] 

Rock of Ages interview with Shannon Mullen

Shannon Mullen as Sherrie Christian
[Photo credit: Scott Suchman]

When she first saw the original Broadway production of Rock of Ages, Shannon Mullen thought there was absolutely no way she would ever play naïve country girl turned hot rocker Sherrie Christian. Fast forward three years later and Shannon has dived into that very same role and is currently starring in the touring production.

We caught the touring cast of Rock of Ages during their run in Medicine Hat, AB. In this phone interview, Shannon talks about how she managed to find connections with the character of Sherrie. The self-admitted “gym rat” also sheds light on how she sings and dances an entire musical in heels, shares some of her “out of body” rock concert-type experiences in the show (and no, it has nothing to do with recreational drugs!), and she describes how one particular outfit from character Sherrie’s wardrobe has completely changed her personal body image for the better.

Like Shannon's Fanpage on Facebook

ROCK OF AGES
Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts
May 8-13, 2012
Tickets via [Ticketmaster]

FCP Celebrates 25th with Retrospective Show

Side by Side by Sondheim, 2007

Fighting Chance Productions [FCP] is celebrating their twenty fifth production with retrospective fundraiser show 25 and Still Fighting: Great Moments in FCP History. Twenty five shows is no laughing matter. Fighting Chance has proven time and again that the musical theatre scene in Vancouver is alive and buzzing with talent. Forty performers from a dozen different shows are being reunited for the first time ever to reprise some of their most memorable numbers from the past five years.

25 and Still Fighting
Jericho Arts Centre
May 4th, Friday
Doors open 7pm, show at 8pm

Only 100 tickets available! Email tickets@fightingchanceproductions.ca to reserve yours.

My Evening with Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson at Overtures
[Photo by Steve Bosch]

Sometimes being completely and utterly shameless pays off. Tonight happens to be one of those times. Earlier this evening I managed to share a dance and a hug with the one and only diva herself, Jennifer Hudson! I had caught word months ago that JHud would be coming to Vancouver to perform and I just knew that I had to get into that show somehow! Well I did and I am thrilled that the night turned out to be way more exciting than I had anticipated.

Diary of a First-time Super

The principal cast with priests and soliders
[Photo by Tim Matheson]

Opera productions pull together fast. Really fast. At least that's been my experience working with Vancouver Opera on their upcoming production of Aida. Given that the tagline is "The Grandest of Grand Operas", Aida is certainly no small show put together.

AIDA
Queen Elizabeth Theatre
April 21 - May 3
Online tickets sales via VancouverOpera.ca

Review - Does Cats The Musical live up to the hype?

The cast of Cats the Musical
[Photo credit: 2010 Joan Marcus]

I have to confess something. I've never been a fan of Cats the Musical. In fact, the 1998 film version has the distinction of being the only filmed musical I've ever fallen asleep to. I remember a lot of dancing, and I remember trying to follow some semblance of a plot that sorta kinda tied the various musical numbers together. And then I remember waking up near the credits, cursing at myself for falling asleep and then getting up to rewind the VHS tape back to Elaine Paige's entrance for "Memory." I've heard that specific song too many times to note since then. I haven't touched the show since, and tonight would be the first night I've ever seen Cats in its entirety.

Cats the Musical Interview with Melissa Grohowski

Photo credit: 2010 Joan Marcus

Actress Melissa Grohowski has done a lot of "felinity" over the past two years. She initially joined the cast of Cats the Musical as the vocal swing. After learning and performing multiple Jellicle cats, Melissa has played her fair share of frisky felines. More recently, she has landed the lead role of the Glamour cat herself, Grizabella. (And yes, she gets to sing that song.) We chatted with Melissa about how she prepared for such an iconic role, learned what "felinity" means within the context of Cats the Musical, and found out which ironic show-related allergic Mellisa has. Is the lead actress of Cats a cat person herself? Read on to find out!

Upcoming Events - March & April 2012

Divas and Gaymers and Bears, oh my! Everyone's getting out of their post-holiday schlump and suddenly there's events springing up all over the place! The personas got together to list out their picks. If you like being surrounded by the sound of belting divas, or by manly men dressed in rubber, or by hoards upon hoards of geeks, nerds, and gamers... there's something upcoming to look forward to.

Review - FCP's Drood a unique, enjoyable romp with definite "replay value"

The cast of The Mystery of Edwin Drood

The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Fighting Chance Productions is a fun, comedic romp that employs quite a few metatheatrical devices not seen in most musicals. Based on Charles Dicken's final and unfinished novel of the same title, the show quite literally begins the moment you enter the theatre. There is absolutely no fourth wall, the cast interacts with the audience throughout the production, and the ending is determined by audience vote. Very tongue-in-cheek and incredibly self-aware, Drood also features a great mix of both new and seasoned local musical talent.

We were there for a packed opening night to find out the mystery... er... see who the opening night audience would choose as the cold-blooded murderer of Edwin Drood! The choice matters, as whoever gets chosen gets to have some extra time in the spotlight. Honestly, it was like watching an Agatha Christie musical that ends with the Clue version of American Idol.

Vancouver Opera Getting Ready For A Massive Production of Aida

VO Company Manager
Adrianne Wurz
[Photo by Tim Matheson]

Fresh from the success of Romeo et Juliette, Vancouver Opera is preparing for one of its grandest productions to date. With nearly two hundred people comprising the cast, the crew, and the orchestra, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre is going to boast a packed stage for the upcoming Aida. We chatted with company manager Adrianne Wurz to learn more about this season’s majestic closing production (plus, read on for a chance to be onstage for Aida!)

Mystery of Edwin Drood interview with Sarah Wolfman-Robichaud

Sarah Wolfman-Robichaud

The Mystery of Edwin Drood is the first ever musical to feature multiple endings. It is also known for the audience participation factor involved that is integral to the show. So how exactly does that work? Fighting Chance Production's Sarah Wolfman-Robichaud plays the title character of Edwin Drood in drag... well... she plays a character who plays the title character of Edwin Drood in drag. We sat down with Sarah for an interview to learn a bit more about what exactly goes on in this choose-your-own-ending musical.

Review - Beauty and the Beast, a tale worth revisiting

Dane Agostinis and Emily Behny

With the original theatrical release now hitting two decades old, is this tale really as timeless as the song suggests? If the number of excited little girls dressed in gowns at opening night was any indication, it looks like Beauty and the Beast will continue to have fans for years to come. The stage version expands the film with the addition of extra scenes and musical numbers. This not only adds more depth to the characters, it also provides the cast with numerous chances to dazzle the audience or have them bursting with laughter. A fantastic, high-energy production and some impressive stage magic make this show an absolute joy to see.

Beauty and the Beast interview with Dane Agostinis

Dane Agostinis

Leading man Dane Agostinis is very excited to be coming to Vancouver. We sat down with the star of the current Beauty and the Beast tour via Skype and chatted with him about some of the "magical" moments on the tour so far, exactly how long it takes for him to put on the Beast costume himself, and why Vancouver holds a very special place in his heart.

Filipina's Theatre Preview Jan - Feb

A drag queen doing theatre coverage?! What? Scandalous! Well, considering the Playhouse mainstage just played host to four vivacious drag queens in their recent production of La Cage aux Folles, Vancouver audiences shouldn't be surprised by an overabundance of glitter and sequins.

The... wait, what exactly do you call a group of drag queens?
[Les Cagelles from La Cage aux Folles]

Cast of Do You Want What I Have Got?
[Photo by Tim Matheson]