corleone: the shakespearean godfather | more photos!

CORLEONE: THE SHAKESPEAREAN GODFATHER is back for one final week on the PT stage! Here are more photos taken by Artistic Director, Ron Reed.

corleone: the shakespearean godfather | set design

Set designer, Heidi Wilkinson shares her thoughts on set designing for, CORLEONE: THE SHAKESPEAREAN GODFATHER.

When Mindy Parfitt and I sat down to talk about design for the show, we realized that we needed something very simple; part of this was because of budget but primarily it was to help keep the many scene changes moving fluidly. What stood out to us in the story of the Corleone, is despite all of the corruption and violence, there is this unwavering loyalty to family and we wanted to convey that somehow.

I loved the idea of a fresco and using it to create a suggestive family tree. I felt that it would work well with the unique space that Pacific Theatre provides. It worked visually with every location we are in as we follow the story: it gives the sense of Italy, it’s reminiscent of a wall in a restaurant, and it even worked in Vito’s office as, upon research, I discovered that many wealthier Italian families in New York in the 1940’s had frescos or murals on a feature wall in their homes. Making the decision of the family tree actually being an orange tree was our own personal homage to the original movie and the symbolism that the orange played within it. And while I wanted to show the Corleone connection to family, I felt that it was also important to show the ramifications of the men's lifestyle and how it was actually destroying the family. When you look at the two frescos in the theatre space, you will notice that one mural is a full and healthy orange tree while the fresco on the opposing wall depicts the same tree with all of the leaves and oranges having fallen to the ground.

sideshow featured performers | alison chisholm & frank nickel

It's time for our SIDESHOW featured artists. First in the series are CO-General Managers, Alison Chisholm and Frank Nickel!

Alison Chisholm

Where else do you perform?
Presently in my living room for my infant.

Describe improv in three words
Need for attention.

What is your favourite improv game?
Sounds like a song.

What are you obsessed with these days?
Keeping my baby alive and hopefully happy. That's all I think about. Ever. ... Like actually.

Who should be an improvisor but isn't?
Hmmm. Good question! Michelle Obama. Know who is an improvisor and shouldn't be? .... You can probably guess.

Where can people find you online?
Sifting through depressing articles on Facebook for updates on family, friends, pets, babies and any scrap of positivity I can find.

Frank Nickel

Where else do you perform?
Panic Squad Improv Comedy

Describe improv in three words
Terrifying Controlled Chaos

What is your favourite improv game?
Crime Endowment

What are you obsessed with these days?
The next 90 days.

Who should be an improvisor but isn't?
Elon Musk

Where can people find you online?
@frankless7

corleone: the shakespearean godfather | review

We are half way through the run of CORLEONE: THE SHAKESPEAREAN GODFATHER. Haven't seen the show yet? Want to come again? No problem! Call our box office at 604.731.5518 or go to tickets@pacifictheatre.org to book your tickets today!

sideshow | march 3rd & 4th

Spring is just around the corner and so is SIDESHOW! This year we have many familiar faces joining us on the PT stage and we would be thrilled for you to join us in our audience. Stay tuned over the next few weeks for our featured SIDESHOW artists!

Hold onto your hats for another round of improv and sketch comedy with the PT crew. A family-friendly favourite!

Hosted by Brad Rossington
Accompaniment by Peter Abando

Featuring John Voth, Diana Bang, Alison Chisholm, Matthew Simmons, Jennifer Pielak, Paige Louter, Mark Vandenberg, Cara Norrish, Frank Nickel, Jalen Saip, Kyla Ferrier, Danielle Klaudt, Phil Miguel, Lindsay Curl

March 3rd at 8:00 pm
March 4th at 2:00 and 8:00 pm

tickets@pacificitheatre.org or call 604.731.5518

corleone: the shakespearean godfather | happy valentines day

Roses are red, violets are blue- we love CORLEONE and we think you will too! Happy Valentines Day, from Pacific Theatre and the Corleone's!

corleone: the shakespearean godfather | happy family day

The Corleone's are all about family. What better way to kick off family day than with some love from the Corleone's. Happy Family Day! 

**Our office will be closed Monday, February 13th and will re-open Tuesday, February 14th.

corleone: the shakespearean godfather | artist talk back

Please join us for our artist talkback night immediately following tonights performance of CORLEONE: THE SHAKESPEAREAN GODFATHER!

storyhive success

Congratulations to PT family member Deb Sears, whose film SCATTERED made it to the finals of the Telus Storyhive contest!

Check out her short video here as it competes to win the grand prize! 

corleone: the shakespearean godfather | student & senior night

Calling all students and seniors! Tonight is your first chance to see CORLEONE: THE SHAKESPEAREAN GODFATHER for only $20.00. Call our box office at 604.731.5518 or visit us online at pacifictheatre.org, to book your tickets!

corleone: the shakespearean godfather | responses

"Director Mindy Parfitt and the artists of Classic Chic take the script seriously and deliver an emotionally resonant and physically handsome interpretation. ... Playing Michael, Stefania Indelicato brings commanding intelligence, stillness and depth. And, with thickened eyebrows and painted-on sideburns, she is smolderingly handsome. Nicola Lipman plays the don, Vito Corleone, with a persuasive sense of moral exhaustion and cold confidence. And I also particularly enjoyed Michelle Martin as the macho Carlo and Colleen Winton as the sinister Sollozzo, who is the head of a rival family." | Colin Thomas

"Puzo and Coppola fans will love Corleone: The Shakespearean Godfather. ... Resisting any urge to cast the role to mimic Brando’s performance, director Mindy Parfitt finds the perfect replacement in the diminutive Lipman. Confident but never brash, there is a singular familial vision that is at times chilling." | Mark Robins, Vancouver Presents

"Among Corleone’s standouts are Corina Akeson, also the sound designer, who shines as both Sonny Corleone and Johnny Fontane, and Christina Wells Campbell, Classic Chic’s artistic director, who earns every laugh she gets for her turn as Luca Brasi, the Don’s well-meaning but dim, malapropism-inclined muscle. Kaitlin Williams is lively and vibrant in her small role as Kay, Michael’s put-upon love interest. ... It’s an all-too-rare joy to see so many different women, from so many different demographics, occupying the stage together." | Andrea Warner, The Georgia Straight

"The play is worth watching for Nicola Lipman’s portrayal of Vito Corleone (the Godfather) alone. Her quiet, understated strength and carriage are beyond remarkable. Stefania Indelicato portrays Michael as a reserved character suddenly galvanized into action because of an act of treachery against his father and brother. He is motivated by revenge." | Margaret Ritchie | Church for Vancouver

corleone: the shakespearean godfather | opening night

We had a wonderful opening weekend for CORLEONE: THE SHAKESPEAREAN GODFATHER! Thanks to everyone who joined us, here are some shots from the opening night reception (and even a sneak peak into the greenroom!)

corleone: the shakespearean godfather | photos

Tonight is opening night of CORLEONE: THE SHAKESPEAREAN GODFATHER! Cannot wait to share this story with all of you. In the meantime, here are some photos.

corleone: the shakespearean godfather | interview | mindy parfitt

Mindy Parfitt is an award winning director, and performer. She has a diverse directing resume which includes directing sex workers and their allies in the HOOKER MONOLOGUES, to world premieres at the Arts Club. We are thrilled to have Mindy directing, CORLEONE: THE SHAKESPEAREAN GODFATHER, opening this Friday on the PT stage. Ladies and gentleman, introducing the fabulous Mindy Parfitt!

We’ve layered a few concepts on top of each other with this production (Shakespeare, pop culture/The Godfather, and women playing all roles). How do you think these concepts will interact and benefit each other?

I think the use of Shakespearean language encourages the audience to see this story with fresh eyes. Having women playing men allows us to experience these familiar characters in a new way. We were working through the fight scenes the other day in rehearsal and I thought how fantastic it is to see women being this physical. It is rare that women get to play parts in which they get to really fight each other.

What should audiences expect from women playing the male roles, and how does that interact with the storytelling?

I think the audience will be surprised at how easily they forget about women playing men. We have four young women playing the chorus, which allows us an extra layer of commentary about this very masculine story. As they guide the audience through the play, they provide a youthful perspective that is cautionary. They allow us to consider, and be aware of, the female voice and how much it has (or has not) changed in our society.

What is your favourite thing about the script? What do you think will be your biggest challenge?

I love the imagery. And how it switches from very intimate to very funny. I think the biggest challenge will be providing enough of a nod to Godfather, the movie and book, while at the same time supporting the audience in having a new experience of this story.

How do you see this play as fitting into the Pacific Theatre space?

I think that Classic Chic having the opportunity to partner with an established organization exposes the work of the company to a new audience base. Pacific Theatre has a great reputation for supporting the work of local artist and I think this is another great example of this. Having the opportunity to rehearse in the venue prior to opening is a rare gift and one that will allow the show to find its roots within the walls of the theatre.

corleone: the shakespearean godfather | pay-what-you-can-preview

It's the New Year, and this means sticking to the New Year's resolution check list! Forgot to factor in seeing an awesome show at PT? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Tomorrow night is pay-what-you-can preview, the only night where you can see CORLEONE: THE SHAKESPEAREAN GODFATHER for a price that you decide on. Everyone welcome!

Presale tickets available for $14.95 at pacifictheatre.org or by calling 604.731.5518