Oh no, say it ain’t so. Say I’m not really old enough for all my high school memories to have been turned into a “totally rad musical tribute to the ’80s.”
My (middle) age aside, however, anyone who wants to embrace that somewhat over-the-top decade really has to get their tickets to see the Arts Club Theatre’s production of Rock of Ages.
Described as a “self-referential and occasionally meta-theatrical jukebox musical filled with classic rock and glam metal hits” – think Poison, Journey, Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi and their ilk – the show takes to the stage from June 16 to July 30 at the Granville Island Stage.
And it’s New West’s own Peter Jorgensen in the director’s chair.
“Rock of Ages is an unapologetically juvenile and recklessly sexy tribute to the metal/glam hair-rock culture of L.A. in the late ’80s,” Jorgensen said in a press release. “It has kick-ass songs that will titillate, thrill and fill anyone who remembers the era with overwhelming nostalgia. We have an amazingly dynamic cast and totally rad five-piece rock band that is going to blow the roof off of the theatre.”
The fun is all set against the backdrop of the love story of aspiring rocker Drew Boley (played by Kale Penny), who works at a Hollywood bar where he meets Sherrie (Marlie Collins) a Midwesterner who has recently moved to L.A. to chase her movie star dreams.
Tickets start at $29. Check out www.artsclub.com or call 604-687-1644.
SAVE THE DATE FOR SONDHEIM
And another one for fans of musical theatre – albeit of a rather different breed.
New Westminster’s own Patrick Street Productions has announced its show for next year – and local audiences will be treated to Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music.
In past seasons, the company has offered up its productions in Vancouver venues, so the extra-good news for local fans is that next year’s show will play at the Anvil Centre from May 11 to 21, 2017.
And it will star Katey Wright, New West resident and co-artistic producer of Patrick Street Productions – and it will be directed by Peter Jorgensen (yes, the very same Jorgensen who’s taking the helm of the Arts Club’s Rock of Ages).
Yes, it’s probably a little early to be thinking so far ahead. But hey, if you’re excited about the chance to see amazing professional musical theatre right here at home, you can help out Patrick Street with their ongoing donation-matching campaign – up until June 30, every dollar donated will be matched by two benefactors to a maximum of $5,000.
Check out www.patrickstreetproductions.com to make your donation or find out more.
FRASER PHOTOGRAPHY
Do you love photography? The Fraser River Discovery Centre is looking for photos for its annual photo exhibition *click* photos of the fraser, which will open Sept. 22. This year’s theme is “time,” and photographers of all ages – both amateur and professional – are invited to submit images for consideration.
“Photographers are encouraged to be creative with their interpretation of the ‘time’ theme,” says exhibit coordinator Kathleen Bertrand in a press release. “Think of seasons, times of day, historical time periods, play time, family time. We want photographers to have fun with this.”
You have until Aug. 15 to submit entries, so be sure to take the camera down to the river and get shooting!
Check out www.tinyurl.com/FraserClickInfo for all the details.
MONDAY MOVIES
Film buffs, be sure to note June 27 on your calendar.
That’s the next screening in the Last Mondays at the Movies series, and this month’s showing is A Brilliant Young Mind. Morgan Matthews’ film follows the story of a socially awkward teenage math prodigy (Asa Butterfield) who lands a spot on the British squad at the International Mathematics Olympiad.
It’s on at 7:30 p.m. at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave. Tickets are $10, or $8 for seniors and students. You can buy online in advance at www.ticketsnw.ca or pay at the door, cash only.
Check out www.artscouncilnewwest.org 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.
