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Spring Arts Preview 2017: Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­dance, theatre and event highlights

THEATRE Elbow Room Café: The Musical A candid look inside Vancouver’s most iconic eatery: home of raucous service, celebrity sightings, and hearts of gold. Until March 12 at the York Theatre. TheCultch.
westender-arts-spring arts preview 2017
'Angels In America,' March 23-April 23 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage.


THEATRE

Elbow Room Café: The Musical

A candid look inside Vancouver’s most iconic eatery: home of raucous service, celebrity sightings, and hearts of gold. Until March 12 at the York Theatre.Ìý

šxʷʔam̓ət (Home)

Based on real experiences, this provocative and engaging theatrical performance attempts to envision what reconciliation truly means.ÌýUntil March 11 at Firehall Arts Centre.Ìý

Twelfth Night

The new season of Western Gold Theatre kicks off with William Shakespeare'sÌýTwelfth NightÌýand an all-senior cast! Disguise, deception and sexual ambiguity present themselves in this classic romantic comedy. March 10-19 at PAL Studio Theatre.Ìý

Belfast Girls

Fleeing starvation in 1850s Ireland, five young women venture to Australia to make a better life for themselves while encountering obstacles of racism, class discrimination and misogyny.ÌýMarch 15-18 at Vancity Culture Lab.Ìý

Refuge

Based on the award-winning CBC Radio documentary “Habtom’s Path,â€ÌýRefugeÌýtells the story of Eritrean army deserter Ayinom Zerisenai who has landed in Nova Scotia. But questions about his past actions – and his current enigmatic behaviour – begin to haunt Pamela who has taken him under her roof. March 18-April 1.Ìý

The Daisy Theatre

The art form of puppeteering is reimagined for older audiences in this provocative and entertaining production featuring more than 40 marionettes.ÌýMarch 21-April 9 at the Cultch.Ìý

The Refugee Hotel

Set in the 1970s, eight Chilean refugees fleeing the oppressive rule of Augusto Pinochet try to adapt to their new lives inside a run-down Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­hotel.ÌýMarch 23-April 9 at Studio 58.Ìý

Angels in America Part One: Millennium Approaches

During the time of the AIDS crisis and diversifying political ideologies, two couples experience passion, loss and the supernatural in this Tony Kushner modern masterpiece.ÌýMarch 23-April 23 at the Stanley.Ìý

Redpatch

A young man from the Nuu-chah-nulth nation of Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Island volunteers for service in the First World War in this production commemorating the 100-year anniversary of Vimy Ridge.ÌýMarch 29-April 16 at Presentation House Theatre.Ìý

Mom’s the Word 3

The beloved moms return in this latest installment dealing with empty nests, nutty marriages, and aging bodies, all in fabulous comedic fashion.ÌýApril 6-May 6 at Granville Island Stage.Ìý

The Piano Teacher

An unconventional piano instructor gives lessons in life and love to a young woman after she loses her musical expression and hope for the future.ÌýApril 20-May 14 at Goldcorp Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre.Ìý

Long Division

The mathematics of human connection is told through digital media, music, text and dance in this play centred on seven characters after a tragic incident.ÌýApril 26-30 at Annex Theatre.Ìý

Circle Game

The music of Canadian icon Joni Mitchell inspires the story of this original production, which connects her environmentalist values with the social issues of today.ÌýApril 29-May 20 at Firehall Arts Centre.Ìý

La Tarara

Explosive flamenco spectacular with dance stars Ivan Vargas Heredia and Emilio Ochando direct from Spain.May 4-7 at theÌýNorman Rothstein Theatre.ÌýKasandraFlamenco.com

Million Dollar Quartet

Based on an impromptu recording session between Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis, this rock ’n’ roll jukebox musical is an entertaining glimpse into the lives of these legendary musicians.ÌýMay 11-July 9 at the Stanley.Ìý

Hand of God

A Texas teen creates a hand puppet, which becomes possessed by the devil himself in this dark Broadway comedy.ÌýMay 25-June 25 at Goldcorp Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre.Ìý

Good Day and Good Night

The confident Sun and shy Moon learn to overcome their differences and become friends in this interactive performance for young children.ÌýJune 6-18 at Bee Stage at Carousel Theatre for Young People.Ìý

Bittergirl

Three women encounter love and heartache set to the music of ’60s girls groups in this fun new show.ÌýJune 15-July 29 at Granville Island Stage.Ìý

westender-arts-spring arts preview 2017
'Vertical Influences,' April 18-30 at the Britannia Ice Rink. - Contributed photo

DANCE

Program 2

Ballet BC celebrates Canada’s 150thÌýwith work by four Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­choreographers: Wen Wei Wang, Company 605, Lesley Telford and Crystal Pite.ÌýMarch 16-18 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.Ìý

Room 2048

Hong Kong Exile’s multimedia dance theatre world premiere, exploring the socio-political realities of the Cantonese diaspora told through digital light design, bombastic pop music, fog, and the Chinese body.ÌýApril 11-15 at the Firehall Arts Centre.Ìý

Antigona

Greek tragedy is reimagined through the exciting music and dramatic story telling of flamenco dance.ÌýMarch 12 at Chan Shun Concert Hall.Ìý

Travis Wall's Shaping Sound: After the Curtain

Acclaimed dance company Shaping Sound fuses the styles of modern, jazz and hip hop to tell the story of a man struggling to find himself after the death of his one great love.ÌýMarch 25 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre.Ìý

Vertical Influences

Bringing together skill and art, this original performance from Le Patin Libre breaks through the barriers of conventional figure skating to create a whole new story telling experience.ÌýApril 18-30 at Britannia Ice Rink.Ìý

Goh Ballet

Part of the Discover Dance! series, students of the Goh Ballet Youth Company deliver both classical and original pieces in this noon hour presentation.ÌýApril 27 at Scotiabank Dance Centre.Ìý

Mozongi

Montreal choreographer Zab Maboungou and Compagnie Danse Nyata Nyata present this thrilling revival of the 1997 contemporary African dance production.ÌýApril 6-8 at Scotiabank Dance Centre.Ìý

How To Be

Comedy meets choreography in this creation from Tara Cheyenne Friedenberg, which explores the space between how people think they should be versus how others think people ought to be and the futility of it all.ÌýApril 12-17 at the Cultch.Ìý

Three Sets/Relating At A Distance

Taking inspiration from Einstein’sÌýSpooky Action At DistanceÌýand the poetry of Barbara Adler, this performance from Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­choreographer Lesley Telford combines music, poetry and dance into one unique experience.ÌýApril 20-22 at Scotiabank Dance Centre.Ìý

Program 3

This dance series presents world premieres by choreographers Emanuel Gat and Emily Molnar, which combine intricate movement with experimental style.ÌýMay 11-13 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre.Ìý

birds sing a pretty song.

Created in New York, this Canadian premiere performance uses live music, interactive media and dance to portray how intimacy and loneliness are perceived through the physical and digital spaces we make.ÌýMay 13-14 at Norman Rothstein Theatre.Ìý

Dialogue

Performed by five male dancers, this Wen Wei Dance creation takes the experience of being a non-English speaking immigrant and translates these emotions of loneliness, despair, and frustration onto the stage.ÌýMay 25-27 at Scotiabank Dance Centre.Ìý

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CLASSICAL MUSIC

Paul Lewis

Now regarded as one of the world’s foremost interpreters of the central European classical repertoire, Paul Lewis will perform Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 4 in E-flat Major, along with works by Bach, Chopin and von Weber.ÌýMarch 19 at the Chan Centre. ChanCentre.com

Works of Henry Purcell

Pioneer of Baroque music, the stirring operas and elaborate melodies from this English composer come to life with the voice of Canada’s Soprano, Karina Gauvin, and Les Boréades de Montréal.ÌýApril 21 at Christ Church Cathedral.Ìý

Louis Lortie

Performing Chopin’s most intricate and beautiful passages, this premier Canadian pianist offers an exclusive opportunity for audiences to hear these collections in their entirety.ÌýMay 9 at the Orpheum Theatre.Ìý

The Titan

In conclusion of their 2017 season, the VSO brings to the stage violinist Baiba Skride and mezzo-soprano Marion Newman to perform Gustav Mahler’s transformative and revolutionary opera.ÌýJune 10-12 at the Orpheum Theatre.Ìý

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CHORAL MUSIC

musica intima

The Juno-nominated vocal ensemble introduces an International Women’s Day performance featuring the work of Canadian composer Jennifer Butler, Katerina Gimon, and Maria Reva.ÌýMarch 10 at Heritage Hall.Ìý

VWMC CelticFest Concert

Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Welshmen’s Choir with Scottish clarinetist Julie Begg and uilleann pipe player Tim Fanning.ÌýMarch 17 at Christ Church Cathedral.Ìý

Singers’ ChoiceA Choral Hit Parade

Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Chamber Choir singers were asked to nominate a favouriteÌýmadrigal,Ìýmotet,ÌýfolksongÌýandÌýencore,Ìýthe result is madrigals by Morley, Gibbons, Ward and Weelkes; a major motet by JS Bach; folksongs by Washburn, Smith and Erb; encores by Quick, Schafer and Billy Joel; and other pieces by Debussy, Corigliano, Chilcott and Biebl in a veritable choral hit parade.ÌýMarch 17 at Ryerson United Church.Ìý

Choir of King’s College Cambridge

The internationally renowned youth ensemble continues the tradition of British church music under the polished direction of Dr. Stephen Cleobury.ÌýMarch 26 at the Centre for the Performing Arts.Ìý

Aeterna PergolesiStabat Mater &Ìý¶Ù³Ü°ù³Ü´Ú±ôéRequiem

The Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Chamber Choir brings you the finest repertoire for chorus and orchestra every Good Friday. This year: Pergolesi’s magnificentÌýStabat Mater,Ìýa pinnacle of Italian Baroque music, and the sublimely beautifulÌýRequiemÌýbased on Gregorian chant by French master Maurice ¶Ù³Ü°ù³Ü´Ú±ôé.ÌýApril 14 at the Orpheum.Ìý

Youth & Music 2017 New Choral Creators

Winning compositions of the 13th biennial Young Composers' Competition are performed in this recital celebrating a new generation of choral composers and musicians.ÌýMay 5 at Ryerson United Church.Ìý

Elektra Women’s Choir

Canadian and American female composers are honoured through the diverse and talented voices of this amateur ensemble.ÌýMay 13 at Ryerson United Church.Ìý

Chor Leoni

Influenced by the enduring institution of Scandinavian male choirs,ÌýB.C./BalticaÌýpays tribute to the tradition, musical expression, and achievement of this Baltic art form.ÌýApril 7-9.Ìý

Soul Gospel II

With a powerful choir of 90 voices, R&B musician Warren Dean Flandez reunites the genres of gospel and soul into one passionate and emotional concert.ÌýJune 3 at Christ Church Cathedral.Ìý

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CONCERTS

Sound of Dragon Ensemble

East meets West in this intercultural concert featuring classical Chinese instruments arranged in the original works of emerging Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­composers.ÌýMarch 9 at the Orpheum.Ìý

Plumes Ensemble

Dismantling the music of Grimes, Montreal’s Plumes Ensemble makes its debut appearance in Vancouver, performing responses by 13 celebrated Canadian composers to songs by one of Canada’s top electronic artists.ÌýMarch 21 at the Fox Cabaret.Ìý

Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Improvised Music Meeting

Hosted by international ensemble Barking Sphinx, this series is dedicated to showcasing the country’s best improvisational artists.ÌýMarch 23-25 at the Western Front.Ìý

Anda Union

Using traditional Mongolian instruments, this nine-piece ensemble reproduces the sound of their ethnic nomadic culture and history as passed down from their families. ÌýMarch 26 at Chan Shun Centre Hall.Ìý

Landon Braverman & Friends

The contemporary musical theatre composer returns home for a concert featuring a repertoire from award winning shows, cabaret collection, and exclusive never performed pieces.April 2 at the Norman Rothstein Theatre.Ìý

Jean Efflam-BavouzetÌý

One of the most engaging live performers of his generation, the multi-award-winning French pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet enjoys a prolific recording and international concert career.ÌýApril 2 at the Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Playhouse.Ìý

Max Raabe and Palast Orchester

Experience Berlin during the 1920s in this performance by crooner Max Raabe and his impressive big band, the Palast Orcester.ÌýApril 9 at Chan Shun Centre Hall.Ìý

Drum Heat

Sal Ferreras and the top percussive talent from the West Coast exhibit their complex rhythms and styles in this benefit supporting youth arts education.ÌýApril 27 at Vogue Theatre.Ìý

A Tribute to John Williams

The popular composer of blockbuster films such asÌýStar WarsÌýandÌýIndiana JonesÌýis paid tribute with an evening dedicated to his sweeping motion picture epics and wistful romantic themes.ÌýMay 7 at the Orpheum Theatre.Ìý

Lande Cabaret

A cabaret featuring the movie songs of Harry Warren and the Broadway songs of Jerry Herman.ÌýMay 13 at the Annex.Ìý

Sergei Babayan

Hailed for his emotional intensity, bold energy and remarkable levels of color, Sergei Babayan brings a deep understanding and insight to a stylistically diverse repertoire, which includes a performance history of 54 concertos.ÌýMay 20 at the Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Playhouse.Ìý

Sophisticated Ladies

Legendary songbirds Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Dinah Washington are celebrated in this special evening featuring the robust voices of three local divas.ÌýMay 26-27 at the Orpheum Theatre.Ìý

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westender-arts-spring arts preview 2017
Ali Wong, May 25-27 at the Vogue Theatre. - Netflix photo


COMEDY

Marc Maron

The interviewer, podcaster and actor brings his national stand-up comedy tour, The Too Real Tour, to Vancouver.ÌýMarch 26 at the Vogue Theatre.Ìý

Russell Howard

Recognized for his hit BBC show, this British stand-up excels at social satire and his goofy perspective on life.ÌýMay 16 at the Rio Theatre.Ìý

Bianca Del Rio

Known for her infamous wit and dazzling costume, this drag queen television personality shares her fresh style of comedy refined from the club stages of New Orleans and New York.ÌýMay 19 at Vogue Theatre.Ìý

Ali Wong

A new brand of comic, the San Francisco native veers towards gritty topics like sex, marriage and pregnancy boldly and brilliantly.ÌýMay 25-27 at Vogue Theatre.Ìý

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westender-arts-spring arts preview 2017
'Amazonia: The Rights of Nature,' March 10-Jan. 28 at the Museum of Anthropology.


FINE ARTS

ReFuse

Live performance, music, and art are showcased at this unique party set inside the Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Art Gallery’s curated spaces after hours.ÌýMarch 10 at the Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Art Gallery.Ìý

The Lost Fleet

Through a comprehensive collection of historic photographs, models, tools and artifacts, the seizure of 1,200 Japanese-Canadian fishing vessels after the bombing of Pearl Harbour is explored.ÌýMarch 24-25 at the Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Maritime Museum.Ìý

The Moon Is Often Referred To As A Dead, Barren World, But I Think This Is Not Necessarily The Case

The art of Japanese flower arranging is observed in this live demonstration by Diane Borsato. Alongside guest Ikebana masters, Borsato creates a modern installation using traditional cultural art methods.ÌýMarch 25 at the Contemporary Art Gallery.Ìý

Traces of Words: Art and Calligraphy from Asia

From Sumerian cuneiform to contemporary Japanese calligraphy, this exhibit curated by Dr. Fuyubi Nakamura explores the significance of the written word across time.ÌýMay 12-October 9 at the UBC Museum of Anthropology.Ìý

The Vienna Model

Urban planning, architecture, and history is investigated in this exhibit, which compares the city development of Vienna against a 21stÌýcentury city like our own.ÌýMay 18 to July 16 at the Museum of Vancouver.Ìý

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FESTIVALS

Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­International Dance Festival

Boasting a diverse selection of contemporary dance performances to choose from, including a collaboration between Karen Jamieson and Margaret Grenier, as well as the high-level performance art of Japan’s Dairakudakan.ÌýUntil March 25.Ìý

CelticFest

As Western Canada’s largest annual Celtic celebration, this festival brings together history, music, dance, story, food and culture to be enjoyed by all.ÌýMarch 10-18.Ìý

Sonic Boom Festival

Showcasing BC’s most talented musicians and composers, this four-evening concert event features a masterclass by composer Dorothy Chang and workshop with Tiresias Duo.ÌýMarch 16-19.Ìý

Maple Ridge Festival of BC Film

Introducing a collection of BC-shot films and shorts, this inaugural festival includes 2015’sÌýInto the ForestÌýstarring Ellen Page and Evan Rachel Wood.ÌýMarch 17-19 at the Act Arts Centre.Ìý

Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­International Burlesque Festival

The longest running burlesque festival celebrating women and creativity returns for its 12thÌýyear featuring world-class dance performances by Poison Ivy and Bazuka Joe.ÌýMarch 31-April 1 at the Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Playhouse.Ìý

Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­World Music Festival

World-class musicians from around the world gather for this three-night event dedicated to the diverse culture, language and history shared within our country and to the unifying power of music.ÌýApril 6-8.Ìý

Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Opera Festival

The much-anticipated first edition of Âé¶¹´«Ã½Ó³»­Opera Festival is a celebration of the vocal and theatrical arts, featuring Verdi’sÌýOtello, Mozart’sÌýThe Marriage of Figaro, and Heggie’sÌýDead Man Walking. At its core, three new productions:Ìýa seldom-performed masterpiece,Ìýa beloved classic, and a contemporary tour de force.ÌýApril 28-May 13 at multiple venues. Vancouveropera.ca

In Tune

For an exclusive sneak peek into the latest Canadian musicals set to debut, this unique festival offers workshops, panel discussions, masterclasses, and showcases in celebration of this powerful art form.ÌýJune 8-18 at various venues.Ìý

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