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About Rock Legends

Alex Mustakas

Welcome to Rock Legends, our sequel to Twist and Shout: The British Invasion. Where Twist and Shout featured the British sound between 1964 and 1967, Rock Legends relives the incredible discography from the 1950s through1970s that forever changed the landscape of modern music. I suppose you could say “America strikes back!” In a similar musical tribute format, our television host Roy Solomon is about to sign off the air after 20 unforgettable years. To help him celebrate this milestone, he features some of the most important and influential rock and roll acts of the 20th century. These artistic pioneers refused to bow to industry pressure and creatively set their own musical trends, and in so doing, became enduring icons of music history. By mixing in fashions, period commercials, outstanding choreography, a stellar band, and some of the finest singers and dancers in the country, we’ve created another nostalgic walk down memory lane featuring the sounds that shaped the minds and attitudes of an entire generation.

Thank you for sharing your valuable time with us in one of Canada’s most beautiful settings for professional theatre. Enjoy the show!

About Alex

Chemainus: Twist & Shout (2015). Other: Alex is the Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment, which operates seven theatres in Ontario. He has directed over 100 productions across the country including Beauty and the Beast, Marathon of Hope (world premiere), Spamalot, Les Misérables, and more. He is the recipient of numerous awards including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Arts). Follow him on Twitter/Instagram @AlexMustakas.

By |May 11th, 2017|Categories: 2017 Season, Rock Legends|0 Comments

The reviews are in!

2 Pianos 4 Hands resonates and transcends!

 

 Janice Lacouvee praises the cast of our production of 2 Pianos 4 Hands, saying that  ” Bryce Kulak and Max Roll Excel in demanding roles.”  – Read the full review

Cowichan Valley Citizen’s Lexi Bainas describes this show as “a surprising piece of theatre” that pulls “the audience rigth into the show.”  – Read the full review

The Traveling Islanders’ Gretta Kennedy “laughed out loud until tears rolled down my face!” – Read the full review

2 Pianos 4 Hands was originally produced in April 1996, and has since been seen on stages across North America

Bryce Kulak & Max Roll
(Photo: Max Telzerow)

and in London, UK. Ranked by American Theatre Magazine as one of the Top 10 Most Produced Plays in the USA, this play has won numerous awards including:

  • 2006 – Marquis Entertainment’s production won the award for Outstanding Touring Production by the Connecticut Theatre Critics Circle (winning over Broadway touring productions of The Lion King and Wicked)
  • 1996 – won Toronto’s Dora Award for Outstanding Production and a Chalmers Award (Canadian National Award) for Playwriting

Get your tickets and join the ranks of over 2 million others who have enjoyed what is arguably the most successful play in the history of Canadian Theatre!

Book online or call the box office now to book your tickets!

1-800-565-7738

New Featured Artists

Richard Brodeur and Pattiann Withapea

April 6 – May 14

 

About Richard Brodeur

Richard Brodeur is a former NHL goalie who played seven seasons in a Canuck uniform. He earned his spot in Canucks’ lore in 1982, when he backstopped the team to its first Stanley Cup final performance and was given the moniker King Richard.

The native of Longueuil, Quebec retired from hockey in 1987. According to Vancouver hockey fans, Brodeur is one of the Top Ten Canucks in the club’s 40-year history.

Richard Brodeur, the artist, utilizes oils, acrylics, and watercolours to create abstract paintings as well as images of ‘Canadiana’– fishing villages in Haida Gwaii, lakes and orchards of the Okanagan, and ports and coves of Nova Scotia.

His most popular series is a collection of paintings titled ‘My Childhood Hockey Memories” – depictions of youngsters playing hockey on frozen outdoor ponds.

As an NHLer, Brodeur understood that his on-ice brethren would likely mock his artistic endeavours. Somehow, the macho locker room culture didn’t quite gel with the fine arts.

“Painting has always been a passion of mine,” says Brodeur. “When I was playing with the Canucks I was painting at home and brought a sketch pad with me on the road. But it’s not something I mentioned to my teammates. You’re always considered a flake as a goalie anyways, and then if you walk in the locker room and tell them you’re an artist they are going to laugh.”

Now Brodeur paints four to eight hours a day.

“I have had two passions in my life,” he says. “One was playing hockey and the other one was my art. And I’m a lucky guy because I have been able to do both.”

King Richard’s passion for art is no longer a secret. And this time no one is laughing.

About Pattiann Withapea

Pattiann Withapea is a Member of the Federation of Canadian artists who specializes in Custom Painted Pet Portraits.  A self-taught artist with a whimsical style, Pattiann has been painting for just over three years and is quickly making a name for herself. She has painted for Eric Clapton, Eric Carmen, the Willie Nelson Family, the Glen Campbell Family and many other celebrities in the music and entertainment industry. Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers is a big fan of Pattiann’s art. Michael’s message to her in August of 2015 reads, “Pattiann, Love your portraits! I really think it’s a noble endeavor to immortalize our furry friends and you do it beautifully. “

In May of 2015,  her painting of, “ Atom the Pug”, took first place in Art Vancouver’s International Online Competition.  Her distinctive and instantly recognizable style has garnered plenty of attention and caught the eye of collectors the world over. To date, she has sold her works on six of the seven continents. Pattiann laughingly says that she is, “still holding out hope for Antarctica”.

Pattiann does not limit her artistry to portraits of pets however.  She has attracted a large audience with her unique portrayals of Music Legends and is currently working on diverse collections that capture the whimsy and incorporate imagery found in nature.  These new works will be the anchor pieces for her exhibitions in 2017.

Summer Blockbuster!

From the creators of the hit show, Twist and Shout: The British InvasionRock Legends, the Sequel to Twist and Shout will have you snapping your fingers and dancing in your seats . . . this time to the beat of classic songs by rock and roll’s musical legends. Rock Legends will hit the stage at the Chemainus Theatre from June 2 to August 26.

Conceived, written and directed by Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment, Rock Legends is a tribute to the incredible artists from the mid-1950s through the 1970s, who refused to bow to industry pressure and creatively set their own musical trends. They were courageous and outrageous, and ultimately became the most influential rock and roll acts of the 20th century.

Their unique influence is celebrated in this energetic, fun-filled musical revue fetuaring classic songs by Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Beach Boys, The Everly Brothers, Elton John, ABBA, The Monkees, Simon & Garfunkel, Sonny & Cher, and many more.

Rock Legends is essentially a hit-parade of over 60 classic songs mixed with comedic sketches and exciting dance numbers,” says Mustakas. “The production pays tribute to the unforgettable sounds that shaped the minds and attitudes of an entire generation.”

A first-rate cast of performers with remarkable voices has been assembled. “Audiences are going to be blown away by the calibre of talent on stage,” says Mustakas.

Book your tickets now for this summer’s blockbuster hit Rock Legends, the Sequel to Twist and Shout.

On stage June 2 to August 26.

Call our box office now at 1-800-565-7738

or book online!

By |March 22nd, 2017|Categories: 2017 Season, Rock Legends|0 Comments

A Brilliant Musical Comedy!

Ted and Richard dream about becoming classical pianists. But they have to deal with pushy parents, bizarre teachers, life-consuming practice, stage fright and agonizing Conservatory examinations. Revel in the incredible results of this hilarious and moving journey by these talented duelling pianists.

“Simple, charming, funny, brilliant. An absolute joy. Great humour and music.”    CBC

“Magical! Superb! Laugh-out-loud funny! Poignant! Perfection!”   
The Globe & Mail

 

Bryce Kulak & Max Roll
(Photo: Max Telzerow)


2 Pianos 4 Hands was originally produced in April 1996, and has since been seen on stages across North America and in London, UK. Ranked by American Theatre Magazine as one of the Top 10 Most Produced Plays in the USA, this play has won numerous awards including:

  • 2006 – Marquis Entertainment’s production won the award for Outstanding Touring Production by the Connecticut Theatre Critics Circle (winning over Broadway touring productions of The Lion King and Wicked)
  • 1996 – won Toronto’s Dora Award for Outstanding Production and a Chalmers Award (Canadian National Award) for Playwriting

Get your tickets and join the ranks of over 2 million others who have enjoyed what is arguably the most successful play in the history of Canadian Theatre!

Book online or call the box office now to book your tickets!

1-800-565-7738

From the Director

My theatrical instincts were honed in this very theatre; it’s where I began my professional career twelve years ago, and it’s where my artistry has been prompted, encouraged and supported ever since. As such, it’s a great honour to have been entrusted with this, the first production of CTF’s 25th anniversary season.

It’s in relationship and collaboration with my mentors and helpmates here that I’ve become the artist I am today. And it’s in tribute to these tremendous artists that I offer you this music-filled story of love and family: I wanted to create a performance that, hopefully, conveys the energy, humour and familial warmth of my best Chemainus memories.

Over the years, working here has revealed to me what I love and value, both onstage and in the greater sphere of life and community. In this way, the story of Elizabeth and Darcy rings true to me, too. They realize their capacity, and finally see themselves clearly, when each is reflected in the other.

The action of Pride and Prejudice derives from a series of snap judgements. Its magic is spun from slow-dawning realizations. Here’s hoping you enjoy both its spark, and its enticing, enduring sweetness.

Julie

Book Your Tickets

Book online or call the box office now to book your tickets! 1-800-565-7738

Cast & Creative Team of Pride & Prejudice

Directed by

Choreographer/Dance Captain

Musical Director

Set Designer

Costume Designer

Lighting Designer

Stage Manager

Assistant Stage Manager

  CAST

Elizabeth “Lizzie Bennet

Kitty Bennet/Lady Anne de Bourgh

Mary Bennet/Charlotte Lucas

Mr. George Wickham

Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy

Mr. Collins/ Mr. Gadiner

Jane Bennet/Georgiana Darcy

Mrs. Gardiner/Lady Catherine de Bourgh

Mrs. Bennet/Mrs. Reynolds

Mr. Bennet

Mr. Charles Bingley

Lydia Bennet/Caroline Bingley

Julie McIsaac

Kayla Dunbar

Melissa Morris

Brian Ball

Crystal Hanson

John Webber

Anne Taylor

Mel Watkins

 

Yoshié Bancroft

Julie Casselman

Kayla Dunbar

Erik Gow

Brett Harris

Matthew Hendrickson

Melissa Morris

Caitriona Murphy

Amy Lee Newman

Paul Terry

Chris Walters

Lindsay Warnock

By |February 7th, 2017|Categories: 2017 Season, Pride & Prejudice|0 Comments

Celebrating A Classic!

Our 25th Season Begins With A Celebrated Classic.

As we began our twenty-fifth season, the notion of legacy was firmly in our minds. But not just our own history here in the Chemainus community, and in Canada’s theatre scene. We were caught up in the question of why certain stories have become timeless – in the way that today’s show, Pride and Prejudice, has become a celebrated classic.

Since Jane Austen’s story was published over 200 years ago, it has inspired millions of people. Readers and audiences have enjoyed the original work (and many adaptations), while artists of all varieties have used its themes to create countless derivatives in a variety of media.

Fortunately, as we directed, rehearsed, and produced this adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, we discovered some secrets behind the story’s far-reaching fondness:

Nothing (much) has changed. Although our physical world is radically different, the essence of human nature is enduring. Two centuries have passed since its writing and yet we can easily relate to the influences of wealth, manners, and social class on our culture.

  • Good drama is addictive. A scheming plot that’s told in intelligent conversation will always bring us back for another hit.
  • Everyone knows an Austen character (or two). Maybe a social climbing mother, silly sister, maverick change agent, haughty love interest, or buffoonish cousin? You’re sure to recognize a familiar face.
  • Some snark and clever irony makes for an especially delightful kind of humour.
  • Nostalgia for country life in Regency times makes a charming way to escape to the past.
  • Love has always been wonderfully complicated.

Pride and Prejudice is a phenomenon for these reasons and more. We hope you’ll enjoy this performance and the many more experiences we have for you during our 25th Anniversary Season. Like this classic story, we hope to create a legacy of theatre that you remember fondly, and repeat often.

Book Your Tickets

Book online or call the box office now to book your tickets! 1-800-565-7738

By |January 17th, 2017|Categories: 2017 Season, Pride & Prejudice|0 Comments

2017 Season Tickets on Sale Now!

 You won’t want to miss a minute of our 25th Anniversary Season!

Every year, your support and patronage emboldens us to continue providing theatre in creative new ways – and in 2017 we aim to ignite your imagination again.

We kick off with Jane Austen’s classic, Pride and Prejudice, an absolute joy of Regency romances.  Find out if the illustrious manservant Jeeves saves the scene and the day in Jeeves Takes a Bow. We will gaze into the awesomeness of creative achievements through a tale of the stars and passion for life (near and far) in the exquisite play, Silent Sky.

We’re going to hop through the summer with Rock Legends – the eagerly anticipated sequel to Twist and Shout – as well as pay tribute to our own past with popular KidzPlay and Studio programming. The riotous music of the Canadian blockbuster 2 Pianos 4 Hands is likely to make you giddy – and at Christmas we’ll bring out your wacky side when the Cornwalls return with an all new original Chemainus Theatre Festival adventure.

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Get the the best savings and the most benefits, including:

  • The greatest discount on dinner and theatre packages
  • 15% off tickets for family & friends to a show (and the Playbill Dining Room)
  • 10% off every purchase in the Gallery Gift Shop
  • A free ticket exchange per show
  • Unlimited exchanges with six show packages
  • Extra savings of 50% off tickets to Talley’s Folly

Early Bird Draw

Purchase by Dec 9, 2016 and be entered to WIN your Season Ticket Package, a night at the Best Western Plus Chemainus Inn and a backstage tour at the Theatre.

Which of our outstanding musicals, tributes, dramas, and comedies will you see in 2017?

2017-season-lineup

By |December 6th, 2016|Categories: 2017 Season|0 Comments

Scut Farkas Auction is LIVE Now!

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Let the Chemainus Theatre be your one stop Christmas shop!

Imagine dinner and an evening of theatre with a Vancouver Canuck “King” Richard Brodeur or a tranquil stay at the Tigh Na Mara Seaside Resort and Spa…

We are excited to launch our Scut Farkus Auction Extravaganza in conjunction with the opening of A Christmas Story! Featuring getaways, artwork, gift baskets and more! The auction will open November 18th at 5:00 PM and close December 22nd at 12:00 AM midnight (just in the nick of time to get your gifts under the tree!)

A Family Christmas Classic

aboutxmasstoryThe final show of the Festival’s Season always stands apart. It’s not that the artistry and entertainment value differ from any other production; our teams are always giving you their greatest. The specialness comes from the holiday spirit and feeling of anticipation we all share.

Looking forward to what’s coming is an exciting part of coming to the end of a season. At the same time, we are comforted by the nostalgia of looking back. At the Festival, we have fond memories from nearly 25 years of holiday productions, all of which start with the same wish – to share a theatrical moment you’ll cherish with us.

thxourstory

This year, that wishful quality of Christmas is at the heart of our comedic play, A Christmas Story. Turning back the pages to 1938, we will see young Ralphie’s attempts to convince his parents, his teacher, and Santa that a Red Ryder B.B. gun really is the perfect Christmas gift – and hear through his older, perhaps wiser, narration, how hope can lead us in many interesting directions.

The play is an adaptation of the award winning 1983 film – derived from the short stories and semi-fictional anecdotes of author Jean Shepherd (published in his book In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash (1966). Having deep resonance in North American culture, the story is considered a holiday classic with a message: no matter how crazy the path our personal wishes lead us, in the end we find happiness from the caring of others.

Our greatest wish is to share inspiring theatre with you, and we thank you for being part of this memorable chapter in our own “Christmas Story.” Enjoy your festivities, and we hope you’ll continue to celebrate with us in 2017 as we mark 25 years of outstanding Festival performances!