The Glenn Miller Orchestra in Vancouver!

The greatest Big Band of all time returns to perform their two-hour greatest hits show at Vancouver’s Orpheum Theatre

 — July 6 at 8:00 p.m. —

 ON SALE NOW!

 

Vancouver, April 15, 2013 – The legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra from New-York will perform one night only in Vancouver as they tour the world, bringing timeless classics like In the Mood, Moonlight Serenade, Chattanooga Choo Choo, Pennsylvania 6-5000, String of Pearls and Tuxedo Junction back to the stage. Even 75 years after founding his famous orchestra Glenn Miller’s music is alive and well.

On Saturday July 6, 20 musicians and singers will bring the unforgettable Glenn Miller sound to the Orpheum Theatre, performing timeless songs that everyone remembers. This is a must-see show for jazz and swing fans alike or the incurable romantics who want to step back in time. The legendary Glenn Miller was the most successful of all the dance bandleaders back in the Swing era of the 1930s and ’40s.

Producer Didier Morissonneau is proud to bring the most famous orchestra of all time to the Vancouver music scene, to perform their classic two-hour greatest hits show, directed by their new leader, the young and dynamic Nick Hilsher!

 Saturday July 6 at 8:00 p.m.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra

The greatest hits show at the Orpheum

884 Granville Street,  Vancouver

 

Tickets on sale now at www.ticketmaster.ca or by calling

1-855-985-5000

 Tickets: $52.75 and $58.75 (plus applicable charges)

Les Misérables PRESALE for Vancouver – April 5, 2013, 10am-10pm

Photo Credit © Deen van Meer

Broadway Across Canada presents LES MISÉRABLES at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, June 12 – 23, 2013

Cameron Mackintosh presents a brand new 25^th anniversary production of Boublil & Schönberg’s legendary musical, LES MISÉRABLES, with glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo.  This new production has been acclaimed by critics, fans and new audiences and is breaking box office records wherever it goes. The New York Times calls this LES MISÉRABLES “an unquestionably spectacular production from start to finish.”  The London Times hails the new show “a five star hit, astonishingly powerful.”

Tickets for Les Misérables go on sale for the public on April 6, 2013, but I have a presale code for you to purchase your tickets to Les Misérables ONE DAY EARLY!

This offer is valid for ONE DAY  – April 5, 2013, 10am – 10pm PST

Presale Code  - PAROLE

Click HERE to purchase your tickets!

(Link is only active 10am – 10pm PST on April 5th, 2013.)

Les Misérables is coming to Vancouver, June 12 – June 23, 2013

Photo Credit © Deen van Meer

CAMERON MACKINTOSH’S

NEW 25^TH ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION OF THE WORLD’S LONGEST-RUNNING MUSICAL

BOUBLIL AND SCHÖNBERG’S

 LES MISÉRABLES

 

TICKETS ON SALE APRIL 6, 2013 AT 10 AM

 

VANCOUVER PREMIERE ENGAGEMENT AT

THE QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE

June 12 – June 23, 2013

Tickets for Cameron Mackintosh’s new 25^th anniversary production of Les Misérables go on sale Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 10 a.m. for the premiere Vancouver engagement at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.  The all new production of Les Misérables features glorious new staging and spectacular reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster locations, at www.ticketmaster.ca or call toll-free 1.855.985.5000. Tickets for Les Misérables vary in range depending on performance, seat location, and date of purchase and start at $35.00 plus applicable service charges. For more information on the production, engagement dates, and locations please visit www.LesMis.com. For a video sneak peek of the New 25^th Anniversary Production of Les Misérables, please visit www.LesMis.com/watch.

The New York Times calls this Les Misérables “an unquestionably spectacular production from start to finish.” The London Times hails the new show “a five star hit, astonishingly powerful and as good as the original.”  The Star-Ledger says “a dynamically re-imagined hit.  This Les Misérables has improved with age” and NY1-TV proclaims “this new production actually exceeds the original. The storytelling is clearer, the perspective grittier and the motivations more honest. Musical theatre fans can rejoice: Les Miz is born again.”

“I’m delighted that 25 years after Les Miz originally opened in London the audience for this marvelous show is bigger and younger than ever before,” said producer Cameron Mackintosh.

“Over the years I have seen many successful but visually different productions, so it has been exciting to draw inspiration from the brilliant drawings and paintings of Victor Hugo himself, integrated with spectacular projections.  The new Les Miz is a magnificent mix of dazzling images and epic staging, driving one of the greatest musical stories ever told.”

Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit.  The magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the classic songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “Do You Hear the People Sing?,” “One Day More,” “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables,” “Master Of The House” and many more.

Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Les Misérables has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer from the original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, additional material by James Fenton and original adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. The original Les Misérables orchestrations are by John Cameron with new orchestrations by Christopher Jahnke and additional orchestrations by Stephen Metcalfe and Stephen Brooker.  The production is directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo with costumes by Andreane Neofitou and additional costumes by Christine Rowlands, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter, musical staging by Michael Ashcroft and projections by Fifty-Nine Productions.

Les Misérables originally opened in London at the Barbican Theatre on October 8, 1985, transferred to the Palace Theatre on December 4, 1985 and moved to its current home at the Queen’s Theatre on April 3, 2004 where it continues to play to packed houses. When Les Misérables celebrated its 21^st London birthday on October 8, 2006, it became the World’s Longest-Running Musical, surpassing the record previously held by Cats in London’s West End.

In celebration of its 25^th anniversary, the legendary musical Les Misérables made theatrical history with an international first – three different productions in London at the same time. The Original Production (still playing to packed houses at the Queen’s Theatre), the acclaimed New 25^th Anniversary Production at the Barbican (where the show originally premiered) and a celebratory concert at The O2 Arena.  The O2 Concert was presented in over 500 cinemas throughout the United States on November 17, 2010 and is now available on Blu-ray DVD through Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

The Broadway production of Les Misérables originally opened at the Broadway Theatre on March 12, 1987 and transferred to the Imperial Theatre on October 17, 1990 running for 6,680 performances.  The US National Tour began in November 1987 and visited over 150 cities before closing in St. Louis, MO in 2006.  Broadway audiences welcomed Les Miz back to New York on November 9, 2006 where the show played the Broadhurst Theatre until its final performance on January 6, 2008. To date, Les Misérables remains the 3^rd longest-running Broadway production of all time.

Seen by nearly 60 million people worldwide in 42 countries and in 21 languages, Les Misérables is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals ever written, with new productions continually opening around the globe, with seven more currently scheduled. There have been 36 cast recordings of Les Misérables, including the multi-platinum London cast recording, the Grammy Award-winning Broadway cast and complete symphonic albums and the soon to be released live recording of the New 25^th Anniversary Production. The video of the 10^th Anniversary Royal Albert Hall Gala Concert has sold millions of copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling musical videos ever in the UK. There are over 2,500 productions of the Les Misérables School’s Edition scheduled or being performed by over 125,000 school children in the UK, US and Australia, making it the most successful musical ever produced in schools.

Cameron Mackintosh also developed the film of Les Misérables with Working Title and Universal that was released Christmas 2012 nationwide.

In Vancouver, Les Misérables first week runs Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm; Thursday and Saturday matinee at 2:00 pm, Sunday matinee at 1pm. and Sunday evening at 6:30 pm.  Second week runs Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00pm, Saturday matinee at 2:00pm, Sunday matinee at 1:00pm and Sunday evening at 6:30pm.

Performances run from June 12 – June 23 www.LesMis.com at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.   Tickets go on-sale 10 a.m., Saturday, April 6, 2013, through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.ca or call toll-free 1.855.985.5000. Group orders for 10 or more may be placed by calling 1.800.889.8457.

Les Misérables, in Vancouver, presented by Broadway Across Canada, is part of a five city tour in Western Canada including dates in Calgary June 25 – July 7; Edmonton July 9 – 14, 2013; Regina July 16 – 21, 2013; and Winnipeg July 23 – 28, 2013.

BROADWAY ACROSS CANADA and BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA (Producer), part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies which includes Broadway.com and is operated by British theatre producer John Gore (Owner & CEO).  Broadway Across America presents first-class touring musicals and plays across 40 North American cities and, under the supervision of Beth Williams (CEO – Theater Division), is dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse theatre.  Recent and current Broadway productions include Hands on a Hardbody; How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying; Memphis; Million Dollar Quartet (Broadway, off-Broadway, West End, US Tour, Las Vegas); One Man, Two Guvnors; The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess; and the Toronto production of War Horse. Upcoming: Tuck Everlasting, Little Miss Sunshine, Big Fish, and The Blonde Streak.  Broadway.com is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales.  For more information please visit BroadwayAcrossCanada.ca and Broadway.com.

Broadway Across Canada 2013-14 Season Launch Event

This past Monday, I was invited to attend Broadway Across Canada’s 2013-14 Season Launch Event for Vancouver. The night was filled with some amazing people and a fantastic behind-the-scenes look at the Broadway show War Horse, which is coming this season to Vancouver.

The event began with some wine and appetizers followed by a short introduction to the 2013-14 season of Broadway Across Canada hosted by funnyman radio personality Mike Shaeffer from 103.5 QM/FM. After a little bit of “horsing” around, Mike finally introduced War Horse production representative Scott Tucker. After some of “humming and hawing”, Scott invited Joey the horse from the production of the Tony Award Winning play War Horse out onto the stage. Before you get all riled up and ‘animal rights’ on me, Joey is actually a life-size puppet of a horse, controlled by three puppeteering actors; two physically inside of Joey controlling Joey’s feet and body, and one leading Joey, controlling his head. All three contribute to Joey’s whinnying, snorting to make Joey come to life.

Here’s the lineup for Vancouver for the 2013-14 year:

Les Misérables - June 12-23, 2013

War Horse – Sept 24-29, 2013

West Side Story – Feb 4-9, 2014.

It’s going to be an exciting year!

And don’t forget that you can still purchase tickets for Billy Elliot, April 2-7, 2013 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver!

Billy Elliot, the Tony Award-Winning Best Musical Electrifies Vancouver from April 2 – 7, 2013

(Vancouver, B.C.) —Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films Old Vic Productions and NETworks Presentations, LLC bring the multi-award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical to Vancouver from April 2 – 7, 2013.  Based on the international smash-hit film and featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreography by Peter Darling and direction by Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot the Musical has earned critical acclaim around the world and was the winner of ten 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

Tickets for Billy Elliot the Musical go on sale Monday, January 21, 2013, at 10:00 am at all Ticketmaster locations, at www.ticketmaster.ca or call toll-free 1.855.985.5000.

Billy Elliot the Musical is the joyous celebration of one boy’s journey to make his dreams come true. Set in a small town, the story follows Billy as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, discovering a surprising talent that inspires his family and his whole community and changes his life forever.

In addition to the Tony Award for Best Musical, Billy Elliot the Musical received the award for Best Direction of a Musical (Stephen Daldry); Best Book of a Musical (Lee Hall); Best Choreography (Peter Darling); Best Orchestrations (Martin Koch); Best Scenic Design of a Musical (Ian MacNeil); Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Rick Fisher); Best Sound Design of a Musical (Paul Arditti); Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical (David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik, Kiril Kulish); Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical (Gregory Jbara).

The production has been awarded 81 national and international awards including ten Tony Awards, Best Musical by the New York Drama Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle.

Ben Brantley of the New York Times says that Billy Elliot “Sends audiences into a mass swoon!”  Time Out says it’s “The most electric and passionate show in years.”

The Daily News calls Billy “So exhilarating that you feel like leaping!” Liz Smith calls the show “Absolutely awesome,” The New York Observer raves that Billy is “The best thing to happen to Broadway in a long while,” and WOR’s Dave Richardson cheers, “All I can say is WOW!”

The show is produced by Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films, Old Vic Productions and NETworks Presentations, LLC. The production features scenic design by Ian MacNeil, associate direction by Julian Webber, costume design by Nicky Gillibrand, lighting design by Rick Fisher and sound design by Paul Arditti. Musical supervision and orchestrations are by Martin Koch.  Touring production direction is by Justin Martin and choreography is by Kathryn Dunn.

In Vancouver, Billy Elliot plays Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday matinee at 2:00 p.m.; Sunday matinee at 1:00pm and Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for Billy Elliot vary in range depending on performance, seat location, and date of purchase and start at $35.00.

Performances run from April 2 – 7, 2013, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Tickets go on-sale 10 a.m., January 21, 2013, through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.ca or call toll-free 1.855.985.5000. Group orders for 10 or more may be placed by calling 1.800.889.8457.

Billy Elliot in Vancouver, presented by Broadway Across Canada, is part of a five city tour in Canada including dates in Ottawa January 1 – 6, 2013, Montreal January 8 – 13, 2013, Edmonton March 19 – 24, 2013 and  Calgary March 26 – 31, 2013..

Additional information about Billy Elliot the Musical is available at www.BillyElliotTour.com.

For more information about shows that are coming to a Canadian city near you, please go to www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca

Indigo Books & Music Inc. Holiday Preview 2012

This past Wednesday, I was invited by Cammy (@indigogreenroom) to the Indigo Books & Music’s Fall and Holiday Preview 2012. Since I have a genuine obsession with Chapters and Indigo Books and all of their books and products, I jumped at this opportunity to get a sneak peek at what new products I’ll be buying for friends and family this fall, particularly as presents. The event was held at a local BC restaurant: the Cactus Club Cafe down on South Granville. This event also highlighted the Cactus Club’s Executive Chef, Rob Feenie and his brand new cookbook “Rob Feenie’s Casual Classics”, which includes delicious innovative and approachable meals.

I had been wanting to meet Chef Feenie for quite some time. I’ve been a foodie fan of his forever. I was super excited to get my photo with him and got to take home his cookbook and sample some of his tasty food!

Image by Natalie Van Apeldoorn

Image by Natalie Van Apeldoorn

You can purchase chef Feenie’s cookbook through Chapters Indigo HERE. 

And now, onto the preview!

“This season’s inspiration was drawn from luxury farmhouse living and the cosy flavours of fall. Expect to see soft, plush fabrics in warm tones, rustic tableware, “local” thinking and elegant stationary influenced by nature. And don’t forget to warm up from the inside – traditional comfort food never goes out of style.” – Heather Reisman, CEO, Indigo Books & Music Inc, Fall 2012

“The smell of winter in the air- snowflakes falling on trees, the hustle and bustle on the streets and in the shops – twinkly store windows and decorated trees – letters to Santa, Christmas morning and opening the best ever presents. It’s all part of the magic of the holiday season. And it is what inspired us for Christmas 2012. Enjoy this preview and let us know what you love!” – Heather Reisman, CEO, Indigo Books & Music Inc, Holiday Preview, 2012

Despite the sunny August heat in Vancouver, I trekked into the Cactus Club and fell into a winter wonderland of products. Like Heather Reisman describes, I felt the warmth and comfort in rich colours and almost felt the winter season spirit. Here are a few pictures of the products I fell in love with. (And to my friends and family, while I might gift these to you, please also take note for my Christmas list!).

On my shopping list are: owl bookends,  owl salt and pepper shakers, the penguin martini shaker, the lovely blankets, and absolutely every single item on the bright colour table. I can’t wait for these products to come into my Chapters store. Dear Santa…….

Thanks again to Indigo Books & Music Inc. for having me! Happy shopping!!

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All images are by Natalie Van Apeldoorn. Please ask for permission to reproduce.

Mary Poppins: A Review

Photo Credit: Deen Van Meer

I was ecstatic when I heard Mary Poppins was coming to Vancouver – out of all the Disney Musicals, this was one that that I knew I definitely had to see (and next, Newsies?!?) I did have a hard time imagining what the stage musical was going to be like – the movie has always been a favourite of mine.

Whenever I think about musicals which have already been published and successful in another avenue (novel, movie, play etc), I have learned over the years that I need to change my expectations for the musical – not lower expectations, just change them. For instance, when I was growing up, I fell absolutely in love with the movie of A Chorus Line – and when I saw the musical, I was very unhappy. It wasn’t until years later when I fell in love with the Broadway soundtrack that I regretted my expectations.

There are a few things in the musical Mary Poppins that I knew were not going to translate from the movie. The cartoon scenes, for instance. The beloved carousel and the racetrack. Also, the jumping from rooftop to rooftop during “Chim Chim Cher-ee”. But I was determined that I was going in with an open mind – after all, it’s getting rave reviewers during the tour, and it’s still playing on Broadway in NYC!

What they did for Mary Poppins was absolutely magical.

The acting and singing was superb – Rachel Wallace who shines at Mary Poppins had some large shoes to fill from the film (Julie Andrews). Wallace’s voice and acting were stunning – you could not keep your eyes off of her when she was on stage. The children, Jane and Michael (played by Marissa Ackerman and Zach Timson during my show) were delightful. They were on stage for much of the show and kept up with the fast pace. They were particularly enjoyable during Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious – having to remember complex actions and lyrics. During the performance I saw, the role of Bert was played by Con O’Shea-Creal. Though it may not have been his primary role (he normally plays Northbrook), it appeared as though he had been playing the role of Bert night after night. He was strong in both character and voice. However, he was slightly lost on the stage when the entire cast was one – I wish the costume designers had given him a bright colour or a trademark to follow as they did with Mary Poppins, but they may not have been able to change anything from the Broadway musical.

Sometimes touring productions have to adapt to touring – they cannot always bring entire sets to each city (i.e. the side staircase in Wicked, the rising stages from The Lion King, the helicopter from Miss Saigon etc). I was ABSOLUTELY AMAZED AND ENCHANTED by the sets from Mary Poppins – it looked as though they had brought the entire production from Broadway with them – the entire Banks house was on stage and flowed in and out of the different scenes like water. It was brilliant.

Also brilliant was the bank scene – the cast performed it brilliantly and it totally added to the ‘precision and order” Mr Banks sings about in Cherry Tree Lane. I also have to compliment the entire cast on Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious – the movements were brilliant and added to the excitement. Step in Time was also amazing with their tap dancing. It definitely made me bounce in my seat.

I loved seeing all the children in the audience, all dressed up with their families. I looked at some of the children’s faces as the show was going on and they looked so excited and happy. If I could make one recommendation (and this is for parents, mind you), if you’re going to bring snacks, drinks etc into the theatre, please wrap it in quiet materials. I was tired of the “crackles” interrupting the musical.

While Rock of Ages was definitely an “adult-only” show, this show is perfect for both adults and families – it had just enough ‘adult’ storyline to play with and fun and interactive elements to keep children entertained. Absolutely stunning.

Thank you Broadway Across Canada for bringing these shows to us who may not get another opportunity to see them. The arts are so important to learn from and enjoy. I am so excited to see what else is in store for the 2012-13 year!

Check out what is coming next at www.broadwayacrosscanada.ca and follow them on Facebook or on Twitter for the most up-to-date information about what is coming to a city near you!

Performances in Vancouver run from July 17 – 23, 2012 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

Tickets are on sale now! Go to www.ticketmaster.ca or call toll-free 1.855.985.5000. Prices range from $38.40-$155.90 (plus service fees).

Tickets (though limited) are still available. There are Rush tickets to Mary Poppins in Vancouver right now! 50% off  – on the day of the show only at box office just before the show.

Photo Credit: Deen Van Meer