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Summer Message from the Artistic Director

photo_twist19 Summer in Chemainus, music that rocks and a collection of creative and talented people from across Canada making their home on Vancouver Island for the time. These are just a few of the reasons why Twist and Shout is a treat to produce on this lovely stage. From listening to the sounds and instruments of the era, to enjoying the tunes pumping out of the rehearsal hall – this summer is all about nostalgia, celebration and the robust energy that this time and music inspired.

After years of playing on the boards here in Chemainus, and now a few years and the occasional grey hair as Artistic Director – I am so thankful for the many friends this theatre has and how they support the work we do. During each season, I get to work with creative, energetic and passionate artists through planning, rehearsal and coordination with colleagues across the nation (including the good people at Ontario’s Drayton Entertainment and this show’s director – thanks Alex). We see thousands of people enter the theatre with anticipation and exit with delight. Thanks to all of you who are a part of the exchange through the rich, vibrant and exciting world we create, inhabit and enjoy here in Chemainus. Enjoy the show.

Mark DuMez

By |June 13th, 2015|Categories: 2015 Season, Theatre News|0 Comments
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About Twist and Shout: The British Invasion

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How the music moved us

Popular music was never the same after the “British Invasion” of the 1960s. New artists, with groovy new sounds, flocked to North America – where an adoring public rocketed their music to the top of the charts. It was the start of a great music phenomenon.

Performers like The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Who, Dave Clark Five, The Searchers, Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders, Donavon, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Freddy and Dreamers, Spencer Davis Group, The Hollies, and many more started the cultural revolution. Their vibe of British “beat” blended the United Kingdom’s dancehall, pop, and Celtic folk music with American-style rock and roll. The original sound spread rapidly from early 1964 through 1967 as young artists wrote up-tempo pop, powerful rock and roll, and jazzy electric blues.

In Canada and the United States, these radical new artists with distinctive accents, original slang, trendy fashions, and madcap personalities captivated people. England was suddenly the centre of the rock universe as hits streamed across the Atlantic and into homes, radios, and every consumable media. The cultural vibe changed forever, and changed for the better if you ask Canadian writer and director Alex Mustakas.

After a great deal of (enjoyable) research and creative collaborations, Mustakas had completed his musical revue. His tribute is an energetic, authentic, and acclaimed production that recreates the “British Invasion” with a dose of nostalgia and fun.

We’re thrilled to welcome the brilliant artistic team, performers, and audiences for this homage to the great acts that restyled the landscape of music. Get ready to Twist and Shout!

By |June 10th, 2015|Categories: 2015 Season|0 Comments
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Review: The Mousetrap at Chemainus Theatre

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By Janis La Couvée of JanisLaCouvee.com

There is something irresistibly delicious about being wrapped in a comfortable sweater, sipping a mug of hot Ovaltine, ensconced in a pair of well-worn slippers

Certain literary and theatrical forms recall this sense of familiarity. Agatha Christie’s play The Mousetrap, currently at the Chemainus Theatre Festival April 24-May 30, 2015 is one of the finest examples, being the longest running play in history (playing continuously on London’s West End since opening in 1952).

Remember Colonel Mustard in the library with a wrench—from the board game “Clue”? If you enjoyed playing as a child, you will love puzzling out the story in The Mousetrap. Part of the play’s charm lies in the straight delivery of the actors—this is no spoof. Christie, who based The Mousetrap on a real life case of deadly child neglect, revels in social commentary, ensuring the audience is kept guessing to the very end. And, in typical mystery fashion, a few very germane details are always left out.

Newlyweds Mollie (a bubbly and vivacious Leala Selina) and Giles Ralston (Victor Dolhai as the young husband bound to please), proprietors of Monkswell Manor, have decided to open their historic home as an inn. The very first guests are about to arrive, and a snowstorm threatens. Faintly, over the radio, are overhead the details (repeated several times for effect) of a horrific murder. Titters from the audience signal the first suspicions. Perhaps I’d better pay attention. Who was wearing what article of clothing?

Continue Reading

By |May 28th, 2015|Categories: 2015 Season, Reviews|0 Comments
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Review: Murder at the Chemainus Theatre

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by Gretta Kennedy, Traveling Islanders

I grew up watching “Perry Mason” with my mom

It was old. It was black and white. And it was one of the first grown up shows I can remember watching.

They were all re-runs, of course, but I didn’t care.

I was learning the fine art of looking for clues and playing detective to figure out “whodunit.” Most of the time I couldn’t figure it out, but slowly I began catching on to the patterns and habits of a murderer.

It was great fun for me, which is why it will come as no surprise to you to hear how much I loved Agatha Christie’s on-stage murder mystery “The Mousetrap” currently playing at The Chemainus Theatre.

Every time Jay and I go to see what’s playing at The Chemainus Theatre, we are not disappointed. It took us several years to finally try it out, and I think it’s safe to say we are now sold. Everything we’ve seen has been superb and The Mousetrap was no exception.

By |May 27th, 2015|Categories: 2015 Season, Reviews|0 Comments
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The Mousetrap: Director’s Notes

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Mark DuMez

I’ve been thinking about murder mysteries, these curious things that many of us find intriguing and, at times, a kind of obsession. Who did it? How? Why? The questions reveal in us a want to explore the unknown and the safe thrill of exploring an abominable act from a distance. If you trace the origin of the word mystery, you will find it linked to mystical secrets and truth. In the same way, the word murder weaves a trail through Norse and Old English and can be associated with mortal sins. This little game that we play with Agatha Christie and many other great writers of this genre is a way to explore our own mortality and sense of trust. It’s also great fun!

Everyone has a secret. We can never reveal all of ourselves in any given moment and, despite strategic plans and long-term goals, we rarely see ahead with 100% accuracy. It’s why hindsight is always 20/20. We might run from, or embrace, mystery. In this play it may be buried under layers of deceit, hidden in cracked dialects and details or out in the open for anyone to discover. In the large house with strange company, no one can be trusted – but everyone must be relied on to reveal the killer. I hope you enjoy the game – first performed in 1952 and still going strong. Welcome to The Mousetrap.

About Mark

Mark is a proud resident of Vancouver Island and has enjoyed directing Sherlock Holmes, Jeeves in Bloom, A Pretty Girl (A Shayna Maidel), Delicious Lies, Harvest, The 39 Steps and Amadeus for Chemainus Theatre. Other favourites include: A Christmas Carol, Strindberg’s Easter, Anne, Mr. Pim Passes By and Pet the Fish. He has collaborated with companies including Theatre X, Pacific Theatre and TheatreOne to develop over a dozen new plays. Favourite acting credits include: Mass Appeal, Enchanted April, Queen Milli of Galt and Streetcar Named Desire.

By |April 20th, 2015|Categories: 2015 Season|0 Comments
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Chemainus Theatre Wins Business Achievement Award

This week we were humbled, honoured, and very excited to receive the award for “Business Achievement 20 or More Employees” at the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce Black Tie Awards. What a great feeling to be a part of such an amazing non-profit organization and to be recognized for our work.

It was a wonderful evening and we were amid a room full of incredibly talented and committed individuals. Congratulations to everyone, it was a wonderful event. Here’s a list of all the winners http://bit.ly/1DzWDEO.

By |April 16th, 2015|Categories: Chemainus Theatre Events, Theatre News, Theatre Programs|0 Comments
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Video: Set Change Over Time-Lapse

This is a video of the change over between Les Misérables and Over the River and Through the Woods. The video, from last year, gives you an idea of what’s happening right now, as we transition from Ring of Fire: Project Johnny Cash to The Mousetrap. Watch the transformation that takes place over just five days!

By |April 14th, 2015|Categories: Videos|0 Comments
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Spring Message from the Managing Director

photo_mouse_5Welcome to the world’s preeminent whodunit – Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap and I can’t think of a better way to follow up the runaway success of Ring of Fire. Now in its 63rd year in London’s West End, The Mousetrap is the world’s longest consecutively running play for very good reason… as you’re about to discover. One warning is that this run in Chemainus won’t be nearly as long so please tell your friends to book in soon because the show must close May 30 as we prepare for the British invasion.

“Noah’s Ark was built by volunteers; the Titanic was built by professionals.”

Volunteer appreciation week is in April and that’s one of my favorite quotes about the value of volunteers. Volunteers have truly kept the good ship Chemainus Theatre afloat through our first 23 years. There’s no doubt in my mind that we wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the selfless contribution of volunteers. This past year alone 154 people volunteered a total of 6,127 hours. Checking coats, showing us to our seats, building costumes, pulling weeds, helping in the office, serving on the board of directors… no task is too great or too small.

Volunteerism is one of the things that makes Canada the greatest place to live on Earth. Each year 12.7 million Canadians give 2 billion hours of time. Next chance you have be it here or elsewhere, say thank you to the volunteers who are giving their time to make your life better.

It’s time to sit back, relax, and enter fully into the world of the play. Thank you for joining us today and by doing so, supporting live professional theatre on Vancouver Island.

Randal Huber

By |April 8th, 2015|Categories: 2015 Season, Your Support|0 Comments
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