2014 Season Archives - Chemainus Theatre Festival

Coming Soon! Elf: The Musical Opening Nov 20

Nov 20 – Dec 31, 2015

When Buddy the Elf discovers he’s actually an ordinary human, he has just one wish – to discover his true identity! Off he goes on a solo journey from the North Pole to the big city. But finding his father, and reuniting his family, brings more surprises than a Christmas morning! As Buddy encounters skeptics, scrooges, and people on the naughty-list, he realizes that his greater purpose is to bring back the holiday spirit! It will take every elfish trick he knows, maybe a miracle, and a lot of holiday cheer for his plan to work.

Elf: The Musical, based on the motion picture of the same name, is a smash hit – a “tight, polished, expensive-looking affair that has enough jokes for adults and enough special effects for kids,” (Mark Kennedy, Associated Press). The acclaimed show promises a wonderful experience of live music, superb singing, energetic dancing, laughable follies, and a charming story of togetherness. Featuring 18 seasonal songs, and an incredible ensemble cast!

By Editor M|November 5th, 2015|Categories: 2014 Season|0 Comments

Thank You!

Now that 2014 is past, we would once again like to express our heartfelt thanks to all our production sponsors, advertisers, Gala sponsors and donors, volunteers and valued patrons. Thank you all for helping us to continue to provide live, professional theater on Vancouver Island. We couldn’t have done it without you!

For information on how to become a sponsor or promote your business through the theatre please call Marlie Kelsey 250-246-9800 ext 710.

By Editor M|January 7th, 2015|Categories: 2014 Season, Community Involvement, Theatre News|0 Comments

Last Week for Sherlock Holmes

Mark Uhre

It’s the last week to see Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol – don’t miss this Canadian premiere. On stage until New Years Eve. Phone the box office at 1-800-565-7738 to book!

Click Here for Details

By Editor M|December 27th, 2014|Categories: 2014 Season|0 Comments

Review: Holmes on his own case to find the spirit of the season

The lead role of Holmes is masterfully handled by Mark Uhre in Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol.

by Don Bodger, Cowichan News Leader Pictorial

Plug any person in need of retribution into the timeless tale of A Christmas Carol and the yuletide will always be bright. And humanity will surely benefit in the long run.

That’s essentially the premise behind Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol, currently playing at the Chemainus Theatre Festival until Dec. 31 with a short break over Christmas.

Sherlock’s life is depicted in the manner of Scrooge in the original tale. There are twists and turns in the story because of their different personal backgrounds but the end result is basically the same.

Sherlock, brilliantly portrayed by experienced actor Mark Uhre, is quite a genius. While admired for his contributions to society, he is also despised for a bad attitude.

There’s nothing like a visit from three ghosts — representing the past, present and future — to put things into perspective for Holmes.

The whole experience proves a bit bewildering at first for the old chap.

By Editor M|December 16th, 2014|Categories: 2014 Season, Reviews|0 Comments

Review: Clever script brings welcome update to ‘Christmas Carol’

Mark Uhre plays a marvellous Sherlock Holmes in the Chemainus Theatre Festival’s production of ‘Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol’.

by Andrea Rondeau, The Citizen

A clever idea and a really clever script, along with great performances make Chemainus Theatre Festival’s Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol just the heartwarming, fun event to put you in the Christmas spirit.

Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol is a classic tale so wellknown that it can start to cause fatigue when one contemplates seeing it – again.

But by marrying that tale with the characters of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s world of Sherlock Holmes, the whole thing is new again in all the best ways.

The great detective himself takes on the role of Scrooge, and playwright John Longenbaugh makes Holmes’s Christmas miserliness both sad and laugh-out-loud amusing at the same time.

Holmes’s disdain for politeness and courtesy come out in acerbic dialogue witty enough to be funny, while the audience still understands and empathizes with their devastating effects on his friends.

By Editor M|December 10th, 2014|Categories: 2014 Season, Reviews|0 Comments

Christmas Message from the Managing Director

Welcome Friends! We’ve just announced our 23rd season of live professional theatre on Vancouver Island. 2015 will feature six amazing, diverse theatre experiences – comedies, dramas, mysteries and musicals. Seasons tickets are available and will guarantee you catch all that we have to offer.

Become a Super Patron! It’s easy. Add a $100, or more, donation to your season ticket order and join our Membership family. Membership is the key that opens the Chemainus Theatre world. Attend play readings, dress rehearsals and exclusive mixers with cast. These are just a few of the great perks that enable you to meet the artists that bring these stories to life.

Still Christmas shopping? No need for Sherlock’s clever sleuthing on this one… it’s elementary! Season tickets offer a year-long adventure that will enthrall and entertain, while providing the best value and the best seats. Enjoy your next performance!

Randal Huber

By Editor M|December 9th, 2014|Categories: 2014 Season, 2015 Season|0 Comments

Article: Sherlock Holmes on the case of a Christmas mystery

Jess Amy Shead, left, portrays Topper and Mark Uhre appears as Sherlock Holmes in the Chemainus Theatre Festival production of Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol. — image credit: Andrew Leong

Read this article about Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol by Don Bodger at the Cowichan News Leader Pictorial:

Familiar characters and storylines are being blended into a unique treat for the Chemainus Theatre Festival’s Christmas production.

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol is already proving popular with theatre-goers before it opens Friday. It was originally scheduled to run until Dec. 22 but has been extended to Dec. 31.

“Ticket sales have been very robust and we’re opening eight additional performances in an effort to keep up with the demand for tickets for this show,” noted Chemainus Theatre Festival marketing manager Michelle Vogelgesang.

The reworked story by Seattle playwright John Longenbaugh is being unwrapped for the first time on a Canadian stage, with two newcomers to Chemainus in lead roles — Mark Uhre as Sherlock and Wade Bogert-O’Brien as Dr. Watson.

Click Here to Continue Reading

By Editor M|November 30th, 2014|Categories: 2014 Season|0 Comments

Held Over by Popular Demand!

Mark Uhre, Michelle Lieffertz, Marcus

The Chemainus Theatre is proud to announce that Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol has been held over until December 31!

The Canadian premiere of Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol is an Christmas classic filled with mystery, intrigue and adventure. After being presumed dead for three years, a hardened Sherlock Holmes resurfaces, turning his back on the people who need him most. Three unexpected callers arrive on Christmas Eve, uncovering clues from the detective’s past, present and future.

Book your tickets soon for this holiday mystery full of Christmas spirit. The Playbill Dining Room is also open for these performance.

By Editor M|November 22nd, 2014|Categories: 2014 Season|0 Comments

Sherlock: Director’s Notes

Mark DuMez

When I first heard about this show from a friend who developed the work at Taproot Theatre – I was concerned it was a gimmick. But knowing their artistic focus and integrity, I asked to read a copy. I was hooked. From the period language to the surprising twist to the Dickensian characters reframed, the show spoke with dignity and authority. It has a welcome holiday familiarity and yet, probes another side of the human condition – the quest for knowledge and its cost. I am thankful to be able produce the Canadian premiere of this up-and-coming play.

It’s a wonderful time of year to reflect on our own longings – intellectual, physical and spiritual – as Sherlock does in this play. To consider who the Mrs. Hudsons, Irregulars and Watsons are in our own lives – and what pursuits drive us to or from them. During this season, in working through this piece with the talented artists and staff whose good company I get to enjoy, I have been constantly challenged to consider the breath and spirit of inspiration and deepening relationships with fellow travelers on our journey.

About the Director

Mark is a proud resident of Vancouver Island and has enjoyed directing Jeeves in Bloom, A Pretty Girl (A Shayna Maidel), Delicious Lies, Harvest, The 39 Steps and Amadeus for Chemainus Theatre Festival. 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 Editor M|November 22nd, 2014|Categories: 2014 Season|0 Comments

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol

Opening Soon!

A holiday mystery! After being presumed dead for three years, a hardened Sherlock Holmes resurfaces, turning his back on the people who need him most. Three unexpected callers arrive on Christmas Eve, uncovering clues from the detective’s past, present and future. Can they save Holmes and his world from a devastating conclusion all in one night? The Canadian premiere of an instant classic filled with mystery, intrigue and song for the entire family.

Click here for more info

By Editor M|November 13th, 2014|Categories: 2014 Season|0 Comments