Whenever the annual Ovation Award nominations are announced, I can always count on New Westminster to come through – and this year is no exception.
The awards, which honour the best in musical theatre in the region, will be presented on Sunday, Jan. 29 in a gala at the Vancouver Academy of Music. Nominees’ names were released this week, and Royal City connections were (as always) abundant.
Royal City Musical Theatre, as expected, is a big player in this year’s awards. It’s up for Outstanding Community Production for its production of Fiddler on the Roof at the Massey last year, and director Valerie Easton and musical director James Bryson are also nominated in their categories. Brian Ball is also up for set design.
A number of performers are also nominated: Warren Kimmel (Tevye) for Outstanding Lead Performance (male) and two for Outstanding Newcomer – Jenika Schofield, who played Hodel, and William Tippery, as Fyedka.
Individuals from New West are also among the nominees. Two local residents are up for Outstanding Choreography – Keri Minty for Exit 22’s Cabaret, and Suzanne Ouellette for Gateway Theatre’s The Music Man.
New West Secondary grad Jolene Bernardino is also nominated for Outstanding Newcomer for her role as Giselle in Awkward Stage Productions’ Carry On, alongside her New West castmate, Isaac McAndless-Davis, who played Casey.
New West resident Peter Jorgensen also directed one of the shows up for Outstanding Professional Production – Arts Club Theatre’s Rock of Ages.
A new local resident, Stephanie Liatopoulos, is up for Outstanding Supporting Performance (female/small theatre) for her work in Bad Girls, and fellow local resident Dimitrios Stephanoy is up for the same award among males for his work in Fame.
If I’ve missed any New West connections, please let me know – there’s a long list of nominees and I’d hate to miss anyone.
Kudos to all these talented New West folks, and good luck on awards night!
CHORAL DELIGHTS
Choral music fans, here’s a must-see concert for the new year.
VanDeca Choir is bringing a new concert, Fast Forward, to the stage at the Anvil Centre Theatre on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
They’ll be joined by special guest cellists Clara Shandler and Jasmine Rosling in a program of classical and contemporary compositions with a “futuristic” theme.
Admission is $20, or $15 for students. See www.vandecachoir.com for details or buy tickets at www.ticketsnw.ca.
PLASKETT GALLERY
Art lovers can enjoy a colourful new exhibition at the Plaskett Gallery.
Prisms, featuring the work of artist YoungHwa Cha-Hach, is running at the gallery until Jan. 31.
The South Korean-born artist spent her early life studying and practising fine art as a student in Korea and Alberta. She’s now a resident of Burnaby and a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, among other art societies.
Though she was originally trained in watercolour, she has since evolved into mainly acrylic, oil and poster-colour works, and her work draws inspiration from her years of living and travelling in Europe, Asia and North America.
“With her love of bold and vibrant colours, she tries to capture the emotion of vivid scenes of full life,” a press release says.
The gallery is at Massey Theatre. Check it out during theatre performances or during opening hours, Tuesday to Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.
See www.masseytheatre.com or call 604-517-5900 for information.
AMELIA DOUGLAS GALLERY
And another one for the art lovers – a new exhibition has also opened at the Amelia Douglas Gallery at Douglas College.
The Vuja De (yes, you read that right) exhibition features new paintings by Claire Sarfeld.
“I enjoy creating work in which I’m not limiting myself in my creative endeavours,” Sarfeld said in an artist’s statement. “I push the picture plane to create layers and shapes, unconventional horizon lines, and find moments of clarity, to achieve an overall sense of discovery.”
An opening reception is set for Thursday, Jan. 12 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., and an artist’s talk is set for Saturday, Jan 14 at 3:30 p.m. in the gallery.
The gallery is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The gallery is on the fourth floor north at 700 Royal Ave. Drop in or call 604-527-5723 for information.
WORLD POETRY
Poetry lovers, don’t miss this one. World Poetry is hosting a “Come As Your Favourite Poet” reading night on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at the New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave.
The night will feature a book launch of City of Dreams: The New Westminster Poems, featuring Candice James, the city’s poet laureate emerita. Tony Antonias is also featured.
The night’s entertainment will also include a free raffle and refreshments.
To register or for more information, contact Ariadne Sawyer at [email protected] or call 604-526-4729.
ART AT THE MARKET
Calling all artists. The Arts Council of New Westminster, in partnership with Royal City Farmers Market, is inviting all visual artist to submit applications for a group exhibition coming up in March.
The exhibition will be held during the annual general meeting and conference of the B.C. Association of Farmers Markets, and it’s set to be held March 3 to 5 in New Westminster.
Artists must make submissions by Feb. 1 at latest. Applications must include eight to 10 high-quality images of proposed work, contact information, an artist statement and a CV.
Check out www.acnw.ca or email [email protected] for all the details.
Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
