Musical theatre fans, don’t miss your chance to check out some first-class professional musical theatre that doesn’t involve a trip to Vancouver.
Just get yourself over to the Anvil Centre in New Westminster for Patrick Street Productions’ A Little Night Music. The Sondheim classic is onstage until May 21, brought to life by the theatre company that was formed in Burnaby a decade ago and that has since acquired a reputation for producing high-quality productions of lesser-known musicals.
Everything about the production – from the live six-piece orchestra to the set pieces, costuming and staging details – is stylish, elegant and sophisticated. But director Peter Jorgensen and his stellar cast (Warren Kimmel, Katey Wright and Patti Allan among them) have also made sure to retain the warmth, humour and light-heartedness that makes this night smile on everyone.
It’s also worth noting that tickets are exceptionally affordable, ranging from $21.50 to $35.50, plus service charges. You can buy tickets at www.ticketsnw.ca or see more info at www.patrickstreetproductions.com.
HEY ARTISTS, ARE YOU READY TO DO BATTLE?
Calling all artists: The Burnaby Arts Council is looking for artists to take part in its annual Park’s Edge Paint-Off, a live painting tournament that takes part in connection with the Deer Lake Summer Arts Festival on Saturday, July 8.
Artists participate in a two-hour live painting battle on the theme of DiverCity. All the participants take part in an exhibition at Deer Lake Gallery, running July 8 to Aug. 5.The paint battle itself is on July 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. Applications are due by June 1.
At the same time, the arts council is also looking for artisans to take part in its on-site artisan market. Booth rentals are $60 for members or $85 for non-members, and all forms of artisan wares – glass, pottery, textiles, etc. – are accepted.
All the fun happens at Deer Lake Gallery, 6584 Deer Lake Ave. See www.burnabyartscouncil.org, email [email protected], or call 604-298-7322 for details and application forms.Art lovers, be sure to stop in to Burnaby Public Library branches to check out two new off-site exhibitions by Burnaby Art Gallery.
NEW ART SHOWS OPENING
At the Bob Prittie (Metrotown) branch, you can see Arnold Shives: People, featuring the works of North Vancouver artist Arnold Shives. The exhibition includes 14 prints by Shives, which were part of a large donation of Shives’ printmaking work given to the gallery in 2000. All the prints chosen for the exhibition include human figures. It opens May 15 and runs until July 23 at the library, 6100 Willingdon Ave.
Over at the McGill branch in North Burnaby, you can check out works from the city’s collection from the Fourth National Burnaby Print Show – a show mounted by the Burnaby Art Society when the gallery opened to the public 50 years ago as one of Burnaby’s centennial projects.
The show included four exhibitions: one of historical Canadian graphics, one of Inuit graphics, one juried exhibition of contemporary Canadian prints, and an “invitational” exhibition offering a selection of work by distinguished Canadian printmakers. Work by 11 of those 16 artists makes up this exhibition – including four of the works that were in fact part of that original 1967 show.
It’s on May 16 to July 24 at the McGill library, 4595 Albert St.
Check out www.burnabyartgallery.ca for details.
JAZZ SOUNDS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
A Burnaby singer is featured in an upcoming fundraiser for the Vancouver Chamber Choir.
The choir is hosting its 10th Divertimento, a festive fundraising dinner at La Piazza Dario Ristorante that raises money to support the choir’s community outreach and education program.
It includes food, silent auction and, of course, music – with jazz performances by local singer Steve Maddock, along with guitarist Bill Coon.
It’s on Wednesday, May 24, with reception at 6:30 p.m. and dinner and music at 7:30 p.m.
Tables of six or eight are available, or you can purchase tickets for singles or couples. Tickets are $140, with tax receipts for $75.
Reserve by May 17: call 604-738-6822 or email [email protected].
Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment items to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
