Monday, January 28, 2013

doubt: the opera | new york

John Patrick Shanley has adapted DOUBT into an opera.  Here's a snippet of the New York Times article about it...


“There’s a lot of feelings that could not be expressed in the play because of its austerity,” Mr. Shanley said, “But opera, even when it is austere, is as rich as chocolate cake. So that allowed me to go back and express a lot of things that I could not before and still tell the story.”

The play has only four characters: Sister Aloysius; the young idealistic Sister James; Father Flynn, the forward-looking priest suspected of transgressing boundaries with an altar boy; and the boy’s mother. “It really is the thing itself,” Mr. Newbury said. “It isn’t just about doubt, it’s doubt brought to life onstage. And it’s a particularly American play with all the questions about class and race and religion rolled up into one.”

feb 5 | budding playwrights | cara cunningham, lucia

Not that she isn't already busy these days, but our gal Lucia is not only currently starring in the play she wrote on our stage, but she is teaching a playwriting course!  Apprentice Cara Cunningham is participating in the course, as well as Diane Tucker - come out next week to hear readings from the students' new plays.


The Budding Playwrights Evening of Readings

The students of Lucia Frangione’s advanced playwriting class invite you to attend an evening of play readings.

Writers:
Diane Tucker
Jeany Van Meltebeke Snider
John McIvor
Kathy Para
Ruth Rich
Val Lieske
Cara Cunningham
Diana-Marie Korbisser Stolz

When: February 5th, 8:00 pm
Where: Pacific Theatre, 1440 W 12th Ave, Vancouver
Why: Because who doesn’t love theatre?!

leave of absence | opening night

What a fantastic opening for LEAVE OF ABSENCE on Friday night!  Big thanks to all the people who came out, and even more congratulations to the entire creative team for putting together this show. We've been waiting a long time to get this one on our stage, folks, so we couldn't be happier.  Here are some shots from the opening night reception!












feb 2 | wild west show | fundraiser

Doktor Luke productions is headed up by former PT publicist Julie Sutherland, and they are producing a fundraiser for us! THE WILD WEST SHOW - it will feature performances by PT staffers Alison Chisholm, Frank Nickel, and Andrea Loewen, plus our board member Mike deBoer. Plus, Viper Central is headlining! Definitely worth checking out!


Berlin Gives Way to Santa Fe in Doktor Luke’s Wild West Show

The Producers of Wintergarten Cabaret and Wintergarten Cabaret (Deux) Host a Honky Tonk Fundraiser for Pacific Theatre at the Anza Club (3 West 8th Ave., Vancouver - at Ontario)

Doors 8 p.m. (bar open)

Doktor Luke Productions is proud to announce THE WILD WEST SHOW, a fundraiser for Pacific Theatre, on February 2, at the Anza Club.

This ain't no happy clappy country barn dance, ladies, gents, & c. This is Gold Rush. Jagged and raw, the Wild West Show brings together some of Vancouver's hottest and most daring stars.

And speaking of liquor, we'll have a well-stocked bar thanks to our beer sponsor, GRANVILLE LIQUOR STORE.

COME ONE, COME ALL. Just make sure you're 19+ cause all you young'uns will be ID'd at the door.

*“You don’t look like the noble defender of poor defenseless widows. But then again, I don’t look like a poor defenseless widow.” –Once Upon a Time in the West

Tickets through Brown Paper Tickets.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

leave of absence | peak on site

Today's performances of LEAVE OF ABSENCE are presented by our radio sponsor 102.7 The PEAK.  We had the PEAK Cruiser on site this afternoon, and they'll be back again this afternoon, so come on by to say hello, and follow their updates on Twitter @thepeak!


Friday, January 25, 2013

feb 6-9 | breathe | toronto

Torontonians! Next month is a great show about the breath of God called BREATHE...


breathe...

February 6th-9th at 8pm
Tickets are $26
Purchase at the door or go online to
http://breathesanctuary.eventbrite.ca/
for information email jason@jasonhildebrand.com

This MUST_SEE show is based on Greg Paul's award winning novel, "Close Enough to Hear God Breathe", will run here at Sanctuary. Crafted and performed by actor Jason Hildebrand and musician/composer Mike Janzen.

"Breathe will do just that...make you stop and breathe and sit in the presence of God. I've never heard my audience so silent. They barely moved for the entire perfomance. Jason draws you into the stories in the most intimate of ways. And, of course, the music of Mike Janzen adds a whole new dimension to this already powerful production. Be prepared to smile and cry and meet God in a new way. A must see."
Val Lieske - artistic director of the Fire Exit Theatre in Calgary

jan 29-feb 2 | new generations | twu

Our friends at TWU are producing another round of NEW GENERATIONS, a collection of plays written and directed by students. See the press release for info below.


A diverse evening of unforgettable stories from the next wave of theatre-makers.

NEW GENERATIONS – JAN 29 TO FEB 2 ONLY!
TICKETS & INFO AT TWU.CA/THEATRE

Blind dates, summer shenanigans, big box stores, monkeys… you never know what to expect in the eclectic assortment of plays that make up New Generations, showing January 29 – February 2 at Trinity Western University’s School of the Arts, Media and Culture. Five short plays, each directed by a Theatre student, and each offering plenty of laughs, come together to create one diverse and entertaining production.

“This festival is always a highlight because it showcases the depth of talent we have at TWU,” says Theatre Department Chair, Angela Konrad. “All the actors, directors, stage managers, and crew are students, and this year, so are two of the playwrights!”

The new plays receiving their world premieres are Building Blocks, a comedic romance by fourth year Theatre major Benjamin Buckingham; and I Spy With My Little Lie, an adrenalin-laced comedy about love, deception, and Walmart penned by Nicola Prigge, a double-major in Theatre and Education.

“It’s so exciting to see my play come to life on stage,” says Prigge, “and it’s incredible to see people embody characters that used to exist only in my mind.” Buckingham agrees: “There’s a kind of creative thrill in the whole process that I really wasn’t expecting. This opportunity has greatly increased my interest in playwriting.”

The other plays in the line-up are: Richard Greenberg’s Life Under Water, a comic drama about the rich and spoiled; David Ives’ clever comedy about the inevitability of art, Words, Words, Words; and Jonathan Rand’s Check Please, a series of blind dates that couldn’t possibly get worse… until they do.

All five directors are taking their first shot at helming a production. They are graduating BFA Acting students Megan Couch and Sarah Ruth; graduating BA in Theatre student Brittany Gainer; and third year Theatre majors Eleanor Felton and Amy Dauer. First year Tiffany Kanda has the daunting task of running the show, as the Festival Stage Manager. In total, more than 30 students are involved in producing New Generations, including 17 actors.PICTURE THIS! opens next week!


Running one week only, January 29 – February 2, New Generations promises a fast-paced and funny festival, brimming with the exuberance of youth. Performances are 7:30pm Tues-Sat with a matinee at 2:00pm Saturday February 2. Tickets are $8 – 14 and available at the door or at www.twu.ca/theatre. For more information, go to the website or email theatre@twu.ca.

January 29 – February 2
Tues – Sat 7:30pm | Saturday matinees 2pm
Tickets from $8 - $14, buy online or call 604.513.2121 x3872

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

jan 26 | subscriber appreciation saturday | leave of absence

Attention subscribers!  Our latest Subscriber Appreciation Saturday is set for this weekend, and it's all about Lucia.


Following the January 26th matinee performance of LEAVE OF ABSENCE, join Ron Reed, Lucia Frangione and friends as they take a "walk down memory lane." In a PT-style episode of "I Love Lucia", we will bring you readings from past Lucia/PT productions as well as a Q&A session with the playwright herself.

Lucia has been a core artist with PT ever since 1991 when she was our first-ever company apprentice. Since then we have brought five of her plays to the stage: CHRISTMAS ON THE AIR, HOLY MO, CARIBOO MAGI, ESPRESSO, and CHICKENS. Now we are privileged to debut a script that has been in the works for almost ten years: LEAVE OF ABSENCE.

Join us on January 26th for our very special episode of “I Love Lucia!”

"I Love Lucia"
Saturday January 26th
Approx. 4-5pm
Subscribers – please RSVP to Kaitlin to reserve your spot at kaitlin@pacifictheatre.org

Monday, January 21, 2013

leave of absence | publication

The script for LEAVE OF ABSENCE has been published! Or rather, it will be, just in time for our opening night. This is pretty unusual for a script - the tendency is that the publication doesn't come out until after the first production has closed. But Lucia has been writing up a storm in preparation, and this one's ready to go!


Yep, the book cover uses Emily Cooper's fantastic artwork too!

The book will be available for sale at the show, or you can visit Talon Books for more info on LEAVE OF ABSENCE, as well as Lucia's other published scripts.

Friday, January 18, 2013

jan 26 | "peak" day | leave of absence

On Saturday, January 26th our performances of LEAVE OF ABSENCE will be brought to you by our radio sponsor 102.7 the PEAK! We are thrilled to host the PEAK Cruiser on site for both the matinee and evening shows on this day.


leave of absence | study guide and theatre club

As we do for each show, we've published a study guide for LEAVE OF ABSENCE which is available to download off of our website. Feel free to peruse it before or after the show, use it for your own theatre club at home, or join us on February 2nd for PT's own Theatre Club.


PT Theatre Club - Everyone welcome!

Saturday February 2nd at Pacific Theatre. Immediately following the matinee performance of Leave of Absence. Join us for good conversation, community and, as always, snacks! We look forward to having you.

Download the Leave of Absence discussion guide here. (Please note, the study guide contains spoilers!)

If you have any questions about starting your own theatre club - please email our community engagement manager Kaitlin at kaitlin@pacifictheatre.org.


Wednesday, January 16, 2013

leave of absence: act 1 eat 1

We've partnered with Dine Out Vancouver this year for a fun promotion featuring Siena Restaurant and LEAVE OF ABSENCE called Act 1 Eat 1!


Participants will enjoy a long-table three-course dining experience at Siena Restaurant, followed by LEAVE OF ABSENCE!  Tickets are $65 and include tax and gratuities for food and theatre tickets (no beverages).

ACT 1 EAT 1
January 26, February 2
Dinner: 6pm | Show: 8pm
Tickets must be booked through Tickets Tonight here.

Monday, January 14, 2013

jan 18 | sheree plett

Another concert with one of our favourite gals, Sheree Plett! This time she'll be accompanied by Jordan Klassen, another fantastic local musician who has yet to join us on the PT stage, but we still like him anyways.


Hip City Music presents:

JORDAN KLASSEN & SHEREE PLETT
w/ DO TELL (JOCELYN PRICE)

January 18, 2013

Anchor Guitar Studio
103-339 Railway Street

All Ages

Doors at 8:00PM, Show at 8:30PM

Advance Tickets: $12 (+ s/c)

All tickets are general admission.

Tickets available at www.hipcitymusic.ca/tickets

www.jordanklassenmusic.com
www.shereeplett.com

leave of absence: meet lucia

Lucia has been a part of what we do here at PT for almost as long as any of us can remember - actually, for longer than most of us have worked here.  The best way to meet Lucia, of course, is through her work.  Here are some images from past Lucia Frangione plays produced here at PT.

CARIBOO MAGI

CHICKENS

ESPRESSO

HOLY MO AND SPEW BOY


CHRISTMAS ON THE AIR

Thursday, January 10, 2013

kids say the darndest things | wardrobe edition

In December we were fortunate to have almost 800 kids and 12 different schools from the lower mainland visit us to see THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE through our school matinee program. Angela Mitchell was one of the teachers from Blacklock Fine Arts School who brought her grade 4 and 5 classes to the show, and then had them write critiques after. Their responses were too intelligent and heartwarming not to share. Enjoy!


“The stage was small, but when the play was on, it seemed so big! Who knew a chair and a box could be a sleigh?” -Victoria

“When the White Witch killed Aslan they used the box because if the actor was under he would get really really hurt in his back.” -Dylen

“I liked the small stage because it felt like I was a part of the action and adventure of the play.” -Zoe

“I was astonished by the mood you get just from gels and gobos. In the death scene I was very affected because of the lighting. The lighting was kind of orangy like Aslan's fur.” -Kalina

“I like how they made us imagine we were some of the props, like when Aslan breathed on us like we were the statues.” -Emma

“I loved almost all the costumes because they looked like the character they were supposed to be even without masks. I didn't really like Aslan's costume because it was just a blanket, but then again I probably should imagine more.” -Piper

“The music was amazing. I could understand the story and what was going on just by the music! I bet I could close my eyes and still know what was happening, but I wanted to see the expression on their faces because they were so amazing. I loved how the music and audio sounds blended in so much because they were constantly getting the movements perfectly on cue.” -Ariel

“The script was awesome and I can't believe that they memorized all of their lines in just two weeks! I had way less lines in the Christmas Concert last year and I took like a month to memorize them!” -Piper

“My favourite part of going to the theatre was realizing that not every theatre is big.” -Kailey

“This was the first time I ever saw a live play. I learned a lot, like different stages and how to move around in different kind of stages. I learned that it takes a lot of practice and work to put on a play. You need lights, sounds, time, money for equipment, actors, and most importantly you need dedication.”

If you are a teacher or parent and would like to bring a group of students to THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE , you are not too late! The show is touring to The Presentation House in April and will be booking more school matinee shows. Please contact the Presentation House Box Office directly at 604-990-3474 for information about booking a school matinee. 

Wednesday, January 09, 2013

Monday, January 07, 2013

leave of absence | first read

Today was the first read of LEAVE OF ABSENCE by Lucia Frangione. I can't believe it's finally here after eight years of trying to get it on our stage!


Friday, January 04, 2013

jan 24 | your people are my people | diane tucker

A night of music and poetry based on the art of Judith Fischer, featuring our friend (and artist advisor!), Diane Tucker.


Thursday January 24th, 2013
Music and Poetry inspired by the art of Judith Fischer: “Your People are My People”

7:00-9:00pm
Location: Jewish Community Centre, Gallery Room
950 West 41st Ave, Vancouver
Free Admission. Everyone is welcome

Dennis E. Bolen will host the evening with music by singer/songwriter, Harriet Frostand poetry, inspired by the paintings by Judith Fischer in her exhibit Your People are My People.

Featured poets: Timothy Shay, Mary Duffy, Diane Tucker, Heidi Greco, Renée Sarojini Saklikar and Taslim Jaffer.

Harriet Frost is a Vancouver-based independent singer songwriter. Strikingly original in her song writing, her listeners find themselves captivated by her commanding voice and distinctive melodic sensibility. Rooted in a folk rock tradition she invites shades of gypsy jazz and pop underpinnings into the mix. Frost's music explores political landscapes, personal dreamscapes and life's panoply of disappointments and joys. Harriet’s musical journey began in Montreal where she wrote and performed throughout her high school and college years. A pivotal move to Israel brought her to the international stage where she had the opportunity to work with various artists staging shows to promote peace in Israeli and Palestinian communities. Vancouver is home where while raising a family, she continues to compose and perform her eclectic fusion of folk inspired music. Working with Vancouver’s most notable musicians, Harriet's critically acclaimed CD Random Days can be heard on CBC AM and FM Radio and public & college radio stations across North America.

Word Whips are presented by the Sidney and Gertrude Zack Gallery in collaboration with Pandora’s Collective.