Photo courtesy of Festival Place
January 27
Thirteen years ago, this American pop trio “MMM-bopped” their way onto the stage—to the delight of adoring ’tweens everywhere. Well, they’re back and they’re all grown up. This show is part of an extensive Canadian tour in conjunction with their fifth studio album, Shout It Out—an inspired repertoire featuring their own style of R&B flavoured pop-rock. Festival Place – Sherwood Park; $43.25 – $47.25; call 1-855-985-5000 for tickets.
January 27 & 28
Get up close and personal with this instantly recognizable stand-up comedian, actor, and voiceover talent. You may remember him from the cast of Saturday Night Live and as the voice of the wise-cracking parrot in Disney’s animated feature film Aladin. His shows have a habit of selling out fast, so hurry if you want to catch him in the act. Yuk Yuk’s at the Century Casino; $29; call 780-481-YUKS (9857).
A still from the film "Sfinga."
Jan. 23 and 24. The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour travels across the world, hitting 32 different countries and presenting audiences with films on exploration and adventure, culture and environment, and winter sports. Programming for each stop on the tour is tailored to suit each and every locale, meaning the experience is never the same. Besides the beautiful cinematography, the joy of this yearly film fest is that you get the experience of climbing a mountain without having to leave your seat!
Photo courtesy of Edmonton Motorcycle Show
January 13 – 15
Speed over to the Edmonton Expo Centre and get a glimpse of the latest 2012 bikes. Little riders will have a blast at the Yamaha Riding Academy for Kids—and guys, January 13 is ladies’ night. It may not be a girl’s idea of a dream date, but half- price admission for the gals and female-friendly activities means more bike browsing for you. Plus, hot events including the adrenaline-pumping Evolution of Extreme—an edge-of-your-seat aerial acrobatics show—are guaranteed to thrill one and all. Edmonton Expo Centre; $13 (adult), $9.50 (ages 6–15), Free (ages 5 and under). Visit www.edmontonmotorcycleshow.ca for tickets.
Emily Behny as Belle and Dane Agostinis as Beast, photo by Joan Marcus
January 3 – 8
Bursting with colour and whimsy, this Tony award-winning musical has become an international hit. A treat for all ages, this enchanting performance brings to life the story of bonny Belle and her deeply troubled Beast who has been snared by a malevolent spell. Can Belle show the Beast how to love and be loved, thus revealing his true princely self, or will he be doomed for all of eternity? It’s a fairytale ending we all know and love, yet remains magically wondrous all the same. Jubilee Auditorium; $35 – $100; call 1-855-985-5000 for tickets.
Image courtesy of Alberta Ballet
December 9-11
The Alberta Ballet presents this festive classic tale, set to Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score. With lavish set displays and hundreds of opulent costumes created by Emmy Award-winning designer Zack Brown, this performance is a visual feast to usher in the holiday spirit. New for this year are pre-performance Sugar Plum Fairy Parties for kids that include Christmas crafts, dress- up time, treats and more. Jubilee Auditorium, $20-$106; call 780-428-6839 for tickets.
Image courtesy of Rutherford House
December 8 & 15
For a cosy evening of traditional Christmas cheer, pay a visit to the charming historic brick mansion that is Rutherford House, once the home of Alberta’s first premier in 1911. The annual Christmas Dinner and Show includes a three course classic dinner and theatrical performance of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, which will be performed all throughout the beautifully decorated house. Rutherford House, $59 (members) $65 (non-members); call 780-422-2697 for tickets.
Image courtesy of Citdel Theatre
December 2-23
An Edmonton tradition continues with the 12th season of Tom Wood’s adaptation of the classic Dickens’ tale. Each and every year, this proves to be one of the city’s most anticipated Christmas events with its rich cast of characters, enchanting set design and heartwarming story that relives Christmases from times past. Citadel Theatre, $84-$99 (adult) $74-$99 (senior/student); call 780- 425-1820 for tickets.
Image courtesy of Festival of Trees
December 1-4
This annual festive city staple features a warm and cosy atmosphere brimming with over 100 dazzling decorated Christmas trees, a gingerbread house village, live entertainment, kids’ activities, Christmas gift shop, Santa’s breakfast and a gala evening. Proceeds go to the University Hospital Foundation and Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. Shaw Conference Centre, $7 (adult) $3 (senior/youth) $2 (child) under 2 free; tickets at the door.
Image courtesy of Festival of Trees
December 1-4
This annual festive city staple features a warm and cosy atmosphere brimming with over 100 dazzling decorated Christmas trees, a gingerbread house village, live entertainment, kids’ activities, Christmas gift shop, Santa’s breakfast and a gala evening. Proceeds go to the University Hospital Foundation and Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. Shaw Conference Centre, $7 (adult) $3 (senior/youth) $2 (child) under 2 free; tickets at the door.
Image courtesy of the Alberta Legislative Building
December 1-23
Every holiday season, the beautiful Beaux Arts style Alberta Legislative Building transforms into a winter wonderland for the public to enjoy. Visitors can partake in outdoor ice-skating on the grounds as well as enjoy hot chocolate and daily and nightly Christmas choir performances in the rotunda, an outdoor lights display and seasonal gifts and crafts in the gift shop. Alberta Legislative Building, FREE.
Image courtesy of Citadel Theatre
November 12 – December 4
Playwright and performer Daniel MacIvor presents this mind-bendingly ‘scary comic fairytale’ about the Kingdom of Kevin where the audience will encounter addiction, divorce, Arthur Schopenhauer, the life of John Denver and The Little Mermaid all in one show and all from one man playing several different characters. Citadel Theatre, $53- $68 (adult) $43-$68 (student/senior); call 780-425-1820 for tickets.
Image courtesy of The Arden Theatre
November 10
Fusing sounds of old-time jazz, blues and folk into her music, this Alberta born singer-songwriter draws inspiration from artists like Billie Holiday, Memphis Minnie and Joni Mitchell. Her charming on-stage personality and creative songwriting has won her a devout fan base and a number of awards and nominations. The Arden, $36.60; call 780-451-8000 for tickets.
Image courtesy of Bottom Line Productions
November 8-13
The internationally celebrated eight-member percussion troupe is as innovative as they come, using non-conventional percussion instruments — ranging from matchboxes to brooms to Zippo lighters — to create a dynamic, sophisticated and explosive performance fit for the whole family. Stomp’s return to Edmonton includes a number of new full-scale routines and instruments. Jubilee Auditorium, $55-$80; call 780-451-8000 for tickets.
Chris Davenport shredding Portillo in Chile. Photo credit: Mike Arzt.
Oct. 27. Fresh powder, crystal blue skies, and not a soul in sight. This is the magical, adrenalin-fuelled world of Warren Miller‘s 62nd annual winter sports film Like There’s No Tomorrow (see trailer here). Follow world-class athletes Chris Davenport, Julia Mancuso, Daron Rahlves, Colby West, and Seth Wescott as they hit the slopes in five continents, from Squaw Valley in the U.S. to the Himalayas in Gulmarg, India. This is high-def sports cinema at its finest, narrated by Olympic Gold Medalist skier Jonny Moseley. The film is making its way across the country as part of the 2011 Canadian tour, which offers a jaw-dropping look at some of the world’s most legendary winter landscapes, and the people who dream of conquering this beautiful terrain. The film will be screened on Thursday night only at Centrepointe Theatre.
The crowd comes alive at Scotiabank Place. Photo credit: Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/OSHC.
Tuesday, Oct. 11. With a new season comes new hope as the Ottawa Senators introduce a batch of fresh young faces to the line-up, just in time for the 20th anniversary of the modern franchise. Led by captain Daniel Alfredsson and superstar Jason Spezza, the team will be looking to make their mark this year. With new coach Paul MacLean behind the bench, goalie Craig Anderson between the posts, and All-Star Erik Karlsson on the ice, you’re definitely going to want to catch a game this season. We suggest their first regular season home game, which sees the Sens face off against the Minnesota Wild (also know as Dany Heatley’s new team), meaning it’s going to be one that really gets the fans going. All together now: Go Sens go!
Catch the dazzling array of fireworks, on view at the Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light. Photo credit: Mike Alexander.
Aug. 6, 10, 13, 17, and 20. If you love fireworks, then there’s no better place to be than at the Casino du Lac-Leamy Sound of Light, an annual competition that pits country against country in a battle between the best pyrotechnics in the world. For five nights, dazzling theatrical displays light up the sky, accompanied by music. At the grand finale on Aug. 20, see who scores top marks and the coveted Zeus Trophy.
The award-winning "Spring Awakening." Photo credit: Joan Marcus.
May 13 to 15. Spring Awakening took Broadway by storm in 2006 with its fusion of morality, sexuality, and rock and roll. Set in the 19th century, the story pits teen desires against adult repression in a stunning showcase that incorporates choreography, humour, and a rock score by Duncak Sheik. (Interesting tidbit, Glee superstar Lea Michele played the lead female role in the original run). Check out the touring version of the groundbreaking musical when it comes to Ottawa this spring. Be forewarned though: the play includes nudity.
Shawn Barker honours Johnny Cash. Photo credit: David Cannon.
May 12 to 15. You might think Johnny Cash has taken the stage for an encore in The Man in Black — A Tribute to Johnny Cash. The acclaimed impersonator Shawn Barker re-creates Cash’s growling vocals and impressive stage presence in a way so authentic his performances have moved the late star’s family and friends. Join in on a night of hand clappin’, foot stompin’ music to re-live the legendary singer’s life and legacy.
The new Ottawa Shakespeare Company presents "Hamlet2011."
April 29 and 30 and May 3 to 7. What happens when you combine the traditional script of Hamlet with music by Arcade Fire and Florence + The Machine, and set the play in present day? You get Hamlet2011 by the newly launched Ottawa Shakespeare Company. With indie tunes acting as the soundtrack, this play features modern costumes and sets, making for a performance of the bard’s work that promises to be unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
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Stay, Dine, Do
