Leonard Cohen is on the Avenue
Oak Bay’s Avenue Gallery celebrates spring with its second exclusive showing of artwork by legendary Canadian singer, writer and artist Leonard Cohen. The exhibition and sale will feature a select grouping of the many pieces that make up Leonard Cohen: Art Work collection.
This visual record of 40 years is an exhibit of works from Cohen’s archive of drawings and journals. The artist has maintained a visual art practice since his early days in Montreal and Hydra. Until now, his drawings have been private visual records of things, places and people captured in his sure and modest hand. Later, these drawings found their way onto CD covers and most recently into the pages of Book of Longing.
The exhibit runs from March 1 to 9, with an opening reception planned for March 1 from 5 to 7pm.
Fans also have the chance to see Cohen live this spring when he brings his Old Ideas World Tour to the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre March 6. For details, visit www.saveonfoodsmemorialcentre.com
Stage Struck
Langham Court Theatre brings two popular productions to its storied stage this spring, beginning with the classic 39 Steps, March 7 to 23. Walking in the footsteps of author John Buchan and filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, this is sure to be an audience favourite.
The playhouse continues in the vein of dark comedies in April with its production of George F. Walker’s Better Living, April 25 to May 11. Joining Nora as she jackhammers her way to a safe haven in the basement of her eccentric Toronto home, theatre-goers will wonder “what next?” at every plot turn of this action-packed farce.
Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre adds a little star power to Victoria’s spring theatre scene, welcoming Canadian stars Bruce Greenwood and Janet Wright to star in A.R. Gurney’s Pulitzer Prize-nominated drama Love Letters.
Greenwood is known for his appearances in Star Trek, Double Jeopardy, The Core, Thirteen Days (in which he played president John F. Kennedy), Capote, and, most recently, alongside Denzel Washington in Flight. He will be joined by Wright, a stage, TV and film star whose resume includes Ontario’s Stratford Festival, her successful wonderful portrayal of Emma Leroy on CTV’s Corner Gas, Robert Altman’s film McCabe and Mrs. Miller, Bordertown Cafe, and A Perfect Storm, starring George Clooney.
Love Letters runs for seven performances only at the McPherson Playhouse from March 26 to 30.
Great Big Sea makes a great big sound
East Coast folk-pop favourite Great Big Sea returns to Victoria for a March 9 concert at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.
This East Coast powerhouse rocked the arena last time they played the Capital Region and as they return in support of their recent “best of” album, XX, long-time fans and new converts alike are sure to find this musical kitchen party is the place to be.
Making music – Francophone style
From Quebec to BC comes Le Vent du Nord, bringing traditional Francophone folk music mixed with swing, Cajun, Celtic, Irish and jazz to Hermann’s Jazz Club April 6 and 7.
The Juno Award-winning band has become one of the most-loved Quebec folk outfits in the world, with songs ranging from traditional folk to original compositions. These four friends light up the stage, sharing their energy and enthusiasm with audiences. Le Vend du Nord know how to deliver music that will move any crowd – to their feet and in their hearts!
Funny Stuff
Canadian-born Jeremy Hotz, a veteran of Montreal’s Just For Laughs Festival who sold out across Canada in 2009 and 2010, returns to Victoria this spring with his all-new Magical Misery Tour.
The critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning comic performs at the McPherson Playhouse March 20.
Dance, Victoria!
Dance Victoria welcomes New Zealand’s leading contemporary dance company, Black Grace, to the Royal Theatre March 15 and 16. Fusing Samoan ritual dances with modern dance to create an extraordinarily dynamic form, Black Grace occupies a unique position on the world stage, celebrated for its artistry, creative excellence and innovation. Percussive, masculine, powerful…like thunder rolling across the sky.
