A film adaptation of an award-winning Canadian novel is next up for Last Mondays at the Movies.
Barney's Version is playing at the Massey Theatre on Oct. 31 as part of the Arts Council of New Westminster's film series.
The series, presented in conjunction with the Massey Theatre and the Toronto International Film Festival's Film Circuit, brings independent, Canadian and international films to the screen on the last Monday of the month.
Barney's Version is an adaptation of Mordecai Richler's award-winning 1997 novel, starring Paul Giamatti as Barney Panofsky - who meets the great love of his life, Miriam (Rosamund Pike) at a rather inopportune time: at his own wedding to his second wife (Minnie Driver).
Having seen it once already, I have to say I'd happily go back.
It's a delightful movie, and Giamatti is perfect. Likewise with Dustin Hoffman, who appears as Barney's dad in a role that is by turns hilarious and poignant (rather like the movie itself, come to think of it).
Tickets are $9, and the screening starts at 7: 30 p.m.
Buy online through www.masseytheatre.com, or call the arts council at 604-525-3244 for more.
WEST SIDE STORY
If you catch Vancouver Opera's sure-to-be-a-hit production of West Side Story, keep an eye out for a familiar New West face.
David Adams is appearing as Doc in the upcoming Vancouver Opera version of West Side Story.
He sent an email recently letting us know about the production and about how enthusiastic he is to be part of this show.
"They have recruited the finest singing/acting dancers in the country, and the result is breathtaking," David writes.
"I really think the combination of Bernstein's music, Sondheim's lyrics, Laurent's book and Jerome Robbins' choreography (which is being lovingly recreated) is a once-in-amillennium collaboration."
West Side Story is on Oct. 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Vancouver Opera is also holding a fun contest for the chance to be a supernumerary - that's opera-speak for an "extra," or a walkon, if you prefer - in their upcoming Roméo et Juliette.
To take part in the Dying To Be Onstage video contest, you must create a YouTube video of your best death scene. Check out all the details online at www. vancouveropera.ca.
POETRY PARTY
It's a two-in-one anniversary for World Poetry, and you're invited to share in the fun.
The poetry group is holding a special anniversary gathering on Wednesday, Oct. 26 - marking the second anniversary of World Poetry Night Out events, and the first anniversary of its Facebook group.
The special occasion will include a First Nations welcome by Qayqayt Chief Rhonda Larrabee.
It's hosted by Ariadne Sawyer, Heidi Mueller and Alejandro MujicaOlea, and there are several special features in store: New West's poet laureate Candice James and poet laureate emeritus Don Benson, as well as World Poetry partners the Jasmine Dancing Club, the Vancouver Tagore Society and the Backroom Theatre Club.
You can sign up to read a one-page poem during an open mike session - arrive at 6: 20 p.m. for open mike sign-up, and the event starts at 6: 30 p.m.
There will also be a cake, refreshments and a raffle.
All the fun is happening in the auditorium of the New Westminster Public Library, 716 Sixth Ave. Call 604-526-4719 or email [email protected] for more details.
Do you have an idea for Lively City? Email Julie, jmac [email protected].
