At least for the past two weeks of this short little month, our very own Vernon Winter Carnival offered up some wonderful distractions including balloons, floats, costumes and mobile jail cells.
Those fun sights and sounds are all but packed up now as the last few Carnival events are winding down today.
Thankfully, the busy season for the arts is just ramping up. I’ll definitely need to rely on a show or four to keep my spirits up until I can at least dream of warm sunshine, green grass and quality time on the patio. I feel spring fever coming on.
The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra is on stage at the Performing Arts Centre this evening starting at 7 p.m. for a celebration of Shakespeare’s works.
Shakespeare in Love includes a complete performance of Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet and more Bard-inspired pieces to round out an evening of love and music. Tickets can still be purchased online at www.ticketseller.ca or at the door within one hour of the performance.
Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada comes to the centre this Friday for their awe inspiring performance of Piaf.
In one of the largest dance events of the year, the incredible rags-to-riches story of France’s national diva, Édith Piaf, is told through classical dance set to her unforgettable songs. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and tickets are still available through the Ticket Seller by calling 549-SHOW (7469).
On Feb. 24, violist Marcus Takizawa joins pianist Sarah Hagen for the third of four 2014/15 Morning Melodies concerts.
Arrive at the Performing Arts Centre at 10 a.m. for coffee, refreshments and a chance to chat with the musicians, followed by a 70-minute concert starting at 10:30 a.m. in the Marie Fleming Hall. Tickets are still available through the Ticket Seller by calling 549-SHOW (7469).
Powerhouse Theatre’s latest production is just over a week away from opening night. Salt-Water Moon is a heartwarming love story set in 1926 in rural Newfoundland.
Mary Snow waits by the water for her fiancé, looking at stars and a full moon when from a distance she hears the voice of her former beau who has come to win her back. There are performances most nights from Feb. 25 to March 7, with a few matinees to choose from so go online to www.ticketseller.ca or call 549-SHOW (7469) to find out more and buy your tickets.
It’s a fun evening of Broadway Showstoppers at the Performing Arts Centre Feb. 28. Students from Vernon Community Music School’s Lights of Broadway will be performing selections ranging from The Sound of Music to Mamma Mia, Sister Act, Shrek and many more. The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are on sale now through the box office by calling 549-SHOW (7469) or online at www.ticketseller.ca
And don’t forget, Tom Cochrane and Red Rider are on stage at the centre Monday, Feb. 23 for a sold-out performance for all those lucky ticket holders.
Enjoy the shows!
– Brian van Wensem is the audience development coordinator at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.
