Theatre

Artistic director Mark DuMez and managing director Randy Huber take a vantage point in the Chemainus Theatre seats that they hope will be predominantly full during the 2023 season. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Chemainus Theatre staging a bigger comeback during 2023

Five shows of multiple interest sure to attract strong audience numbers

 

This image released by Grapevine Public Relations shows Stark Sands, center, and the cast during a performance of “& Juliet.” (Matthew Murphy/Grapevine Public Relations via AP)
This image released by Grapevine Public Relations shows Stark Sands, center, and the cast during a performance of “& Juliet.” (Matthew Murphy/Grapevine Public Relations via AP)

Broadway writer of ‘ Juliet’ builds show with huge pop hits

Original story uses ‘Romeo and Juliet’ as launch pad, mixes in biggest pop hits of past few decades

 

Lauren Semple, as Madame Zee, and Dean Chadwick, as Brother XII, rehearse a scene from Western Edge Theatre’s upcoming musical ‘The Cult of Brother 12.’ (Photo courtesy Western Edge Theatre)

Notorious Vancouver Island cult leader’s story re-imagined in new musical

Western Edge Theatre presents ‘The Cult of Brother 12’ starting March 25 in Nanaimo

 

Belle (Alora Killam) sings about her love of books during the opening number of the Cowichan Musical Society’s production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. For a review and more photos, see page 31, and online at www.cowichanvalleycitizen.com (Kevin Rothbauer/Citizen)
Belle (Alora Killam) sings about her love of books during the opening number of the Cowichan Musical Society’s production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’. For a review and more photos, see page 31, and online at www.cowichanvalleycitizen.com (Kevin Rothbauer/Citizen)
Stephanie Roth with a promotional poster for her classes starting in January at the Saltair Community Centre. (Photo by Don Bodger)
Stephanie Roth with a promotional poster for her classes starting in January at the Saltair Community Centre. (Photo by Don Bodger)
Stephen Chbosky’s “Dear Evan Hansen,” based on the smash stage musical, will be the opening night gala presentation at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Matthew Murphy

‘Dear Evan Hansen’ to open Toronto International Film Festival

Steven Levenson adapted his hit Tony Award-winning stage show with Ben Platt reprising his acclaimed leading role

Stephen Chbosky’s “Dear Evan Hansen,” based on the smash stage musical, will be the opening night gala presentation at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Matthew Murphy
Strong support from the public for the Bridge The Gap campaign will keep the Chemainus Theatre going until performances can hopefully return to the stage in the fall. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Theatre hopeful matching funds can Bridge The Gap

Patrons launch campaign to assist in filling the void until performances return

Strong support from the public for the Bridge The Gap campaign will keep the Chemainus Theatre going until performances can hopefully return to the stage in the fall. (Photo by Don Bodger)
The Chemainus Theatre Festival’s Playbill Dining Room reopened to host small musical performances. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Chemainus Theatre receives Island Coastal Economic Trust funding

Project will involve recording and live-streaming Playbill Presents series content

The Chemainus Theatre Festival’s Playbill Dining Room reopened to host small musical performances. (Photo by Don Bodger)
Cowichan Valley actor and director Alex Gallacher received the City of Duncan’s Perpetual Arts Award. (Kevin Rothbauer/Citizen)
Cowichan Valley actor and director Alex Gallacher received the City of Duncan’s Perpetual Arts Award. (Kevin Rothbauer/Citizen)
The Marvelous Wonderettes, from left, consist of Missy (Julia Ullrich), Suzy (Alison MacDonald), Betty Jean (Ali Watson) and Cindy Lou (Makayla Moore). (Photo by Don Bodger)

Plenty of heart and lots to love about ‘The Marvelous Wonderettes’

Music and story fits for the show opening on Valentine’s Day at the Chemainus Theatre

The Marvelous Wonderettes, from left, consist of Missy (Julia Ullrich), Suzy (Alison MacDonald), Betty Jean (Ali Watson) and Cindy Lou (Makayla Moore). (Photo by Don Bodger)
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