The Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre is launching its 2013/14 season this week, with a variety of shows, including a movie, a talk by one of Canada’s leading intellectuals, and a concert.
Starting with the launch of the Movies in the Mountains series on Wednesday, Sept. 25, the theatre will play host to almost 20 movies, plays and concerts over the next three months.
“We’re working in different kinds of genres and making sure we develop what we’re offering in each genre – dance, theatre, family shows, mountain culture and film,” explained Miriam Manley, the manager of the theatre.
The theatre had a “massively successful” first season, said Manley, attracting an average of 144 people to 34 shows at the 275-seat venue (that doesn’t include the city’s poorly attended town hall meeting.)
“The Arts Council put on their concert series and had bigger audiences than they’ve ever had,” she said. “We’re seeing arts events who are coming here that wouldn’t have happened before because we have the venue.”
This year, Manley has been working on an en even bigger series of shows that she started developing last year. In addition to the many performances, there will also be more chances for Revelstokians to take part, such as an improv comedy workshop and week-long dance workshop in February. So far 34 events have been scheduled for the 2013-14 season, including the Revelstoke Arts Council concert series and events by the NCES and Revelstoke Theatre Company.
“The way I think about it is in different kinds of genres. What are we offering for alternative film? What are we offering for dance? We still have the ballet, but now we have contemporary dance. What have we got in the way of theatre and family shows?” said Manley. “That’s how I’m thinking of it – breaking it down into different genres of performing arts and in each area working on different partnerships in Revelstoke and provincially to bring in the best work that we can.”
With that in mind, here’s a look at what’s on store at the theatre until Christmas:
Film
This Wednesday will see the launch of the Movies in the Mountains film series. Films from the Toronto International Film Festival will be screened at the theatre in partnership with the Revelstoke Multicultural Society. All showings start at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $7.
— On Sept. 25, the movie will be The Sapphires, a musical comedy inspired by the story of an all-Aboriginal female soul quartet that entertained American troops during the Vietnam War. The movie is filled with rousing renditions of Motown Hits.
— On Wednesday, Oct. 23, the movie No will be shown. It is a suspenseful and thrilling historical political drama about a savvy young ad exec in 1988 Chile. The movie documents Chile’s return to democracy that year.
— On Wednesday, Nov. 27, Kon Tiki, the story of Thor Heyerdahl’s epic raft journey across the Pacific Ocean will be shown.
Music
— This Sunday, Sept. 29, the theatre plays host to Music of the Louisiana Hayride in Story and Song. The concert pays tribute to the classic radio show that featured Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline and Roy Orbison, amongst others. Tickets are $35.
— On Thursday, Oct. 3, a trio of the Kamloops Symphony Chamber Musicians will perform three late-romantic piano trios, including Sergei Rachmaninov’s elegiaque, Antonin Dvorak’s Dumky Trio, and a piece by Johannes Brahms. Tickets are $20.
— Everything Fitz, a fiddling family band with its roots in the old-time fiddle tradition of the Ottawa Valley, are at the theatre on Friday, Oct 4. They will perform everything from traditional jigs and reels, bluegrass, jazz and swing standards. Tickets are $15.
— On Sunday, Oct. 6, Award-winning Canadian jazz pianist, vocalist and songwriter Laila Biali will perform a mixture of pop, rock and soul songs, informed with her jazz background and weaved into her own musical arrangements. Tickets are $20.
— On Sunday, Oct. 13, Alberta band Front Porch Roots Revue will put on their show Up On Cripple Creek: The Songbook of the Band. The show pays tribute to arguably Canada’s greatest rock n’ roll band. Tickets are $20.
— On Friday, Nov. 1, the multiple award-winning Bergmann Piano Duo will present a concert of piano duets. Tickets are $20.
— On Thursday, Nov. 14, folk band The Bills will take the stage. Known for the instrumental virtuosity, lush vocal arrangements and exuberant live performances, this quintet will play music drawing a range of European, North American and Latin music traditions. Tickets are $15.
— On Saturday, Nov 23, Revelstoke band Relative Jazz will play tunes ranging from classic jazz, reggae, funk, blues and even a little rock and roll. Details TBA.
— On Sunday, Nov. 24, The Fugitives, a group of musicians and poets from Vancouver will perform. The group includes Canadian SLAM poetry champion Brendan McLeod and musician Adrian Glynn, along with two others. Their music has drawn comparisons to Arcade Fire. Tickets are $10.
— On Saturday, Nov. 30, indie-rockers Said the Whale will play on the opening day of the ski season. Tickets are $10.
— On Thursday, Dec. 19, the funky jazz quarter B3 Kings will play. Tickets are $20.
Theatre
— The Loose Moose Theatre Company will be giving two free improv workshops on Saturday, Oct. 5. A youth class takes place from 12:30–2:30 p.m. and an adult class from 3–5 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., the troupe will put on The Improv Show, where they will put on shows based on suggestions from the audience. Tickets are $10.
– From Dec. 6–8 and 12–14, the Revelstoke Theatre Company will present its new play Dear Santa by Norm Foster. Santa Claus tries to fulfill a child’s Christmas wish while his staff attempts to overcome a supply shortage at the North Pole. Ticket prices TBA.
Family
— On Saturday, Nov. 2, at 11 a.m. Axis Theatre will put Raven Meets the Monkey King. The family-friendly play is about an 11-year-old who finds a box at a garage sale, releasing the spirits of Raven and the Monkey King. They teach the child a lesson about the values of family, history and money. Tickets are $4 for adults, $2 for children, and $10 for a family or four.
— On Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m., the Revelstoke Early Childhood Development Committee presents Babies, a documentary that follows four babies from around the world from birth to their first steps. Entry is free.
Mountain Culture
— On Friday, Sept. 27, the NCES presents John Ralston Saul. The renowned Canadian author and intellectual will speak about his new book A Fair Country: Telling Truths About Canada. Tickets are $15.
— On Friday, Oct. 11, Sherpas Cinema will show their new ski film, Into the Mind. The movie looks at the mindset of extreme skiers as they go about their work. There are screenings at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets are $14, available at Eagle Pass Heli Skiing. The early show is free for kids under-14.
All shows start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise indicated. Tickets are available at Art First, the Chamber of Commerce office, and online at www.revelstokeartscouncil.com, unless indicated.