it's a wonderful life radio show | photos

Some more shots from IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE RADIO SHOW, playing through December 30th!

dec 16 | christmas presence | set list

act one

huron carol | garth bowen

25^th of december | rory holland

jingle bells | laurel

the real santa claus | mike mason

angels we have heard on high | peter la grand

seth | david kossoff

the lord is my shepherd | jon ochsedorf

seven principles of christmas | garrison keillor

zion | peter la grand

miles | mike mason

wrapped up in you | laurel

act two

thaddeus bristol | david sedaris

when I was a young man | jon ochsendorf

ghost of christmas | mike mason

come to us emmanuel | peter la grand

o come emmanuel | laurel

silent night | garth

mary's song | peter la grand

down bethlehem way | jon ochsendorf

feast days | annie dillard

white christmas | garth bowen

*

peter abando | piano

brett ziegler | keyboards

becca birkner | bass

rick colhoun | drums

kenton wiens | drums

ron reed + mike mason | readings

christmas presence | dec 15th photos

Some shots of the gang rehearsing for last night's performance of CHRISTMAS PRESENCE!  Many shows to come, including one tonight with much of the same crew: Peter La Grand, Jon Ochsendorf, Garth Bowen, Laurell, Peter Abando, Becca Birkner, Rick Colhoun, and Kenton Wiens.

christmas presence | artist profiles | laurell

Our next featured artist in the CHRISTMAS PRESENCE line up is Laurell!  This gal has been working like crazy recently, releasing a whole series of pop and dance hits, but she still breaks out the acoustic guitar with us every year.  Although who knows, this year she might get us all up dancing!  Check out her Christmas single, All Wrapped Up in You, below.

christmas presence | artist profiles | sheree plett and jeremy eisenhauer

Sheree Plett and Jeremy Eisenhauer have been staples of CHRISTMAS PRESENCE for years.  When they moved to Comox last summer, we had high hopes that they would make it back out this season, but were also ready to accept reality that it might not happen.  Well colour us excited, because they are making it just in time for the last performance of the run!

dec 15 | christmas presence | set list

act one

scrooge + his nephew | charles dickens
finding christmas | zaac pick
dark, then light | rory holland

the x-mas files | cammuso + seely
do you hear what I hear | corey janz
the real santa claus | mike mason
santa claus is coming to town | the tourist company
macy's christmas elf | david sedaris

from you, with love | andy frew
annunciation | frederick buechner
too much to ask | luci shaw
joseph's dream | rainer maria rilke
mary considers her situation | luci shaw
the irriational season | madeleine l'engle
great commingling | corey janz

o holy night | bill richardson
worst christmas ever | the tourist company

gloria | zaac pick

act two

o tannenbaum
christmas drinks party | william nicholson
angels we have heard | corey janz
the nativity | c.s. lewis
love has come | andy frew
father christmas | c.s. lewis
have yourself a merry little christmas | the tourist company

o what a night | zaac pick
miles | mike mason
the king (o my love) | andy frew
joseph's lullabye | ron klug
I wonder as I wander | the tourist company
christmas prayer | robert louis stevenson

*

rick colhoun | drums
kenton wiens | drums
jonathon perkins | bass

ron reed, kaitlin williams, mack gordon | readings

christmas presence | mini-documentary

Last year we made a 2-minute documentary about CHRISTMAS PRESENCE.  If you haven't experienced our favourite Christmas tradition yet, here's a taste of what you're in for.


CHRISTMAS PRESENCE
Dec 14-16, 21-23 at PT
Dec 20 in the Valley

christmas campaign | more photos

We know you're just dying to see more of our goofy Christmas Campaign pictures!  Here are some solo shots of our "connected" family.  For the back story, you can check out the group photo and poem and the fundraising tally before perusing our solo shots.  Then jump in and donate online or by calling 604-731-5483 and asking for Alison.

it's a wonderful life radio show | responses

"Pacific Theatre’s It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Show manages to enhance, rather than compete with the original. It is, in a word, brilliant. ... This show is a showcase for the remarkable range of its actors. Diana Squires is a vocal and physical chameleon who flips between hip-swinging Violet and pencil-pushing Cousin Tilly with the ease of a light switch. Chris Lam, whose singing is both beautiful and humorous, shines strongest in moments where the words are allowed to drip from his lips. His portrayal of Joseph, the wise senior angel, has the measured wisdom associated with a man twice his age. Finally, John Voth, playing George Bailey, astounds as his honey-toned tenor manages to evoke, without impersonating, Jimmy Stewart’s film performance." | Chelsey Stuyt, Vancouver Presents

"The cast is uniformly excellent ... the timing is perfect and the audience remains thoroughly engaged throughout." | Michael Pigeon, Vancouverscape

"The evening was more than I could ever have hoped for. It took me back to a time before I was born – but removed the trappings and busyness of my 21st century life – and helped re-orientate me to what is important in life.
The acting was so accurate, funny, professional…I loved it. Such a joy to be there. Get tickets before the chance is gone (there are even shows the week after Christmas too!) Thank you Pacific Theatre for an amazing experience." | Ann Mak, Audience Response

"Such a smart, sensitive and beautifully produced interpretation of this story." | Julia Lank, Audience Response

"The “radio show” is alive and well in the hands of director Sarah Rogers and adaptation aficionado Peter Church. In fact, you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised at how dramatic, vibrant, and animated this medium turns out to be when you “turn your dial” to tune in to Pacific Theatre’s production of the It’s a Wonderful Life Radio Show." | Roger Eberle, Review Vancouver

"I didn’t really think before going – we went because we had season tickets. To be honest, I am rather busy this time of year, and would have preferred to stay home…………..
But the evening was more than I could ever have hoped for. It took me back to a time before I was born – but removed the trappings and busyness of my 21st century life – and helped re-orientate me to what is important in life. The acting was so accurate, funny, professional…I loved it. Such a joy to be there. Get tickets before the chance is gone (there are even shows the week after Christmas too!) Thank you Pacific Theatre for an amazing experience." | Ann Mak, Audience Response

"This Radio Show version of the classic hits all the right notes of the original, then adds some charm. The 40′s jingles are fantastic and watching how the sound effects are made just adds to the fun. Adorable Clarence, conflicted George, befuddled uncle Billy – they’re all there, bright and beautiful. This play put a new shine on an old friend. Bravo and Merry Christmas!" - Lorri Romhanyi, Audience Response

christmas presence | artist profile | zaac pick

Zaack Pick was a first-time player at CHRISTMAS PRESENCE last year, and it looks like we've successfully reeled him in for another round!  He spent the summer touring Europe with the Boreal Sons, as well as a handful of Canadian dates with his own work. Now he's ready help get us into the Christmas spirit! Check out his latest video below.

Modern Times by Zaac Pick from Zaac Pick on Vimeo.

christmas presence | north van | photos

Some shots from last Sunday's performance of CHRISTMAS PRESENCE.  Can't wait to do the show in our own space Dec 14-16 & 21-23!

it's a wonderful life radio show | subscriber appreciation saturday

This is one of our favourite subscriber perks: every mainstage show we gather together and get a little inside info from an artist involved in the show.  For IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE RADIO SHOW the theme is radio dramas and voice acting.  Join playwright, actor, and radio play enthusiast as he discusses everything from microphone technique to voice and accent work to the differences performing live radio over live theatre.

christmas presence | artist profile | carolyn arends

Carolyn Arends has been a friend of PT for years, joining us for CHRISTMAS PRESENCE whenever she has time.  Recently she has released a new Christmas album, so we can't wait to hear it when she plays with us at the December 20th performance in Abbotsford and on the 22nd.

Check out the album, Story of Stories, including song previews, on Carolyn's site.

christmas presence | the line ups

The line ups for CHRISTMAS PRESENCE are slowly coming together, and we are really excited to have these fabulous musicians join us this year.  Here is what we have confirmed so far, please note that they are subject to change, and we'll be adding more musicians as the confirmations come in.  Unless otherwise noted, all performances are at PT at 8pm.

Dec 7 (North Shore)
Garth Bowen
Anna Vandas
Jon Ochsendorf
Corey Janz
Becca Birkner
Rick Colhoun

Dec 14
Andy Frew
The Tourist Company
Zaac Pick
Corey Janz
Jonathon Perkins
Kenton Wiens
Rick Colhoun

Dec 15
Garth Bowen
Andy Few
Jon Ochsendorf
Laurell
Peter Abando
Becca Birkner
Kenton Wiens
Rick Colhoun

Dec 16
Peter La Grand
Jon Ochsendorf
Garth Bowen
Laurell
Peter Abando
Becca Birkner
Rick Colhoun
Kenton Wiens

Dec 20 (Valley)
Carolyn Arends
Michael Hart
Cathy Hardy
Spencer Capier
Peter Davyduck
Nelson Boschman
Brandon Toews

Dec 21 (2pm)
Michael Hart
Zaac Pick
Laurell
Ben Appenheimer
Nelson Boschman
Brandon Toews

Dec 21 (8pm)
Michael Hart
Zaac Pick
Laurell
Ben Appenheimer
Chris Hawley
Nelson Boschman
Brandon Toews

Dec 22
Garth Bowen
Carolyn Arends
Anna Vandas
Spencer Capier
Ben Appenheimer
Nelson Boschman
Brandon Toews

Dec 23
Jordan Klassen
Peter La Grand
Sheree Plett
Jeremy Eisenhauer
Brett Ziegler
James Danderfer
Becca Birkner
Kenton Wiens
Nelson Boschman

it's a wonderful life radio show | opening night photos

We had a fantastic opening of IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE RADIO SHOW on Friday night, followed by another lovely reception.  Here's some shots of the creative team as mingling about the party!

dec 7 | christmas presence north shore | set list

act one

have yourself a merry little christmas

dark, then light | rory holland

god rest ye merry, gentlemen | garth bowen

the real santa claus | mike mason

when i was a young boy | jon oxendorf

o holy night | bill richardson

on this holy night | anna vandas

joseph + mary 1 | jennifer morison | brandon bate + cara cunningham

lo how a rose ere blooming | jon oxendorf

joseph's suspicion | rainer maria rilke

joseph + mary 2 | jennifer morison | brandon bate + cara cunningham

angels we have heard on high | corey janz

if mary had a blog | written + performed by andrea loewen

wondrous wild | anna vandas

a child's christmas in texas | john henry faulk

go tell it on the mountain | garth bowen

act two

o tannenbaum

down bethlehem way | jon oxendorf

scrooge + fred | charles dickens

white christmas | garth bowen

it's a wonderful life | peter church + brandon bate + ron reed

maybe this christmas | anna vandas

it's a wonderful life | ron reed

o new commingling | corey janz

miles | mike mason

huron carol | garth

feast days | annie dillard

angels | jon oxendorf

emmanuel | frederick buechner

the first noel | anna vandas

christmas prayer | robert louis stevenson

drums | rick colhoun

bass | becca birkner

all pieces read by ron reed except where noted

with any luck and some spare minutes in the next few days, i'll post some of the readings and add links to this post

sideshow tomorrow!

Tomorrow is our second run at SIDESHOW MUSICAL IMPROV this season, featuring Off Key Improv.  We can't wait to see what kind of Christmas show these kids will pull together, all off the top of their heads.  And check out these darn cute promo photos they've been putting together:

it's a wonderful life radio show | extended video trailer

Today we open IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE RADIO SHOW and so we share with you this extended video trailer, featuring Peter Church, Kaitlin Williams, John Voth, and Diana Squires.

it's a wonderful life radio show | preview

Tonight is the pay-what-you-can preview for IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE RADIO SHOW!  Show up at the door for pay-what-you-can tickets, or if you'd rather play it safe, reserve in advance for only $13.99.

it's a wonderful life radio show | short promo video

We've got our first video trailer for IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE RADIO SHOW!  Just a little teaser of what you're in for:

It's A Wonderful Life | Artistic Director's Notes

It was in the middle of rehearsals for our first Artistic Director's Series show that I first heard about Peter Church, and his love for old time radio.

Kenton Klassen was working with me on The Top Ten Thousand Of All Time when it occurred to him that there was this new guy in town, and he had to see our show, and I had to meet him: he was a 100% Pacific Theatre actor, and he loved everything about radio. They had worked together the previous summer on the Badlands Passion Play. Before that, Peter had worked in Toronto with a company that exclusively staged old radio shows.

Curiously enough, within a day or so I heard from a Toronto friend, out of the blue, that I had to meet Peter Church. Then I mentioned his name in the office, and Cara said "You have to meet him! He worked at the Fringe with me, and he's the greatest!"

They all were right. The connection with Peter was immediate, and it was immediately obvious that he should join Kenton and me in creating and performing the second of the A.D. Series projects, The Old Time Gospel Radio Hour. And soon we had the idea for the third in our series - picking up on the theme of radio storytelling with a Christmas production of It's A Wonderful Life, 1940s radio style.

We've all got our stories about this classic Christmas Tale. A family favourite, a personal tradition. I hadn't even seen the film until I was an adult, going through really tough times trying to keep Pacific Theatre alive, deeply weary from too much fundraising, too many meetings and budgets and not enough anything. Certainly, at that point, not enough acting or writing or directing: it was really hard to see the point of it all, when the work was costing me so much, but my dreams - indeed, my intention - of doing what I love had been replaced with the realities of doing what had to be done, so that others could do what they love.

Then I encountered It's A Wonderful Life for the first time. I wept. I looked straight into a picture of the toughest part of my life, saw sacrifice through the eyes of the Depression-surviving, end-of-World-War-Two generation, and saw… Not sentiment, but a tough-minded acknowledgment that life isn't always what we wish it would be. That we don't always get what we want. Life can be hard, disappointing, exhausting, unfair. And yet…

It's A Wonderful Life.  I hope you're enjoying it as much as we are!

Ron Reed,
Artistic Director

dec 7 | sideshow

This weekend is a busy one!  We've got IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE RADIO SHOW opening on Friday, and then on Sunday we've got SIDESHOW at PT (and CHRISTMAS PRESENCE on the North Shore, but more about that later.)  

SIDESHOW MUSICAL IMPROV
Sunday, Dec 7 at 2pm
Get tickets online or call 604-731-5518

An improvised musical, created on the spot and inspired by audience suggestions and It's a Wonderful Life Radio Show!

christmas presence | artist profile | laurelle jade

Laurelle Jade is a classical singer who performs in operas across the country.  Recently in Vancouver she was in CARMEN and the world premiere of STICKBOY.  We can't wait for her to bring down the house at CHRISTMAS PRESENCE ON THE NORTH SHORE on Dec 7th!

christmas campaign | get connected poem

Our Christmas fundraising campaign has launched!  Many of you will be receiving our postcard and poem in the mail very soon (if you haven't already), but we want everyone to share in the joy.  This year we decided to focus on one of the main things we love about theatre: connecting with other people, live.

Pacific Theatre's "Connected" Christmas Carol

'

Every year in this season we gather together

In snow or (more likely) in wet rainy weather

To celebrate Christmas and awesome live plays... 

Except that we spend all our nights and our days

Looking for ways to keep off of the streets!

With emails and blogposts and facebook and tweets, 

Snared in the Web, we work all season through 

Searching for money to do what we do.

Don’t leave us to our own devices: we’re tired

Of being incessantly networked and wired!

We crowdfund, we hashtag, we like, share and link 

But really, we can’t help but some of us think

That things would be better if we could just dive 

Into what we do best – which means doing it live. 

Send us a gift, make what’s great even greater— 

Connect with real people, real art, real theatre!

We've already got our tally going, tracking how each gift is necessary to complete the picture, and will be sharing more photos as the campaign continues.