9/20/2014 0 Comments Nuit BlancheTransform The NightQuite possibly one of the most random events we've ever been a part of - we quite literally stumbled into Nuit Blanche by accident! We were attending X (see here), and on our way to the theatre, we knew something was up. There were way too many cars in the parkade, and way too many people in the street. Sometimes, the Epcore Centre has a lot of different shows on (ATP, CPO, Theatre Calgary), and even on a night where those three large halls fill up, we don't see the traffic we saw tonight!
We went to our play, and afterwards thought we should explore what Nuit Blanche is.We really discovered some amazing, creative things within the heart of our city! There were performance artists, visual artists, musicians, costumes, food, artwork, and literally thousands of Calgarians out for the night! We ran into at least a dozen people we know, and it was so nice to see so many people out exploring our city! Some of the highlights included an audio installation in the small garden attached to the City Hall, where there were three sets of three speakers, all sending out different messages - words, music, chanting, chimes, it was hard to tell what was what. Depending on where you stood, and for how long, a slow and dramatic story began to be told in a few simple words. Lovers. Forget. Warriors. It was an incredible experience, and quite difficult to describe. It was memorable for its unique setting and sound. Inside the City Hall lobby was a series of large domes, containing artifacts of creation, and even a creator. There was, literally, a woman encapsulated within one of the domes, working on a project involving chocolate and a globe. Music was being played by a DJ, and there were a number of lights shining in and around the installation. It was quirky and unique, and when she looked up, I felt as if I were the one in the spotlight on display. I've never heard of an event quite like this, so I asked at the information booth. Calgary participated in 2012 (two years ago), but events like this have been happening for many years in other countries. Who knew? Now that we know about it, we'll be sure to plan it into our schedule whenever it comes back! For more information, check out: www.nuitblanchecalgary.ca. It is with good reason the London press has called this “the funniest play on the planet.” Its one and only goal is pure uproarious laughter. Goofy slapstick and silliness combined with music provided by a 1960s boy-band to get you in the spirit—that’s the way to kick off a season. – Dennis (Artistic Director, Theatre Calgary) Date Night | Wednesday, September 10 We wanted to make sure we could navigate through the traffic of Snowmageddon September 2014, so we left work early enough to make it downtown to an amazing dinner at Milestone's on Stephen Avenue. It's "Date Nigh" at Milestones - so we got an appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert to share. We've always had great food and drinks there - and tonight was no exception! I was glad to have a few solid hours before our show, and Neal and I spent a very nice evening together. It's fun how the restaurant is connected back to the theatre and the parking lot through the +15 system in downtown Calgary. It was fun to navigate around, up and down, back to the theatre after our meal. Theatre Calgary This is probably our sixth season with Theatre Calgary, and this was - hands down - the funniest show we've seen them do.There was one point where I literally - LITERALLY - passed out from laughing so hard! The show was full of farce and slapstick and clever wordplay. Most of the audience howled, but some just simply didn't get it - or didn't find it funny at all. In fact, about four people from within our row left during intermission, and didn't come back. The show was particularly clever when taking into account it was a re-telling of a Italian play from the 1700s. The set design, costumes and accents were clever, and gave a good impression of 1960s England, complete with a host of memorable characters. Based on the Commedia dell'Arte tradition of fairly recognizable stock characters, the actors were still able to bring life into their words and actions, and avoided being completely 2-dimensional stereotypes. In addition to the action on stage, it really was a spectacle. There was a lot of great live music and dancing and singing and even a washboard! At times, it was almost like a variety show, and each actor took on a different role during curtain breaks - even playing the steel drums, doing some stand-up comedy, and playing a contraption covered in assorted bike horns! The four band members of "The Craze" served as an intro act, and came back between each scene change. Although this wasn't a musical show, the music provided by The Craze, really helped move the story along, and became an integral part of the experience. I was a little nervous before we went - not knowing anything about this play - as the first play of a season is always so important to set expectations for the rest of the year. Bravo to all of the cast and crew involved! I think we're ready for an amazing season at Theatre Calgary! For more about this amazing show: Date Night | Thursday, September 4
On Thursday, Neal and I were able to attend the most amazing performance of Les Miserables, put on by Storybook Theatre. School Edition Before the show even began, the Director came out and explained to the audience what a "School Edition" was. It's not something I'd ever heard of before, and I'm very glad he took a few minutes to explain to us how this version might be different from what we're accustomed to. As JP explained it, the story and setting and themes and even characters and language is all the same - but it's been edited for time and music. At over three hours long, the full production would be too much for younger voices to take on, so approximately one hours' worth of music was cut from the show. The themes, the darkness, the raw emotion were all left intact, and it was for all intents the same show any of us are accustomed to. In all honestly, I only noticed one song had even been trimmed short. I literally didn't notice a difference between this version, and the last one we saw (Broadway Across Canada). I am glad that the director took time to educate the audience on what a "School Edition" was, because I believe it was important to point out the mature themes and characters were not watered down for these young performers. Les Miserables This iconic show is memorable for a few key pieces and songs, and the students and crew of Storybook theatre really stayed true to the work - including a large cast, highlighting a lot of boys and young men singing and acting. From the opening scene with a large group of boys on stage, we knew we were in for a special performance. The young actors put their hearts and souls into their work, and we felt connected to them on a personal and emotional level. The intimacy of the theatre really helped - sitting a few feet away from the performers, rather than at the back of a massive auditorium. However, I think that's just one part of it - these performers - these kids - really told the story through their singing and acting, and it was very easy to be swept away into the complex emotions of the piece. Because there was such a large cast, every student was able to participate and contribute in a very meaningful and memorable way. Some of the leading female roles were split from one night to the next, so I can only speak for the particular cast we saw - but they were amazing. What a wonderful show, and a wonderful experience for these young performers. Summer Intensive This show was put together as part of the Student Summer Intensive Program (http://storybooktheatre.org/ssip), which allows for students from ages 12 to about 18 to participate in an intense musical experience over the summer, and come out with an amazing production at the end. I believe this was the first year the Summer Intensive was put Storybook Theatre This is first year being subscribed to all of the Storybook Theatre productions - in the past, we've only gone to the musical theatre events. However, we have always been impressed, and I know we're going to love this season as well! -Monti |
AuthorMonti Tanner (he/him) BEd, BA, MEd Archives
May 2023
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