tolkien | advance photos

We had a wonderful time on the photoshoot for TOLKIEN! The woods in Pacific Spirit Park were the perfect place to dream about Middle Earth and Narnia. Thanks to Emily Cooper for the wonderful shots, and to Ian Farthing and John Innes (our Lewis and Tolkien) for going on a little adventure with us.

tolkien | theatre that matters

Here is actor John Innes, our J.R.R. Tolkien, on the play TOLKIEN and why it matters to him.

tolkien | first rehearsal

It's the beginning of the end -- this morning was the first rehearsal for the final show of our season! Professional theatre is always planned pretty far in advance, but it would be no exaggeration to say that this play has been a long time coming. We are so excited to finally begin TOLKIEN by Ron Reed.

sideshow | performer spotlight | alison chisholm

Last up in our SIDESHOW performer spotlight, is our Executive Director (and SIDESHOW regular) Alison Chisholm. Don't forget, all week we also have Jalen Saip's apprentice production of LOVE/SICK playing at 7:30pm! See both on the weekend for only $20 with the promo code DOUBLEBILL.

Describe improv in three words:

Fun, bird impressions.

What is your favourite improv memory?

Being 15 and performing on the Yuk Yuks stage as if I belonged there. The audience seemed to agree.

What's your current obsession?

Weird Al’s Hamilton Polka. It is one of the best things ever!

Who should be an improvisor, but isn't?

All of my brothers.

If improv were a food, what would it be?

TACOS!!!! Because I love tacos.

Where else do you perform:

Not many places these days. Mostly just at home for my toddler. She’s a great audience.

sideshow | performer spotlight | jeff cooper

Up next in our SIDESHOW performer spotlight, is Jeff Cooper! (And don't forget, starting tonight we also have Jalen Saip's apprentice production of LOVE/SICK playing at 7:30pm. See both on the weekend for only $20 with the promo code DOUBLEBILL.)

Describe improv in three words:

Characters, discovery, support.

What is your favourite improv memory?

Being endowed as Hugh Grant in my first-ever stage performance.

What's your current obsession?

Improv podcasts.

Who should be an improvisor, but isn't?

My 7 year old niece.

If improv were a food, what would it be?

Some kind of college dorm recipe using leftovers.

Where else do you perform:

Vancouver Theatre Sports, random Fictionals events and other stages.

sideshow | performer spotlight | brad rossington

Up next in our SIDESHOW performer spotlight, is none other than our esteemed host Brad Rossington. We are excited to have him join us for SIDESHOW on Friday and Saturday! (And don't forget, all week we also have Jalen Saip's apprentice production of LOVE/SICK playing at 7:30pm. See both on the weekend for only $20 with the promo code DOUBLEBILL.)

Describe improv in three words:

Kind, Quirky, Crazy.

What is your favourite improv memory?

An impromptu scene with an audience member while we supposed to be playing another game.

What's your current obsession?

Editing vacation videos...seriously.

Who should be an improvisor, but isn't?

My dentist; so she’ll stop asking me about while her hands are in my mouth.

If improv were a food, what would it be?

Buffet, (too obvious?). Milk that is dated today.

Where else do you perform:

Vancouver Theatre Sports, The Fictionals, and one-offs with my peeps Graham and Russ.

sideshow | performer spotlight | daniel chai

Up next in our SIDESHOW performer spotlight, is none other than Daniel Chai. We are excited to have him join us for SIDESHOW on Friday and Saturday! (And don't forget, all week we also have Jalen Saip's apprentice production of LOVE/SICK playing at 7:30pm. See both on the weekend for only $20 with the promo code DOUBLEBILL.)

Describe improv in three words:

Fast, Unexpected, Fun.

What is your favourite improv memory?

I have so many favourite improv memories, but one of the most memorable is the first ever Improv Against Humanity shows with The Fictionals. We workshopped the show for months, but still had no idea how it was going to work with a live audience! When the crowd for the first show was lined up out the door, and everyone shouted "HUMANITY" with us for the first time, I knew we had created something special!

What's your current obsession?

I am obsessed with comic books! When I need to relax or unplug for awhile, I pick up a graphic novel and get lost in a brand new world! One day I would like to write my own!

Who should be an improvisor, but isn't?

Steve Rogers and Tony Stark - I think they would be a good improv duo!

If improv were a food, what would it be?

Improv would be pizza, because there are many different combinations of ingredients for different tastes, and we all agree that pizza is awesome!

Where else do you perform:

I perform with The Fictionals Comedy Co. every Tuesday at Cafe Deux Soleils, monthly at the Rio Theatre, and at conventions and special events around Vancouver. You can also catch me on your screens in various shows and commercials!

sideshow | performer spotlight | jalen saip

Next week we're offering up a smorgasbord of comedy! Our annual romp through improv comedy, SIDESHOW is coming on Friday and Saturday as a later show at 9pm, PLUS we have apprentice Jalen Saip's production of LOVE/SICK playing April 11-14 at 7:30pm. (See both on the weekend for only $20 with the promo code DOUBLEBILL.) We're kicking off our SIDESHOW performer spotlights with none other than the star of next week's show, Jalen!

Describe improv in three words:

all. made. up.

What is your favourite improv memory?

Being hoisted into the air while singing about my dream of marrying a clown.

What's your current obsession?

The thought of a tropical vacation

Who should be an improvisor, but isn't?

Any one of my 5 siblings!

If improv were a food, what would it be?

French fries. Always a great a choice.

Where else do you perform:

Vancouver Theatre Sports

bar mitzvah boy | favourite lines

We're in the final stretch for BAR MITZVAH BOY! With only a few performances to go, we asked our cast and playwright to share their favourite lines from the show with us.

GINA CHIARELLI (Rabbi Michael):

"You're not a man yet."

Tikkun olum: "kindness for the sake of creating a better world."

RICHARD NEWMAN (Joey):

"If G-d had known about Hawaiian pizza, there would have been a loophole in this whole Kosher thing."

"The last time I dated a Jewish girl, I was 10 years old. She socked me in the arm; that meant we were going steady."

MARK LEIREN-YOUNG (playwright):

Joey: "If G-d had known about Hawaiian pizza there would have been loopholes in this whole kosher thing."

Michael: "We can believe in G-d and not believe Noah somehow rounded up breeding pairs of giraffes and gophers and chipmunks in the forests of Gomorrah. Metaphors, parables, stories, fairy tales. What matters is the message at the heart of them."

bar mitzvah boy | response video

We have been getting fantastic responses for BAR MITZVAH BOY by Mark Leiren-Young!

bar mitzvah boy | final photos

Another round of photos for the final week of BAR MITZVAH BOY by Mark Leiren-Young!

bar mitzvah boy | more photos

Here is another collection of photos from BAR MITZVAH BOY by Mark Leiren-Young! The photos are all taken by Damon Calderwood, featuring Gina Chiarelli and Richard Newman. Set by Carolyn Rapanos, lighting by Jillian White, costumes by Kaitlin Williams.

bar mitzvah boy | responses

"It’s always a treat to see a brand-new play. This one is a gentle, bittersweet comedy that’s both charming and undemanding — a perfect date show, regardless of your faith.” | Darren Barefoot, The Georgia Straight

"The chemistry between the two actors is palpable. The audience is led through a witty pas de deux, and both teacher and student experience personal metamorphoses through their weekly interactions." | Tova Kornfeld, The Jewish Independent

"Gina Chiarelli is so thoroughly, subtly present and emotionally honest that I defy you not to be moved by her work as Michael. All of that and comic timing too. Playing Joey, Richard Newman matches Chiarelli step for step. He sings beautifully and, metaphorically, this production is a well-executed duet between the two actors." | Colin Thomas

“A two-handed tour de force.” | Lincoln Kaye, The Vancouver Observer

"Newman’s portrayal of Joey is a wonderful transformation … Chiarelli is utterly believable as a spiritual leader." | Mark Robins, Vancouver Presents

"[Chiarelli’s] chemistry with Richard Newman is endearing and often hilarious. Hilarious and heartwarming.” | Jessica Kim, UBC Players Club

"Thought-provoking, uplifting and entertaining. Mazel Tov!" | John Jane, reviewvancouver

“Time flies by in this one-act.” | Judy Robb, My Van City

AUDIENCE RESPONSES

"A great show - humour, warmth, honest...and outstanding performances. Catch it if you can!" | Ken H.

"My husband and I loved Bar Mitzvah Boy. The acting was superb–Joey and the Rabbi’s characters were so real, tender, sad and funny. The set was ingenious and held the storyline well. The play was beautifully written and continued delivering insights long after it was over. The script was poetic and artfully paced, constantly contrasting opposites and switching them around. I can’t explain exactly without spoilers. You just have to see it yourself." | Esther H.

"This was a fantastic show. I was terribly moved in some parts. My husband and I liked it so much we are going to go again this Saturday. This theatre puts on the best shows!" | Elaine Breaks

"I highly recommend this play. It was so moving, funny and full of all that makes us human in relation to G-D. I left the theater saying 'wow, just wow'. There was seemed to be a real connection between the actors, which made the play even better. Thank you." | Jan R

"Loved Bar Mitzvah Boy! Wonderful acting and a superb story with enough ambiguity and unexpected turns to keep us guessing from start to finish. Joyful laughs with some surprise tears. Thank you for a remarkable performance. Beautiful." | Lorri Romhanyi

bez arts hub | upcoming concerts

Christmas Presence artists Jordan Klassen, The Kwerks, and Viper Central all have upcoming shows in the BEZ ARTS HUB spring lineup. Time to go see a concert!

April 6 - COMEDY NIGHT AT THE BEZ

April 13 - JORDAN KLASSEN

April 20 - THE KWERKS

April 27-8 - DISCOVERED (DANCE)

May 4 - VIPER CENTRAL

The BEZ ARTS HUB
102-20230 64th Ave in Langley, BC.
More information here.