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Hot Dates: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

February 8 to 12

Beauty and the Beast photo by Joan Marcus

The beloved Broadway musical rolls into town this winter, filling the Queen Elizabeth Theatre with tunes such as the toe-tapping “Be Our Guest,” the heart-wrenching “If I Can’t Love Her” and the unforgettable title song. Catch Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumiere, Cogsworth and all your other favourite characters in this tale as old as time.—Sheri Radford

W-F 7:30 pm; Sa 11 am, 3:30 and 8 pm; Su 2 and 7:30 pm. $25+. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Hamilton St. at Dunsmuir. Tickets 1-855-985-5000. www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca

Hot Dates: Fighting Words

Fighting Days image courtesy of Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre

FEB 9-MAR 3 Winnipeg’s volatile early history comes to life in The Fighting Days. The drama follows farm girl Francis as she moves to the big city and lands a job at the local newspaper. After meeting suffragette Nellie McClung, Francis joins the fight for women’s right to vote. Francis’ story about finding herself will have audiences rethinking the role women played in shaping Manitoba. Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, 174 Market Ave, 204-942-6537 for tickets.

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for February 3 to 5

Quinsin Nachoff is just one of the performers taking the stage at the Ottawa Winter Jazzfest.

Friday, Feb. 3
Jazz up your weekend by taking in the international and local talent at the first annual Ottawa Winter Jazzfest. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz enthusiast or looking to diversify your musical tastes, this festival promises to thaw that winter chill. Hop all over downtown Ottawa, from the National Arts Centre to Club SAW to the Mercury Lounge to catch the smooth sounds of artists such as Megan Jerome, Quinsin Nachoff, Remi Bolduc, and the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble of Chicago.

Experience Ottawa’s diverse architecture and examine the relationship between architecture, the arts, and politics through music with Polytectures. This sound walk was created by Montreal’s Antoine Bédard and 10 local musicians. Through a variety of musical styles, Polytectures allows visitors and locals alike to experience Ottawa’s architecture in new ways by pairing songs with local landmarks. Although the entire walk is an hour long, it has been divided into sections with warm-up breaks for Winterlude.

If you’re a film buff with a soft spot for independent cinema, then you’re going to want to Get Iced this weekend. The Independent Filmmakers Co-operative of Ottawa is presenting 10 new Super 8 short films made by local filmmakers in cooperation with Winterlude. Afterwards, unwind with drinks at the Soviet-style reception hosted by Avant-Garde Bar and Gift Shop. The party continues at the bar after 9:30pm with live music and no cover charge.

This Friday, Yamantaka //Sonic Titan and Boyhood bring the party to Babylon. Yamantaka //Sonic Titan are a psychedelic opera group that fuses noise, metal, folk, and pop music to create an east-meets-west culture clash extravaganza. Boyhood is new on the Ottawa scene, bringing catchy songs with haunting melodies. (more…)

Hot Dates: Lost: A Memoir

Lost: A Memoir, Actor Jan Alexandra-Smith photo by Trudie Lee.

JAN 28 Brother lost at sea in this prairie drama. Prairie Theatre Exchange Centre.

Hot Entertainment: PuSh International Performing Arts Festival

Almighty Voice and His Wife photo by Nadya Kwandibens

By Caitlin Dawson

Cure those winter blues with the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival. The 19-day fest mounts more than 100 groundbreaking performances in theatre, dance, music and the visual arts showcasing local and international talent to more than 2,000 theatre-goers.

There is something on the billing to suit most tastes, whether you’re interested in global issues or seeking out the unconventional. The acts are varied, but always genre-busting, stimulating and intent on pushing boundaries. After all, in what other setting could you watch Dostoyevsky’s masterpiece The Idiot one night, and a performance of Craigslist personal ads set to music the next?

Our top picks from the festival include: Looking For A Missing Employee, a provocative performance puzzle by Lebanese artist Rabih Mroué; quirky duo Bill Richardson and Veda Hille’s Do You Want What I Have Got? A Craigslist Cantata, featuring ditties such as “Slugs for lease” and “Dead moose, free for the taking;” Almighty Voice and His Wife, exploring a tragic intersection of white and native cultures by First Nations playwright Daniel David Moses; and Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s The Idiot, by Vancouver’s Neworld Theatre.

The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival runs Jan. 17-Feb. 4. Venues and show times at pushfestival.ca.

Hot Dates: Get Lucky at the Casino

The gaming floor is a hot spot at the Casino du Lac-Leamy.

Revel in the energy and excitement at the Casino du Lac-Leamy, where there’s more to do than gamble (although there’s plenty of that, too!). In February, take in one of the shows that are on the bill (ABBA Memories, Dance into the Light, or The British Invasion: Beatles Story). Enjoy dinner at the gourmet Le Baccara or one of the other restaurants, have drinks at one of four bars (including a lounge for cigar aficionados), and then hit the large collection of slots and try your luck on the gaming floor, where someone won $1.86 million in November.

Hot Entertainment: Waiting for Godot

The Cultch stages Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot until Jan. 21

Samuel Beckett’s comedic, existential masterpiece has been described as everything from brilliant to confounding to shocking to a bunch of meaningless hooey. No matter where on the spectrum your opinion falls, you’re sure to find something to appreciate in a new production at The Cultch (to Jan. 21). Deep comedic riches lie in this modern classic, first staged in English in 1955 and now performed by some of Vancouver’s finest actors. A show worth waiting for? Definitely.—Sheri Radford

Tu-Sa 8 pm. Matinees Su 2 pm. $16+. The Cultch, 1895 Venables St. at Victoria. Tickets 604-251-1363. www.blackbirdtheatre.ca

Hot Entertainment: Marionette Magic in Penny Plain

Photo by Ian Jackson

Ronnie Burkett, a professional puppeteer for four decades, launched his Theatre of Marionettes 25 years ago. That’s a quarter of a century spent satirizing everything from Punch and Judy to repressive societies to—in his current production, Penny Plain—the apocalypse. Penny sits at home, waiting for the world to end, as strangers burst in with stories from the hostile world outside, including a serial killer, a cross-dressing banker and talking dogs. Burkett brings 35 marionettes to life in a spellbinding performance that makes you forget you’re watching puppets at all. See the darkly humourous show at The Cultch (to Dec. 17).—Jessie Colgan

More information:

PENNY PLAIN 8 pm. $45+. The Cultch, 1895 Venables St. at Victoria. Tickets 604-251-1363. www.thecultch.com

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for December 9 to 11

Self-portrait entitled "Julie" by Julie LaPalme, whose work will be on view at Lemonjellow.

Friday, Dec. 9
If you’re looking for a fun holiday jam with a bit of an artsy twist, Lemonjellow’s weekend pARTy “Deck the Halls” is just the thing for you. Lemonjellow Productions is an art collective that aims to display art in all different sorts of ways. This weekend, the works of nine local artists will be on display and for sale at back-to-back holiday parties. The party starts at 8pm this Friday and lasts well into the night with the help of a DJ and some Christmas tunes. Bring a present to be re-gifted in support of Pink Triangle Youth, and leave with some great art priced $50-$300. A party runs Saturday at the same time, and a tamer cookies-and-coffee party is happening on Sunday.

If you’re looking to take a break from the holiday madness, take a road trip to Gananoque (about two hours away), where you can catch Robin Hood! A Children’s Holiday Pantomime. This beloved adventure story is being performed as a “panto” – a performance with a musical-comedy twist that has men playing women… and vice-versa! Some laughs, a fun road trip, a good time with family and friends, and a unique performance style – this outing has it all. Play runs until Dec. 23.

Saturday, Dec. 10
If you’re looking to broaden your cultural horizons beyond Santa Claus, come out to Carleton University’s campus on Saturday night. No, we’re not suggesting joining the students who are studying for exams; instead, check out Kala Tarang: An Evening of Indian Dance and Music, which is a concert highlighting the work of the students of Gharana Arts. Other performers include Kasturi Mishra, who will be performing traditional Kathak Nritya, and Udit Bhide and Ravi Singh, performing Sitar and Tabla Vadhya. Whether you are familiar with this style of dance or not, you will walk away with an increased knowledge of the rich cultural traditions of Indian performing arts.

As if the holidays don’t have enough temptation, the Ottawa Locavore Artisan Food Fair (LAFF) is back for a second year. This Saturday, 25 local food artisans will be coming together to sell their delicious products, including cookies, pies, cheeses, jams, chocolates, and more. Sample some products and choose your favourites to purchase as gifts or to take home for yourself. A silent auction of select products will raise money for the School Breakfast Program that feeds 11,000 children in Ottawa daily. So head out to delight your taste buds and support a good cause, as well. (more…)

Hot Date: Memphis Raises the Roof for Rock

photo by Joan Marcus

DECEMBER 6 to 24 The life of Dewey Phillips, one of rock ‘n’ roll’s pioneering disc jockeys, inspires a story of fame, forbidden love, and a rousing new style of music in Memphis. Follow the intertwined paths of a white radio DJ and a black club singer through the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, where the sounds
of soul, gospel, and rhythm and blues fuse together to create the anthems of a young generation poised to confront racial segregation in the American south. The 2010 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, Memphis also features a Tony Award-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan. Christopher Ashley directs the show, in Toronto for a limited run, while former Jersey Boys choreographer Sergio Trujillo crafts the musical’s exhilarating dance routines. Toronto Centre for the Arts, Tuesday to Sunday, $51 to $180; call 416-644-3665 or click here for showtimes and tickets.

Hot Entertainment: Roméo et Juliette Opera

Simone Osborne

Have ever two families feuded as much as the Capulets and Montagues? Canadian soprano Simone Osborne (pictured) stars as Juliette and Canadian tenor Gordon Gietz plays her star-crossed lover Roméo in this romantic French opera, Charles Gounod’s version of William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy (Nov. 26 and 29, Dec. 1 and 3; Queen Elizabeth Theatre).—Sheri Radford

More information:

ROMEO ET JULIETTE (Nov 26, 29; Dec 1, 3). 7:30 pm. $35+. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Hamilton St. at Dunsmuir. Tickets 604-683-0222. www.vancouveropera.ca

You Are Here: Old Strathcona

Image courtesy of Noel Zinger

With over 600 eclectic, independent and alternative shops and services to explore, it’s little wonder Old Strathcona is regarded as the place to experience Edmonton’s finest live theatre and music, boutique shopping, dining and nightlife. Read on for some of our top spots in this historical district and then visit www.oldstrathcona.ca for even more.

CHIANTI CAFE Housed in the historic Old Strathcona post office building and featuring super affordable made from scratch Italian fare — including over two dozen pasta dishes — it’s little wonder this charming eatery has been voted one of Canada’s top 100 restaurants and is popular with everyone from university students to young professionals to families. 10501 Whyte (82) Ave., 780-439-9829.

WHEN PIGS FLY This quaint gift shop brims with intriguing and unusual trinkets, jewelry, stained glass, home accessories and more. Chances are, you won’t walk out empty handed, as it caters to any aesthetic taste, covering rustic wares, vintage inspired décor, sleek, modern finds and even children’s toys and accessories. 10470 Whyte (82) Ave., 780-433-9127.

Image courtesy of Laura Byrnes Photography

ROWENA Lovers of pin-up couture will revel in this fashion boutique where you’ll not only find the sweetest selection of 1940’s and 50’s inspired pin-up dresses, but also rockabilly, gothic and other alternative cultures clothing and accessories. The shop offers a wide array of lines for both guys and dolls including Lucky 13, Dirty Devil, Deadly Dames, Trashy Diva and Lip Service. 10762 Whyte (82) Ave., 780-439-5445.

BLUES ON WHYTE Featuring top local, national and international blues talent, Blues on Whyte in the legendary Commercial Hotel is the place to enjoy live blues music from soulful Mississippi Delta to finger-snapping Chicago style. The easy-going atmosphere and standout musicians are second to none, and with live music seven days a week, the place is almost always bustling. 10329 Whyte (82) Ave., 780-439-3981.

BLOCK 1912 An eclectic European style café with vintage ambiance, Block 1912 is a trusty Whyte Avenue staple offering specialty coffees, wine and beer, an assortment of in-house made desserts, sandwiches and gelato. This is a casual, inviting spot, perfect to stop in at and unwind after an afternoon of shopping. 10361 Whyte (83) Ave., 780-433-6575.

Image courtesy of Wee Book Inn

WEE BOOK INN This locally owned and operated second hand bookshop includes two floor levels of fiction and non-fiction finds including a sizable selection of antique and collectible literature. Look for their resident cat who you’ll find purring away contentedly in one of the shop’s cosy corners. 10310 Whyte (82) Ave., 780 432-7230.

PRINCESS THEATRE For a dose of history and entertainment, watch a film at the Princess Theatre, Edmonton’s oldest surviving cinema, which screened its first film in 1915. The ornate building still features the original auditorium and balcony, and has remained much the same as when it was built nearly 100 years ago. Today, the theatre screens an interesting mix of independent, foreign and alternative films. 10337 Whyte (82) Ave., 780-433-0728

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for November 25 to 27

Check out the screening of "Billy Bishop Goes to War," on at the Canadian War Museum.

Friday, Nov. 25
The film that received rave reviews at this fall’s Toronto International Film Festival is now coming to Ottawa. Billy Bishop Goes to War, the film based on the two-man stage play of the same name by John Gray and Eric Peterson, is being screened at the Canadian War Museum. This updated version — still featuring the same two men — now features an aged Bishop, a WWI flying ace veteran reflecting on his time in the war with music and humour. Both Gray and Peterson play an array of characters and have been warmly received ever since the stage play first debuted in 1978. Catch the film until Sunday.

Whether your taste in art is widespread or more specific to a certain style, odds are you’ll find something you like at SAW Gallery’s Sketch holiday fundraiser. This annual event has over 175 participating artists this year, so guaranteed there is something for everyone. And with works of art starting at only $10, you might even be able to get your Christmas shopping done – and give original gifts to boot. The fundraiser goes well into the night and features some great musical acts as well as artists, so why not make an evening of it? (more…)

Hot Date: The Canadian Stage Company Sees Red

Jim Mezon and David Coomber in Red (photo by Bruce Zinger)

NOVEMBER 24 TO DECEMBER 17 Abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko’s rise to fame in the 1950s came with heightened scrutiny and the burden of creating a masterpiece. With the eyes of the artistic community fixated on him, he set to work on one of his best-known commissions, a series of murals for the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York’s Seagram Building. Now, the Canadian Stage Company offers a peek into Rothko’s studio with Red, the 2010 Tony Award-winning play that fictionalizes the artist’s struggle to produce his murals while reconciling notions of commercialism and fame. With a script by acclaimed Hollywood screenwriter John Logan, Rothko (Jim Mezon) and his young assistant, Ken (David Coomber) grapple with ideas about art, relevance and the role of artists. The performance includes an original score by former Barenaked Ladies musician Andy Creeggan, which was inspired by the music Rothko listened to while painting.
St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, Bluma Appel Theatre, Monday to Saturday 8 p.m., Wednesday 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., $24 to $99; call 416-368-3110 or click here for tickets.

12 Days of Christmas in Ottawa

By Misa Kobayashi.

While the traditional carol offers up lords-a-leaping and swans-a-swimming, we bring you 12 ideas for fun outings and events to take you through the holiday season (no partridge required). (more…)

Hot Date: This is What Happens Next

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.

Salute to Victoria’s Artistic Season

Winter in Victoria brings shorter days for sure, but it also brings a thriving arts calendar with plenty to entertain.

Stage Struck

The University of Victoria’s Phoenix Theatre continues its 2011-12 season with Ben Travers’ witty, fast-paced Rookery Nook, November 3 to 19. Comparable to the comedies of Noel Coward, the tale follows two fun-loving friends who get caught in a tangled web of silly white lies and flirtatious innuendos.

Following in February is Sarah Ruhl’s Eurydice, a reimagining of the classic myth of Orpheus and the Underworld through the eyes of its quirky heroine, Eurydice – “a magical and little menacing twist on an age-old tale.”

From the city’s historic Belfry Theatre comes David French’s Jitters, November 15 to December 18. As a new play is poised to open, plunge into a hilarious world of larger-than-life personalities, easily bruised egos, faulty props, lost lines and a visit from a big-time producer – all adding to the opening night “jitters” of cast, crew, writer and director.

Come January, it’s time for on the edge at the Belfry January 24 to February 26, featuring Susinn McFarlen in a tour de force performance exploring three women from three very different walks of life.

Langham Court Theatre is one of Victoria’s longest -standing companies for good reason. This winter, enjoy The Beauty Queen of Leenane, November 17 to December 3, featuring drama, suspense and black comedy in a small Irish village. The stage takes on a musical tone in January when Langham Court presents The Drowsy Chaperone, a Tony Award-winner recalling the golden age of musical theatre.

Dance, Victoria!

Take a time out during the hectic holiday season to enjoy Ballet Victoria’s Cinderella & the Fairy Tale Ball, when dazzling fairy tale guests offer music, magic, humour and holiday cheer at the Royal Theatre December 27 to 30.

Dance Victoria’s season continues with England’s Random Dance, from choreographer Wayne McGregor, before welcoming Alberta Ballet and the Victoria Symphony for the holiday production of The Nutcracker, December 2 to 4. Come February, the Ballet Nacional de Cuba visits to present an evening of mixed repertoire of classical ballet.

Making Music

Musical diversity rules this winter as Victoria welcomes shows ranging from Canadian rocker Matthew Good to classic opera.

November 10 to 20 presents the world premiere of Pacific Opera Victoria’s Mary’s Wedding: “The story is eternal. Boy meets girl. They fall in love. But the year is 1914, and Mary and Charlie must surrender their love and their fate to the uncertainties of their tumultuous times.”

Turning the calendar to February, POV presents Bizet’s Carmen, in French with English surtitles. “Bad, beguiling, and dangerous to know, Carmen will never let herself be chained down by any one man. When she fixes on Don José as her next (but certainly not her last) lover, the naïve but volatile young soldier hasn’t a chance… Tragedy is inevitable, but what a ride along the way!”

On a lighter note, the 80-voice Starlight Pops Choir will get toes tapping in February with Pop Rocks!, featuring classic tunes from Elton John, Rolling Stones, Linda Ronstadt, U2, Coldplay and more, February 3 and 5 at St. Aidan’s United Church, 3703 St. Aidan’s St, about 20 minutes from downtown. For details, visit www.starlightpopschoir.com

Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra celebrates a remarkable 26th season with performances November 27 and February 12 at the University of Victoria’s Farquhar Auditorium, under the baton of Yariv Aloni.

February’s Salute to the Rat Pack from the Victoria Symphony is sure to be a highlight of the New Year. Join the symphony and vocalist Matt Catingub for a celebration of the music, artistry and songs of Las Vegas and the “Rat Pack,” including I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Night and Day, Ain’t that a Kick in the Head
and A Lot of Livin’ To Do. For more performances see pages 17 to 21.

Hot Entertainment: Re:Union

Photo by David Cooper

This thought-provoking play follows a young Quaker protesting the horrors of the Vietnam War. Fast-forward 36 years and it’s his daughter taking a stand in the wake of 9/11. At the Pacific Theatre until Nov. 12.—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

RE:UNION On Nov. 2, 1965, Norman Morrison drives to the Pentagon with his infant daughter, a jug of kerosene and a box of matches. Thirty-six years later, in the wake of 9/11, his daughter returns to confront the costly legacy of sacrifice (to Nov 12). W-Sa 8 pm. Matinees Sa 2 pm. $16.50-$29.50. Pacific Theatre, 1420 W. 12th Ave. at Hemlock. 604-731-5518. www.pacifictheatre.org

Weekend Roundup: Best Bets for October 28 to 31

Tour spooky locals with Haunted Walks. Photo credit: OTCA.

Friday, Oct. 28
What better way to celebrate Halloween than by scaring yourself silly with true tales of ghostly happenings? Sign up for a tour with Haunted Walks that will take you through some of the city’s creepiest locales. The Ottawa Jail Hostel? Check. The site of the last working gallows? Check. Haunted buildings? Check. Our pick is the adults-only tour of the Canadian Museum of Nature on Friday night. Once the doors close to the public you can enjoy wine and cheese and see for yourself where ghostly encounters have taken place. If you dare… Halloween edition tours are offered nightly until Oct. 31, see website for full schedule.

Local chamber ensemble Seventeen Voyces hosts one heck of a performance. They’ll be screening the 1925 silent film classic The Phantom of the Opera on a giant screen and accompanying the film with live choral and pipe organ music. Don’t expect traditional songs from the musical though — instead, the choir will perform works by Gounod (Faust), Schubert, Beethoven, Berlioz, Kodaly, Puccini (Madama Butterfly), Ravel, and Langlais. The concert runs Oct. 27 and 28.

It’s a world premiere! Whispering Pines, on at the GCTC, takes place in the divided city of Berlin in 1987, where artists Renate and Bruno want to make a new world. When Thomas, a Canadian academic, arrives on their doorstep bearing gifts from the West and dreams of life beyond the Wall, their lives are turned upside down. Years later, in a peaceful cabin on the shores of Lake Superior, the three come together one last time to confront the betrayal that tore them apart. Politics, intrigue, and the cold war — sounds like the makings for a great play. And, bonus!, on the opening night (Friday, Oct. 28), the German Embassy has partnered with GCTC for Whispering Pints (geddit?). Stop by after the show (10pm to 1am) for German beer, food, and music. The play runs Oct. 28 to Nov. 13.

Saturday, Oct. 29
The final movie has come and gone, but it’s still possible to get your Harry Potter fix. While they won’t be flying around on Nimbus 2000s, Carleton University plays host to more than 100 muggles for the first-ever Canadian Quidditch Cup this weekend. The non-flight version of Quidditch, which does still involve broomsticks, is a modified version of the sport that mixes rugby, dodge ball, and tag and is described as “super intense” by those who play. Eight teams will battle it out to decide who gets to go to the Quidditch World Cup tournament in New York City in November. Come cheer for Carleton, ranked second behind McGill, on Saturday. (more…)

Hot Entertainment: Play It Cool, Boy

Photo courtesy Central City Opera

Start snapping your fingers: the Jets and the Sharks are back and ready to rumble in Leonard Bernstein’s beloved Broadway musical West Side Story (Oct. 22 to 29). Hearts skip a beat as Tony and Maria profess their undying love in “Tonight” and tears fall during Maria’s rendition of “A Boy Like That.” So choose your side and remember: “When you’re a Jet, you’re a Jet all the way!”—Jennifer Patterson

More information:

West Side Story (Oct 22-23, 25-29). $35+. Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Hamilton St. at Dunsmuir. Tickets 604-683-0222.