danny and the deep blue sea | artistic director notes

Ron's Artistic Director notes on DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA - closing this Saturday!

Summer before last, PT friend Jason Goode rented our theatre to produce Danny And The Deep Blue Sea. Jason’s taken acting classes here, acted in apprentice projects, and has involved lots of artists in the Pacific Theatre community in the making of his films.

I was bowled over. The calibre of acting was exhilarating. Lori is a seasoned veteran, Aleks a film and TV actor new to the stage: both turned in vital, raw, entertaining performances that were obviously suited to our mainstage.

And the script came alive for me in a new way. It’s a well-known play by a master playwright, often enough performed. But with this kind of heart and fierce freshness, it became new again.

Dark. Very dark. Those broken, desperate, end-of-the-rope lives. But, in true Shanley fashion, I started to sense hope. And I guess I’m just that kind of guy, but.... Give me cheery hopeful happiness from start to finish, I might enjoy my two hours in the theatre okay, but I’m not going to be moved, shaken, changed: I won’t get that thing I go to the theatre for. (Well, I’m exaggerating: I’ll take Tally’s Folly or You Can’t Take It With You or The Foreigner any day.) But give me some faint flickering of light in a hopelessly dark place, you’ve got me. Provided the dark is real, and the light equally so. For me, that’s Danny.

That’s enough to put the play in a PT season: fine acting, intriguing script, light in the darkness. But what put it in this PT season was the potential match-ups. At the time I saw Danny I was preoccupied with Doubt, wanting to live in the middle of that story, learn those characters, and – especially – to see Erla Faye Forsyth as Sister Aloysius. And I was dreaming of having a musical version of Joe Versus The Volcano on our stage. Three plays wildly different from one another: it’s almost inconceivable that all three came from the same playwright. And yet...

And as I watched Danny, I saw Joe and Doubt at the same time. Images recurred, preoccupations asserted themselves, a certain spirit shone through. And as the three plays rattled around in me, I pictured them on our stage, back to back.

The Joe dream didn’t come true. Not yet. But for now we offer you two plays by John Patrick Shanley. Compare and contrast. 25 marks.

feb 4 | acting workshop | erla faye forsyth

Erla has been a member of the PT family for years! This year she stepped in to perform in CHRISTMAS PRESENCE while Ron was being visited by ghosts, and is taking on Sister Aloysius in our production of DOUBT, coming up in March. In the meantime, however, she's teaching an acting workshop in Abbotsford with our friends at Gallery 7 Theatre!

Making the Choice: Effective Acting Decisions
with Erla Faye Forsyth

Saturday, February 4, 2012
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
MEI Theatre, 4081 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford

The effectiveness and impact of your performance depends greatly on your ability to ask questions, to analyze the script for answers, and to translate these discoveries in to a three-dimensional character. This workshop will explore what questions actors should ask, and how they find answers using the play's text.

Costs:
$65.00 - Individual Workshop
$58.50 - Individual Workshop - Season Pass Holder Discount
*Registration fee includes a bottle of water, snack, and a light lunch.

To REGISTER or for MORE INFORMATION:
Call 604-504-5940 or go online to www.gallery7theatre.com

feb 12-18 | guys and dolls | willis taylor

PT alumni from days of yore (HARMFUL EFFECTS OF TOBACCO, anyone?) Willis Taylor is directing a production of GUYS AND DOLLS out in the Valley!

Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, this oddball romantic comedy – considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy – soars with the spirit of Broadway as it introduces us to a cast of vivid characters who have become legends in the canon: Sarah Brown, the upright but uptight “mission doll,” out to reform the evildoers of Time Square; Sky Masterson, the slick, high-rolling gambler who woos her on a bet and ends up falling in love; Adelaide, the chronically ill nightclub performer whose condition is brought on by the fact she’s been engaged to the same man for 14 years; and Nathan Detroit, her devoted fiancé, desperate as always to find a spot for his infamous floating crap game.

Everything works out in the end, thanks to the machinations of Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling‘s hilarious, fast-paced book and Frank Loesser‘s bright, brassy, immortal score, which takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City. Funny and romantic, GUYS AND DOLLS is ideal for audiences and performers of any age.

Feb. 12 at 2:30pm
Feb. 13 & 14 at 10:30am
Feb. 16-18 at 7:30pm
The Abbotsford Arts Centre
Tickets $12
Info and reservations: 604-853-0778

feb 6-11 | soul resource | masae day

Masae Day (THE GREAT DIVORCE) has co-created and is performing in SOUL RESOURCE at Studio 58 with her class.

Studio 58, the nationally renowned professional theatre training program at Langara College, presents the Risky Nights production of SOUL RESOURCE, a classic story of jealousy and greed that looks at our abuse of natural resources in a very human context, directed by Rachel Peake.

Soluma: the forest home of a photosynthetic race who live off the land, never venturing outside of their own borders. ONX: a technologically savvy city of metal and lights under the watchful eye of an all-controlling Leader. As an energy crisis threatens the ONX way of life, a fateful meeting between the two worlds brings ONX a new hope: the Sols' photosynthetic energy as a source of power. However, as we begin to see the measures that the ONX is willing to take to attain this power the question arises: when does need become greed?

Now in its 12th season, the Risky Nights Series is designed as a bridge between classroom work and main stage productions. At the conclusion of their second year of training, students have an invaluable opportunity to create every aspect of an original theatre piece from start to finish with a professional director, and perform it for an intimate audience.

February 6 - February 11 at 8:15 PM
3:15pm matinee on Sunday February 12th
Room SO32 in the Student Union Building, Langara College
Admission by donation
For Info/Reservations (604) 323-5227

2012-2013 apprenticeships

We are now accepting applications for our 2012-2013 apprenticeship program!

Former Apprentice Kaitlin Gordon in our
annual Christmas Card photoshoot

Apprentices participate in all aspects of the company's work, including administration, production, and artistic projects, with a chosen focus in one or two aspects of theatre creation: playwriting, acting, directing, technical theatre, or design. Most Pacific Theatre apprentices go on to have professional careers in theatre as actors, writers, directors, stage managers, technicians, and designers. Oh, and the apprentices all get to be a part of the annual Christmas Card photo shoot! Who would want to miss that?

More information about the program can be found on our website. The application deadline is March 15, 2012!

responses | danny and the deep blue sea

"I just wanted to say that the show was absolutely amazing! I have never seen a show in such an intimate setting. When DANNY blew the candle out at the same time as the lights dimmed I almost cried and it was one of the most beautiful theatre moments I've ever witnessed. I'm so glad I didn't miss out on a truly vulnerable and moving play." | audience email

"Watching the show is a relentless emotional experience. Just as you think your heart is going to break you get sucker punched with humour. ... The victories of both performances were in the little things: the set of Roberta’s jaw as she speaks of her past, Danny’s clenched fists as he tries to rein in his anger, the tender caresses, flying spittle and sexual energy that flies between the two actors." | Natasha Irvine, Converge Magazine

"Danny and the Deep Blue Sea is a thrill ride of play. In 80 intermission-less minutes, Director Jason Goode and his cast take the audience on an emotional journey that slingshots between guffawing humour, bleeding pity, wrenching tenderness, and outright terror." | Brian Paterson, Laura Murray PR

"Paunovic and Triolo attack Shanley’s words with such strength and understanding that like any train wreck you simply can’t look away, no matter how hard you want to. At times these two are quite literally animals as Triolo beats her chest like a baboon challenging a predator and Paunovic the lumbering croc that belies its strength and speed. As the tables turn though, Paunovic’s transformation into Danny’s gentler side is as heart-wrenching as his portrayal of Danny’s violent self." | Mark Robins, GayVancouver.net

"It would be hard to leave the theatre after seeing this 90-minute pièce de théâtre without a sense of 'shock and awe.'" | John Jane, Review Vancouver

"Just saw Danny and the Deep Blue Sea last evening. Wow!! It's like a modern day Beauty and the Beast, but with a rotating Beast. Amazing picture of how wonderful forgiveness is and how much we all need it, along with our need for confession. We spend so much time covering up our "sins" and pretending they don't exist or don't matter, when what we really need to do is admit they are there and receive forgiveness so we can get on with life, rather than getting stuck in a dark place. Thank you for yet another evening of amazing theatre." | Fiona Topp, facebook comment

"This was probably the most intimate and stunning theatre experiences I've ever had. What an impact. Other than these words plus the word "breathtaking," I'm speechless." | Travis Klassen, facebook comment

"Danny and the Deep Blue Sea is a story of faith and bravery. Danny and Roberta dare to believe in the possibility of creating something better for themselves. It is this faith, and the love they entrust to one another, that turns their make believe into a reality." | Zoe Grams, Paper Planes

"Stunningly honest and beautiful performances! A fantastic show that everyone should see!" | Melanie Reich, facebook comment

"Another amazing production -- Aleks Paunovic & Lori Triolo are riveting. A deep and dark play with surprising moments of humour, sweetness, & tenderness." | Marianne Holmlund Mendgen, facebook comment

"Went to see an awesome production of Danny and the Deep Blue Sea starring Aleks Paunovic & Lori Triolo last night at Pacific Theatre in Vancouver!! Tickets still available- make sure you go see it!!!" | Sera-Lys Huck-McArthur, facebook comment

In the Twitterverse:
@zoegrams: Lucky to see provoking, magnetic performances this weekend from Danny and the Deep Blue Sea @PacificTheatre
@barryhaglund: @loritriolo @PacificTheatre @alekspaun - Excellent matinee of Danny & the Deep Blue Sea today
@tarakjpratt: Thank you @PacificTheatre for such a wonderful, moving story. Go see Danny and the Deep Blue Sea #yvr #theatre peeps. Thanks @theatre_20!
@pixielate: A great show for Danny and the Deep Blue Sea @PacificTheatre!!

danny and the deep blue sea | subscriber appreciation saturday

Attention subscribers! Our Subscriber Appreciation Saturday event for DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA is coming up this weekend!

Saturday January 28th, 2011
4:00pm – 5:00pm
at Pacific Theatre
FREE for all subscribers
Please RSVP your attendance to kaitlin@pacifictheatre.org

Featuring a conversation between Ron Reed, Aleks Paunovic, and Lori Triolo on the differences between film and theatre acting, followed by a screening of Jason Goode's short films THE HITCHHIKER (featuring Aleks Paunovic and Gina Chiarelli) and LATE (featuring Lucia Frangione).

feb 10 & 11 | side show

Every year we bring together some of our favourite improvisers from around town for SIDE SHOW, a fun night of comedy improv. This year is no different, except that it's totally different! We've invited the hilarious duo Peter 'n Chris to join us with their Fringe Festival hit THE MYSTERY OF THE HUNGRY HEART MOTEL.

SIDE SHOW featuring Peter 'n Chris
Feb 10 & 11 at 8pm

A double feature of Peter 'n Chris' THE MYSTERY OF THE HUNGRY HEART MOTEL followed by SIDE SHOW COMEDY IMPROV with the PT gang! Peter 'n Chris will join in both sides of the equation, pitting their sketch comedy skills against PT's improv team.

BONUS OFFER: Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotels has provided Vancouver Attractions Passports for everyone who attends the Friday night performance!

For tickets visit our website or call 604-731-5518.

danny and the deep blue sea | we make stuff event video

The folks at We Make Stuff who interviewed Jason Goode about his work also made a little event promo video for DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA! Check it out:

feb 4 | chor leoni | ian farthing

PT artistic advisor Ian Farthing (12 ANGRY MEN) sings in Chor Leoni, and they're performing Cherbunini's REQUIEM in D minor, a very stirring, spiritually uplifting piece of music.

Requiem
February 4, 2012

Chor Leoni is pleased to present a special concert under the direction of Assistant Conductor Kevin Zakresky and featuring the rarely heard Requiem in D Minor by Luigi Cherubini. Written for men’s voices and orchestra, the Requiem features soaring vocal lines and a sweeping orchestral score. EnChor Choir will open the evening with a performance of Benjamin Britten’s mystical masterpiece for mixed choir and organ, Rejoice in the Lamb.

Featuring
Exultate, Justi - Ludovico Viadana
Rejoice in the Lamb - Benjamin Britten
Nymphes des bois - Josquin des Pres
Pavane - Fauré
Requiem in D Minor - Luigi Cherubini

Conducted by Kevin Zakresky

Special guests
EnChor Choir - Diane Loomer, C.M., Artistic Director
Michael Murray, organist
Sea-to-Sky Symphony

Saturday February 4, 2012 • 7:30 pm
St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church
1022 Nelson St at Burrard, Vancouver
*If ordering tickets through Brown Paper Tickets over the phone, please quote event number 201840*
Phone: 1-800-838-8006

A recital in partial fulfilment of the Doctorate of Musical Arts in Conducting at Yale University.

danny and the deep blue sea | opening night

Photos from opening night reception of DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA! (Don't you wish you could have some of those cupcakes?)

danny and the deep blue sea | jason goode on we make stuff

The folks over at We Make Stuff interviewed DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA director Jason Goode on why he makes stuff.

Danny and the Deep Blue Sea

Playing until Feb. 4

www.pacifictheatre.org

jan 20 & 21 | pull festival | john voth, mack gordon

Mack Gordon (YOU STILL CAN'T) wrote a play for a brand new festival called PULL: A 10-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL, and John Voth (GODSPELL, CASINO) is performing in it! This is a little last minute for tonight, but the festival runs two nights only, so if you aren't already planning on attending DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA, check it out!

This January Sum Theatre Society is presenting for the first time PuLL: A 10 Minute Play Festival.

This festival will feature nine original, never before seen plays written by citizens of British Columbia. The writer's have been asked to create a ten minute play, or monologue that focuses on the written text.

After The Accident by Lori Weidenhammer
Starring Emilie Leclerc
Directed by Patrick New

Blondie by Meghan Gardiner
Starring Shaughnessy Redden
Directed by Jameson Parker

Bait by Pippa Mackie
Starring Pippa Mackie
Directed by Patrick New

Epiphany by Sherry Duggal
Starring Meaghan Chenosky
Directed by Kayvon Kelly

The Only Difference Between Peter Bogdanovich And I... by Mack Gordon
Starring John Voth
Directed by Jameson Parker

The Orca by Ryan Beil
Starring Kyle Salive
Directed by Kayvon Kelly

Sub-Prime by Ashley O'Connell
Starring Marc Anthony Williams
Directed by Kayvon Kelly

The Mortician by Lois Anderson
Starring Patrick Keating
Directed by Kayvon Kelly

Worth The Wait by Christine Quintana
Starring Robert Sidley and Quinn Cartwright
Directed by Jameson Parker

Date and Time: January 20/January 21-Doors at 7:30-Show at 8:00.

Tickets are FIVE dollars!!! Available at the door.

AND!!! TOONIE BAR!!!!!

jan 31-feb 4 | bride on credit | twu

Our friends at TWU have yet another opening coming up!  Written by student Cara Lowdermilk (she wrote last season's hit AUGUST IN THE SPRING), it sounds like a blast...

What if your credit card fell into the wrong hands? What if, instead of taking it on a wild spending spree, the thief bought a mail-order bride and she showed up at your house? The hapless Dan Foster is about to find out what “unlucky in love” means in Bride on Credit, a new romantic comedy that premieres January 31 – February 4 at Trinity Western University.

Dan has a great career and no love life. If he could just work up the courage to tell his best friend he loves her, things might be different. But then his credit card is stolen on a blind date gone wrong, and suddenly a mail-order bride shows up on his doorstep thinking he was the one who ordered her. It’s hard enough explaining things to a starry-eyed “bride” who speaks no English; but matters are complicated by his sister (the pill-popping actress) and his pal Tony (the wisecracking ladykiller). Unless, of course, this shy girl from abroad is actually the soulmate he’s been waiting for…

“We’re delighted to premiere this exciting new work,” explains SAMC Theatre Chair Angela Konrad. “The play was commissioned from senior student Cara Lowdermilk, who won over audiences with her clever comedy August in the Spring in last year’s New Generations festival.”

Konrad pulled together an ensemble of senior students to collaboratively design and produce the show, including Shayna Lorraine Jones who tore up the stage as Friar Laurence in last semester’s Romeo + Juliet. “Dan is a lovable geek, and as his best friend it’s my job to tell him when he’s being an idiot…but also support him through the love disaster of his life,” says Shayna, who recently accepted a position with the Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance while finishing up the last of her Theatre courses. “I love the play. I’m so proud of Cara, the queen of comedy. It’s been a treat coming together with this team to conceptualize and build every aspect of the production from the ground up.”

Shayna stars alongside Lyndon Johnson as Dan and Sarah Ruth as “bride on credit” Georgette, with Shayne Findlay, Karyn Guenther, and Cara Lowdermilk. Stage managed by Eleanor Felton, Ian Hengeveld, and Jessica Van Elk.

Playing January 31 – February 4 at 7:30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2pm. Tickets range from $6 to $14 with a 2-for-1 Tuesday and special matinee pricing. For more information and tickets, visit www.twu.ca/theatre or email theatre@twu.ca.

pacific theatre club

Over the years we've received tons of reports from patrons who have formed their own little "theatre clubs" around our shows - sort of like a book club, you see the show with a bunch of friends and then grab a coffee afterwards and discuss it.  We love this idea! We love it so much, in fact, that we want to help your clubs along, so we're launching the Pacific Theatre Club with our production of DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA.

The basics are the same, but now we're going to give you two things:

1) A discussion guide to the show, released on the preview night of each production, featuring background information and discussion questions.

2) An opportunity to hang out with the staff and artists of PT! We want to get to know you guys better, so if you let us know about your theatre club, at one point during the season we will arrange for a staff member or artist to join your post-show discussion. That way we get to make new friends and you get a little extra behind-the-scenes info on the production.

feb 4 & 5 | ordinary time | peter la grand

Peter La Grand is a CHRISTMAS PRESENCE regular, you may remember his beautiful number "Emmanuel" (it usually crops up towards the end of the night). His band Ordinary Time rarely plays in Vancouver as two of the three members don't live here anymore, but they're getting together for a couple of shows coming up next month! Not to be missed, for sure.

Saturday, February 4th
Regent College - 5800 University Blvd
7pm - $10

Sunday, February 5th
First Baptist Church - 969 Burrard St
7pm - $10

Tickets available at door for both shows!

danny and the deep blue sea | urban rush

Tomorrow tune in to Urban Rush on Shaw TV at 5pm to see Lori and Aleks chatting up DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA! Just for fun, to get you warmed up, here's the a clip from Aleks and Jason's last appearance on the show:

danny and the deep blue sea | meet jason goode

You've met the folks you'll be seeing on stage in DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA, how about the guy who's bringing everything together behind the scenes? Jason Goode is the fearless director behind this fine piece of theatre!

Fun facts about Jason:

• Like actor Aleks Paunovic, this is Jason's first theatre project!
• He's no stranger to directing though, Jason is an award-winning short filmmaker with DUCKS, THE HITCHHIKER, POP SWITCH, THE PLANTING, LATE to his name.
• Not just a flaky artist, Jason has a BSc in Biology.
• He's also earned himself a Master's degree in Church History from Regent College.
• As of today, according to his blog, the only movie Jason has seen in 2012 is a repeat viewing of THE KING'S SPEECH. Not a bad choice.

Now check out Jason's short film THE HITCHHIKER, written by PT-er Kathy Parsons and featuring Gina Chiarelli (you saw her in THE BUSY WORLD IS HUSHED) and Aleks Paunovic. Here's another fun tidbit for you: it was while working on this project that Aleks brought the script for DANNY to Jason. They both were equally thrilled and terrified by the prospect of doing the project, which might have something to do with why it took them 4 years to get it on its feet.


The Hitchhiker from Jason R Goode on Vimeo.

jan 20-29 | the idiot

This huge ensemble piece features a whole bunch of PT artists.  You saw our man Tom Pickett last season in PLAYLAND and while it's been a little longer since Craig Erickson took the stage for GRACE, he's definitely part of the PT team.  Top it off with David Adams (JESUS, MY BOY), Andrew McNee (JESUS HOPPED THE 'A' TRAIN), and Dawn Petten (THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT) on stage and design work from frequent PT artists Bryan Pollock, Itai Erdal, and Sydney Cavanagh, and we're chock-full of PT!

In a world obsessed with money, power, and sexual conquest, is a sanatorium the only place for a saint?

The award-winning team that brought you Crime and Punishment returns with a new adaptation of Dostoyevsky's comic social critique, The Idiot, a world-premiere by writer/director James Fagan Tait and composer Joelysa Pankanea.

Scorned by the society of St. Petersburg for his generosity and innocence (his "idiocy"), Prince Myshkin finds himself at the centre of a struggle fueled by love, jealousy and greed.

Costume Designer: Mara Gottler * Set Designer: Bryan Pollock * Lighting Designer: Itai Erdal * Wardrobe Assistant: Sydney Cavanagh * Technical Director: John Reilly * Production Manager Rachel Peake * Stage Manager: Dorothy Jenkins * Assistant Stage Manager: Susan Miyagishima * Assistant Director: Chelsea Haberlin * Movement Consultant: Savannah Walling * Producer: Kirsty Munro * Associate Producers: Terry Hunter, Savannah Walling

The Ensemble: David Adams, Patti Allan, Cherise Clarke, Kerry Davidson, Luke Day, Craig Erickson, Kevin MacDonald, Andrew McNee, Richard Newman, Kuei-Ming Lin, Stephen Lytton, Tom Pickett, Mike Richter, Savannah Walling, Adrienne Wong and introducing Theatre at UBC BFA-Acting students: Alen Dominguez, Alexander Keurvorst, Emma Middleton, Courtney Shields

Musicians: Joelysa Pankanea, Marimba | Mark Haney, Bass | Molly Mackinnon, Violin

Where:
Frederic Wood Theatre, UBC

When:
January 20 to 28 @ 7:30 pm
January 21, 22, 28, 29 @ 2:00 pm
No performance Monday, January 23

Tickets:
single advance Tickets $34 | $30 | $28
at-door tickets $36 | $32 | $30
2-4-1 Preview on January 19 @ 7:30pm
2-4-1 Matinees January 21 & 22
http://www.universitytickets.com | 604-822-2678

danny and the deep blue sea | meet lori triolo

Next up in our artist introductions for DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA is Lori Triolo:

A few fun facts about Lori:

• She runs the Cold Reading Series here in Vancouver, bringing actors, writers, and audiences together for a night of fun AND script development
• Shanley himself called Lori the best "Theresa" he had ever seen in his play ITALIAN AMERICAN RECONCILIATION
• In 1990 she helped build a 60-seat black box theatre in New York for Robert Deniro, Kenneth Branagh, and Talia Shire.  No big deal!
• Her move to Vancouver consisted of a 3-week vacation to check out the TV and film scene that turned into a permanent relocation
• She teaches the Meisner Technique here in Vancouver (which is good because she studied it with Meisner himself)

Check out a promo video about The Cold Reading Series featuring an interview with Lori:

jan 25-feb 12 | TWU art show

Check out this art show featuring the work of 10 senior art students at TWU!

TWU Art Entrepreneurs Take On the Fort Gallery

For an intrepid group of student artists, the New Year promises their first taste of entrepreneurship. A group of ten senior Art + Design majors from TWU’s School of the Arts, Media and Culture have designed a juried painting exhibition called Continuum, opening at the Fort Gallery on January 25.

The paintings have been juried by SAMC Associate Professor Doris Auxier, together with the students. Auxier is no stranger to the Fort Gallery, exhibiting there most recently as part of Trace Elements last month. With her guidance, the students have handled the entire project as freelance artists – fronting the costs, attending to every last detail of how their work is displayed in the space, and sharing profits with the gallery from any sales of their artwork.

For many of the students, this initiative is their first foray into professional exhibition. “This experience has been invaluable,” says Katrina Grabowski, a fourth-year student who has led her Senior Studio peers in launching this show. “Not only does it give each of us a professional credit, it’s taught me so much about working in partnership with an actual gallery. Working with a pre-existing space and then tailoring every element of the show to flourish in it – it’s a fascinating new experience for me, and I’m loving every minute of it!”

Featured artists include Melissa Alvero, Chapman Chan, Chelsea Davidson, Rachel Dyck, Elizabeth Ellis, Katrina Grabowski, Braden Jones, Laura Klassen, Lisa Nickel, and Rebecca Sellers. Continuum runs January 25 to February 12 at the Fort Gallery, 9048 Glover Road, Fort Langley. Opening reception January 27 at 7pm. For more information, visit www.fortgallery.ca. Find the latest SAMC news and events at www.twu.ca/samc.

Photo credit: Katrina Grabowski. Pictured: Chelsea Davidson.

danny and the deep blue sea | student night

Attention all theatre and film students!  We've got a special night planned just for you!  A student preview of DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA.

This is an exclusive theatre and film student pay-what-you-can preview of DANNY hosted by Artistic Director Ron Reed!  A great opportunity to network with fellow students, get to know Pacific Theatre, meet our AD and see a phenomenal show.

Wednesday, January 18th

7:30pm: chat with Ron

8pm: show starts

SPACE IS LIMITED so email kaitlin@pacifictheatre.org to reserve your spot.  Be sure to let her know where you're currently studying.

meet the stars! housing for carl kennedy

Carl Kennedy, who was in the critically acclaimed production of JESUS HOPPED THE 'A' TRAIN at Pacific Theatre last year, is coming up from Seattle to perform in THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT. Being from out of town, he is in need of accommodation from approximately one month (March 23rd to April 23).

Anybody able to help out Carl in this respect? Fire us an email at Pacific Theatre if you have any ideas. info@pacifictheatre.org

PS - Free is nice of course, but Carl is absolutely willing to pay.

danny and the deep blue sea | meet aleks paunovic

We thought we'd start off your introductions to the creative team for DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA with none other than our Danny!  So here his is, Mr. Aleks Paunovic!

Fun facts about Aleks:

• He originally hails from chilly Winnipeg
• Before becoming an actor he played in a hard rock band
• He also boxed and was a part of the Canadian Boxing Team at the Pre-Pan-American games
• His first acting gig came from his first ever audition (how many actors get to say that?) for the HBO movie HEADS
• Immediately hit with the acting bug, Aleks started training and working regularly
• On top of being a boxer, musician, and actor, Aleks works frequently as a stunt man
• After sustaining an injury that paused his boxing career, he decided to pass the time producing and co-hosting a travel show called DESTINATIONS
• Since moving to Vancouver he has made a name for himself in the local Sci-Fi TV industry, working on BATTLESTAR GALLACTICA, STARGATE ATLANTIS, SUPERNATURAL, FIREBALL, and more!

Now, Aleks might sound like a bit of a tough guy (probably because he is), but he's got a softer side too. Here's a video of him playing a little tune, proving tough guys can still sing a good ballad.

Christmas Campaign at 113% | $39,553 down! WE DID IT!

You've seen the silly pictures and read the funny poem, now it's time to see the results of our Christmas fundraising campaign! Want to see your numbers included in the tally? Donate online or call us at 604-731-5483 to make your contribution.

WE DID IT! Thanks to you guys (aka, the best audience support team of all time), we have exceeded our goal! Cue dance party:

The tally: 2000 + 500 + 200 + 98.56 + 600 + 200 + 293.80 + 1000 + 5 + 20 + 12.5 + 50 + 200 + 50 + 20 + 55 + 250 + 20 + 100 + 1000 + 100 + 20 + 5 + 40 + 250 + 500 + 5.50 + 25 + 100 + 100 + 100 + 27.62 + 1000 + 3.10 + 26.5 + 1.06 + 25 + 25 + 22.96 + 45.92 + 100 + 100 + 42.80 + 50 + 768.80 + 500 + 26.13 + 30.36 + 200 + 50 + 250 + 7.40 + 300 + 30 + 5.44 + 76.90 + 45.92 + 250 + 25 + 100 + 18.5 + 39.19 + 300 + 500 + 3000 + 100 + 500 + 0.98 + 250 + 1000 + 200 + 500 + 100 + 100 + 1000 + 100 + 35 + 250 + 20.75 + 500 + 20 + 30 + 300 + 500 + 250 +150 + 500 + 100 + 300 + 1000 + 350 + 100 + 100 + 50 + 100 + 500 + 1000 + 300 + 100 + 500 + 500 + 250 + 5000 + 100 + 500 + 1000 + 112 + 400 + 200 + 2,000 + 15 + 200 + 500 + 30 + 240.25 + 50 + 96.10 + 144.15 + 495 + 2,500  = $39,553.19

Believe it or not, there are still a few unspecified pledges in the works, so this isn't quite the final number.  Truly, we can't thank you enough!

feb 4/5 | peter la grand + ordinary time

Peter's a friend of PT - Christmas Presence the past few years, and "Passion" a couple seasons back - remember his amazing Judas song? (Which I personally think should open our production of "The Last Days Of Judas Iscariot" at the Cultch, but that's just me...). Here's a rare chance to hear him with his band. Hoping I can make it.
Ordinary Time, a folk trio made up of Regent Graduates Ben Keyes, Jill McFadden, and Peter La Grand will be performing two concerts in Vancouver, Saturday February 4 at Regent College (regent-college.edu) and Sunday, February 5 at First Baptist Church (firstbc.org).

Both concerts start at 7pm and are $10 for admission. The group is also leading a worship workshop at the Carey Institute (more details at carey-edu.ca). Ordinary Time plays a selection of old hymns and their own songs, specializing in rich vocal harmonies and thoughtful lyrics. Please come to one or all of these great events and catch a rare Ordinary Time experience. More details can be found at OrdinaryTimeMusic.com

jan 27 | song of songs | vancouver chamber choir

SONG OF SONGS
Poetry and Palestrina

8 pm Friday, January 27, 2012

Ryerson United Church
2195 West 45th Avenue (at Yew Street), Kerrisdale,Vancouver

Vancouver Chamber Choir
Jon Washburn, conductor

The biblical Song of Songs (or Song of Solomon) is perhaps the most famous love poem of all time. It fascinated Palestrina and other Renaissance composers particularly because of its duality - as secular description of the Garden of Love and as sacred allegory of God's love for Israel, or Christ's love for the Church.  In this concert we will present 10 of Palestrina's magnificent motets and eight more by other great composers of the late Renaissance and Early Baroque eras - Tómas Luis de Victoria, Claudio Monteverdi, Josquin des Prez, Heinrich Schütz, Costanzo Festa, Peter Philips, Orlando di Lasso

Join J. Evan Kreider, Professor Emeritus UBC School of Music, at 7:10 pm for a pre-concert talk on the evening's music.

Tickets to SONG OF SONGS are $24.50 - $28, available at Ticketmaster. Student rush tickets are $10 when doors open one hour before the concert. Visit Ticketmaster.ca to purchase online or phone 1-855-985-ARTS (2787).

the shanley series discount

John Patrick Shanley is a must-read playwright for any theatre student, and a must-watch playwright for pretty much anybody. We are presenting a mini-series of Shanley plays, showing off some of the great variety in his work: from the harsh, dirty, brutal world of DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA to the mysterious and eloquent DOUBT, A PARABLE, and we're offering a little discount if you see both plays!

It works one of two ways:

Call in to book your tickets to DANNY over the phone (604.731.5518). If you book tickets to DOUBT at the same time, get 15% off your DOUBT tickets.


-or-

Buy your DOUBT tickets the same night that you come to see DANNY and get 15% off your DOUBT tickets. If you prefer buying your tickets online, this would be your best option.

doubt| new cast member

Sometimes in theatre the news is both happy and sad at the same time.  We were all excited to have Dirk Van Stralen back on the PT stage this spring in DOUBT, but unfortunately, changes in his schedule meant he couldn't continue in the role of Father Flynn.  So now we'll be bringing back another familiar face:

That's right! Giovanni Mocibob is going to be taking the role! It wasn't a tough choice to ask Gio back. As Ron puts it, "He was extraordinary as Asher Lev a year ago, and I was blown away again recently seeing him in MARY'S WEDDING at the Richmond Gateway. A Rosebud actor new to the Vancouver theatre community, people will be seeing a lot of this intuitive, truthful young actor in the years to come."

Watch for him on stage with Erla Faye Forsyth, Kaitlin Williams, and Leslie Lewis-Sword in March.

jan 11-14 | never swim alone | twu

Featuring Julie Casselman (THE GREAT DIVORCE) and directed by Becky MacDormand (stage manager for CASINO AND THE DISAPPEARING), this is a promising student production of Daniel MacIvor's NEVER SWIM ALONE at TWU.

Daniel MacIvor is a brilliant, quick-paced, comedic, yet challenging writer who embodies all of his skill within his play, "Never Swim Alone."

Childhood friends, Frank and Bill, have gone through everything together: "I saw the look of another woman in his father's eyes,... I smelled the bourbon on his mother's breath, I kept it a secret his aunt was his sister..." Everything! But there's one defining incident, that happened many years ago, which has indefinitely changed the course of their friendship and the course of their lives. A present-day one upmanship competition between these two men, judged by a referee who looks strikingly like the girl from the beach that fateful day and who embodies their surrealist competition, pushes them to the limits of their friendship and their humanity. The results of the competition are catastrophic resulting in their desperation and possible death.

When: January 11-14 -shows at 7:30 and a 2pm matinee on the 14th.
How much: Tickets are $5 at the door
Where: Trinity Western University's theatre

jan 8 | dead poets reading series | diane tucker

PT literary manager Diane Tucker has her own little Dead Poet's Society! They're doing a reading this weekend, her invitation is below.

Dead Poets Reading Series

Our next reading will take place on January 8th, 2012 from 3-5 PM at Project Space, 222 E Georgia Street, Vancouver. It will feature:

Thomas Hardy (1840 - 1928), read by David Zieroth
Christina Rossetti (1830 - 1894), read by Diane Tucker
Stevie Smith (1902 - 1971), read by Miranda Pearson
Jack Spicer (1925 - 1965), read by Garry Thomas Morse
Edward Thomas (1878 - 1917), read by John Donlan

Brought to you by your intrepid Dead Poets Team: Rob Taylor, Christopher Levenson and Diane Tucker

Join us for this excellent afternoon at an exciting new Vancouver venue.

Admission by donation.

For more information see: www.deadpoetslive.com

We hope to see you there!

jan 6 & 7 | nanking winter | maki yi

Apprentice Maki Yi is producing and performing in the first act of Marjorie Chan's A NANKING WINTER this week.

Irene Wu has dedicated years of her life to researching the invasion of Nanking, China. Through the winter of 1937, the Japanese Imperial Army led a horrific campaign through the streets of China’s capital, an event that has been left unknown and untold to the world. Irene is on the brink of releasing her research when her publisher voices doubts about the book.

Directed by Rougi Yu
Featuring Maki Yi, Josette Jorge, Zen Shane Lim, Tonya Lee Albers, and Brian McCaig

January 6 & 7 at 8pm (2pm matinee January 7)
Tickets by donation at the door

jan 5 | sand & polish art show | opening reception

click to enlarge

We are pleased to be hosting our first group show beginning January 3. Curated by Shari-Anne Gibson and Laura Breukelman, the show will feature works by a variety of local Vancouver artists. All are welcome to join us for the opening on January 5, between 8:00-10:00pm. There will be live jazz by the Nelson Boschman Trio, and wine and cheese will be served in the Alma VanDusen and Peter Kaye rooms at VPL (350 W. Georgia).

Here is the event page on Facebook.

A word about the title & theme of the show from our curators: We have invited visual artists working two-dimensionally in drawing, painting, photography, printmaking or mixed media, to investigate the theme of renewal and restoration. The idea is not to mask or cover over something that is inherently flawed or useless, but a sort of discovery and excavation of that which was good but has been lost. We are looking for fresh approaches in articulating our common desire and hope for newness through diversity of interpretation and metaphor.

Artisan website 

larry | joanne probyn

Joanne Probyn is a Vancouver painter who created this image of Michael Kopsa in the role of Larry in PT's production of "Hospitatlity Suite."