If you’ve never attended the Whistler Film Festival you are missing out. Missing out on the opportunity to see the Canadian premiere of soon-to-be-nominated Oscar films. Missing out on meeting A-List actors, directors and screenwriters – and missing out on some of the most enjoyable seminars, workshops and parties around. Proudly sponsored in part by Turner Media Canada, we are already anxiously awaiting next year’s exciting event. Join us!
Leo Awards Vancouver – I’ve always said they’re like our own version of the Oscars and Emmys. The Leo Awards, now in their 17th year, celebrated the best in BC with all the red carpet glam that goes with Hollywood North. Held at the Hyatt hotel – actors, directors, writers and producers strutted their stuff for the cameras and for the right to hold a coveted Leo Award. Three star-studded nights included live music, guest presenters a formal dinner and more. Congrats to everyone involved.
Kay Meek Gala
West Vancouver’s most elegant theatre of art, culture and music – the Kay Meek Centre – welcomed dignitaries and guests to its annual fundraising gala. A beautiful garden reception with food by Mangia E Bevi was followed by a rollicking performance by The Second City. MC Vicki Gabereau introduced new incoming executive director Rob Gloor and the evening was capped off with a dessert reception and meet and greet with the cast. Congrats.
The Kay Meek Centre in West Vancouver is a community gem. Loved for its plays and performances, it has become a place that supports the professional arts and the people in a small community known for its close-knit nature. Last week, it was time for the annual gala fundraiser. This year superstar Canadian comic Rick Mercer headlined the event with his one-man show and lots of laughs. The evening also included a garden reception complete with food and drinks and lots of mixing and mingling before the show.
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01 – MLA Jordan Sturdy, left, chats with Christine and Rick Amantea, of Park Royal fame.
02 – Fashionista Marilyn Diligenti, of Marilyn’s fashions, is proud to have son Franco on her arm this night.
03 – Kay Meek’s Jeanne LeSage, left, and Dorothy Byrne, West Van Arts Centre Trust Secretary, hold up a copy of Rick Mercer’s new book.
04 – Enjoying the sunshine on the patio prior to the show are Glen Slingerland, left, Karen Pedersen, Leslie and Don Rutledge.
05 – Amandah Tanner, left, chats with hubby/weatherman Marke Driesschen and former CBC weather gal Claire Martin.
06 – They’re so popular. Shucking oysters from Rodney’s Oyster Bar are Isaac Martin and Ty Fraser.
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By Catherine Barr – June 6, 2014
Also as seen in the Vancouver Sun Newspaper
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By Catherine Barr
www.CatherineBarr.com | www.WestVancouver.com | www.NorthVancouver.com
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Burlesque performer Quinn Lemley knows that sometimes you “gotta get a gimmick”. But look beyond the tricks and kicks and you’ll find that her stage salute to the classics is full of both substance, and show.
Leading lady Lemley is bringing her Burlesque to Broadway stage extravaganza to Vancouver’s River Rock Theatre this coming weekend (April 6). Her ensemble includes two talented sidekicks (dancers Amanda Brantley and Sarah Brophy) and a 10-piece big band taken directly from the Great White Way.
Armed with a wardrobe of feathers and fans, and a whole slew of sequins and sparkle, the passionate red-head promises an event that feels more like a party than anything else.
In an recent interview from New York city, Lemley says that while she has visited BC before, she is very much looking forward to her first visit to Vancouver.
“I want everyone to be titilated and teased and really pleased,” she says with a giggle over the phone.
Lemley however is also quick to point out that underneath all the glamour, the show is a special tribute to the ladies of the burlesque era and the amazing legacy they left behind.
Inspired by names like Mae West, Rita Hayworth and more, Lemley affectionately describes her romance with the stage and the songs she so dearly loves to perform.
“I don’t know what it is,” she says. “But putting on a boa you just feel so fun and sexy.”
Written and produced in part by Lemley herself, she says she couldn’t wait to write a story that tells the tale of not only her idols, but also herself.
Lemley also adds that while it was important to keep the production sultry and sexy, it is by no means vulgar or inappropriate in any way.
“I think there’s something about manners and glamour and decency and watching how we speak,” she states. “It’s all the old jokes with double entendres and it’s never sleazy – it’s smart. I think always being classy is best.”
Saying that they really blow the roof off the house with one hit after another, Lemley looks forward to belting out the biggies. She also looks forward to meeting her audience after the show.
“The people in BC are amazing,” she says. “We always have women coming out in groups dressed-up and and it’s a great date night.”
Talking to her, it’s easy to tell that this burlesque beauty has a genuine fondness for the women she portrays on stage. And while most folks can’t wait to see her in character, it’s clear that her strength of character is what makes her a star.
By Catherine Barr
Dean Paul Gibson – I love you. And let me tell you why.
As director of the Arts Club Theatre Company’s It’s a Wonderful Life, you have taken on a classic and won. You have, quite simply, shown us the magic of a movie we all know and love and, as The Beatles said, . . . let it be.
As a director you are fearless. This I know from watching you for many years at Bard on the Beach and other venues. Your creativity often challenges both your actors and your audience and through it, you achieve absolute moments of brilliance.
How you do it, I don’t know.
But in this outing you are courageous and bold in other ways. By leaving things in place, right where we expect them, you’re letting us, the audience, enjoy the play for all the right holiday reasons.
We know the lines. We know the characters. And we know when we’re supposed to laugh. Thank you for giving us this simple gift through the magic of playwright Philip Grecian and the memories of mogul Frank Capra whose magical film moments you have woven into the play so expertly throughout with the use of background stage vignettes.
And thank you for choosing the right players too – the good stuff we are lucky enough to have here in Vancouver.
For treasures like Jennifer Lines (Mary Bailey) and Lindsey Angell (Violet Bick) whose classic styles evoke perfect Capra-esque qualities at every turn. They are true ladies of the court and I never tire of either of them in almost any role.
Thank you also for comic relief actors Jennifer Clement (Tilly) and David Marr (Uncle Billy) who, by the very nature of their roles, provide memorable moments of delightful frustration.
I also can’t say enough about your leading man Bob Frazer. Yet another “Bard” alumnus, he tackles the role of George Bailey with enthusiastic vigour. An intimidating role from the outset, I can only imagine how it must feel to take on the memory of the legendary Jimmy Stewart every night in front of a live audience – all while film excerpts periodically play in the background. Yet somehow, very gently, Frazer manages to own the role for himself – on his terms and timing – both which work very effectively together with delightful results. In fact, I found the scenes with Eileen Barrett (Mother Bailey) to be especially tender – a credit to both players which, for me, is not present in the film.
As for your younger corps members – Hannah Brandon, Rose Fulkner, Sophia Millar, Aidan and Jordan Wessels – well, they’re simply scandalous scene stealers. Too magnificent for words, they win the hearts of the audience from the moment they appear on stage. Teach them well dear Dean as I know they too will have greatness thrust upon them.
In their child roles, they also provide just the right concord of sweet sounds to take on an excellent Alec Willows (Henry Potter), whose only fault is that he is almost too likeable for me to truly be thought on as the villain. I’m also glad to see that Potter finally gets his comeuppance from Clarence – a small detail that is unique to the play itself.
And speaking of dear sweet wing-less Clarence. You have finally been outdone. With the power of the heavens behind him, not to mention 200 Arts Club performances of “Wonderful Life” under his belt, Bernard Cuffling is, again, the toast of Bedford Falls. With an aged innocence, Cuffling’s Clarence is truly adorable. While the film may be more about Bailey, this play is equally about the character of Clarence the angel, and from where I sat in the audience, people were cheering for both to reach the stars.
And so Mr. Gibson, thank you again. For bringing all of us in Vancouver a play to remember and a timeless classic that still holds fast to many of our modern themes today. You did it all with style and elegance and an air of effortless refrain – and I love you for every minute of it. Ring-a-ding-ding.
By Catherine Barr
Also as seen in The Province newspaper Vancouver
Look closer. Did you see it?
Probably not. Because despite everything that’s going on during a Cirque du Soleil performance, it’s the subtle, almost unnoticeable details that truly make it one of the greatest shows on earth.
I always come away impressed, but not for the reasons you may think.
Doesn’t matter if I like the performances (I do). All of them are both weird and wonderful in a fascinating hypnotic way. In fact, I often shake my head in wonderment at how they come up with all these ideas. However, in my opinion, that is not where Cirque’s magic lies.
For me, it’s about the stuff you don’t always notice. It’s the details that, as creator Guy LaLiberte knows, make the difference between mediocre and spectacular. And Amaluna, Cirque’s latest instalment, is no different.
The costumes, the lighting and the sheer engineering energy that it takes to put on this show are staggering. The visually stunning sets and opening pageant number are almost too much for the brain to take in all at once. This is not so hard to notice.
But pause for a minute to consider the mechanics of such an undertaking. Elaborate rigging, custom welded apparatuses, the quick take-down and set-up of on the fly sets are all part of life in this circus. Throw in the precise timing required to help a performer fly around the tent and it becomes clear that there is no room for error. Making it look easy is part of the handbook.
Every performer here is very highly trained. Held to a standard like no other. Each one acts, and reacts, to their environment. Whether they are spotting for a stunt, cleaning the floor of water or setting up for the next act, each one is fully aware that they are always on stage. Again, this is not so hard to notice.
But stop. Check out their eyes. Watch their expressions. The contact they keep with the audience. The glances they exchange as they whirl past each other. The intimacy created during the Cerceau and The Waterbowl scene. The passion exchanged as two “lovers” fly overhead during The Storm sequence. All acting. All drama. And all very important details that bring added tension beyond the fact they’re hanging on for dear life overhead.
I also suspect that every performer is specially trained in what my stage peeps used to call the “perma-smile”. Once again done to Cirque perfection, it’s what makes a potentially boring unicycle dance come to life. Two adorable little faces in glimmering gold outfits “tweedle” about with smiles big enough to reach the back row. Despite their likeness to Dr. Seuss’s “Thing One” and “Thing Two”, all I wanted to do was take them home and keep them.
But when it comes to star “face” performances, the juggling Lizard man has set the standard. A going concern throughout the entire show, performer Viktor Kee’s animation is nothing short of spectacular. Effortlessly catching glowing orbs that fall from the sky, you just know this guy loves wearing this costume. The suggestive stare. The sly smile. He masterfully draws everyone into his act. After shedding his skin, it becomes clear that he is much more than a piece of tail who knows how to handle his … balls?
Finally, one can’t talk about Cirque without mentioning the music. Haunting yet explosive, it is, for me at least, the most important part of the show. While other stage shows seem content with a cutback pit orchestra plugged into too many midi devices, I’m happy to see Cirque settle for nothing less than the full monty. Singers, drummers, strings and guitar players that, in typical Cirque style, are true all-round performers. Dressed in outfits that would make Prince weep with envy, the all-girl band of Amaluna can shred it with the best of them. Precise timing. The perfect splash cymbal. The cresting crescendoes. All custom composed to specifically match each stage theme. Usually hidden in the shadows, I was thrilled to see the musicians play up front much more than usual this time out.
It’s clear that Cirque, and Amaluna, are all about a feast for the senses. Worth the price of admission and more, I highly recommend taking in the magic while it is town this holiday season.
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By Catherine Barr
Photos by Dee Gandhi
It was lights, camera, action last week at North Vancouver’s Capilano University as TV and film celebrities, dignitaries and VIPs celebrated the opening of the new Nat and Flora Bosa Centre for Film and Animation. Open for business, and classes, this past January, the new 69,000 sq. ft. building cost over $34 million dollars and was designed by Vancouver architectural firm Cannon Design. Students here have access to the best of the best including cameras, monitors, two S3D camera rigs and other professional equipment. There is also a 200-seat high definition/3D theatre, sound mixing and recording studios, an 8,000 square foot sound stage, editing labs, costuming studios and more. It’s a legacy contribution that helps to, once again, solidify Vancouver’s place on the international stage of professional movie making for many years to come. Bravo!
01 – Acknowledged for their generosity this evening are West Vancouver philanthropists Nat and Flora Bosa who donated $6 million for the completion of the centre. It is the largest private donation in the university’s 43-year history.
02 – Actor William Petersen, star of television’s popular “CSI” crime series, is on hand to partake in the event. “This is one of the nicest sound stages I’ve ever seen,” he said.
03 – Neal Clarance, director BC Motion Picture Production Industry Association, left, and North Shore Studio’s Peter Leitch are among the VIPs in attendance.
04 – Capilano University registrar Karen McCredie attends the event with husband Andrew McCredie, former editor of the North Shore Outlook.
05 – Actor Jackson Davies, left, of TV’s Beachcomber fame, chats with Brightlight Pictures president Shawn Williamson and guest Jessica Taylor.
06 – Former Vancouver Canucks winger Tony Tanti takes the tour of the new film facility before the formal celebrations begin.
07 – Helping make speeches and dedications, VIPs and politicians prepare to take the stage. From left. North Vancouver District mayor Richard Walton, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour Jane Thornthwaite, North Vancouver MP Andrew Saxton, and dignitary Frank Griffiths.
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By Catherine Barr – Feb 17, 2012
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on Feb 23, 2012
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A wrap-up of spring events this week means a look back at several great nights and a few famous North Shore faces. First, the Vancouver Auto Show had its most successful year ever and kicked off their week long event with a first-of-its kind introductory evening gala. Hanging in the VIP room here was a lot of fun and so was the stroll through super car lane which featured cars like Lamborghini, Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Maserati and Spyker. Also, the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival (VPIWF) welcomed folks from all over the world with its week long list of activities. Wine makers dinners, luncheons, seminars and the much heralded grand tasting room events meant there was something for every grape lovers in the lower mainland. Rounding out the mix was a special Japan tsunami fundraiser by a caring local restaurateur and a fabulous private Bard on the Beach reception at the elegant home of Canaccord founder Peter Brown and his wife Joanne.
01 – North Vancouverite and Shangra-La hotel’s leading PR lady Jill Killeen is thrilled to welcome world-famous chef Jean George Vongerichten back to Vancouver during the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival for a special invite only reception.
02 – West Vancouver’s Barb Inglis cuddles up to a big bottle of 2007 Napa Valley Miner “Oracle” wine during a featured VPIWF winemaker’s dinner held at her fabulous Fraiche restaurant.
03 – What a thrill to sit with Miner winemaker Gary Brookman and North Vancouver sommelier D.J. Kearney at the West Vancouver Fraiche restaurant dinner which was all part of VPIWF.
04 – Looking their dapper best at the Vancouver Auto Show preview gala night are New Car Dealers’ president and CEO Blair Qualey and Jeff Thiessen.
05 – Former North Shore Outlook editor turned Vancouver Sun auto writer Andrew McCredie takes the super car tour with BMW dealership owner Brian Jessel at the Auto Show gala.
06 – Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, left, congratulates Christopher Gaze, Artistic Director of Vancouver’s Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, on their new mainstage tent at a private reception held in the home of Peter and Joanne Brown.
07 – Raising money for Japan tsunami survivors are Hapa Umi restaurant owners Lea and Justin Ault, left, and West Vancouver PR pro Tanis Tsisserev.
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By Catherine Barr – March/April, 2011
Also as seen in print in the North Shore Outlook Newspaper on April 21, 2011