SURREY — Hooray for Hollywood! Ah, the magic of movies. Watching big action on a huge screen with surround sound, hot buttered popcorn and comfy seats. While some of us have never gone to a live performance of any kind, whether music, dance, drama, or musicals, I bet most of us have gone to at least one movie. We love movies. And even more than the movies (possibly), we love the Academy Awards and the presentation of the Oscars.
Oh, to be part of the glamour and excitement of that evening! Red-carpet interviews with celebrities, champagne parties, mixing and mingling and the tension leading up to the presentation of the awards. Anticipating the Trump tweet. It would be grand to be a part of that scene – even if you are not among the elite or the nominees.
Royal Canadian Theatre Company, with the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel, is bringing the Oscars to Surrey. This is a fabulous party, where you can walk the red carpet, get interviewed by Joan “Fraser” Rivers, be photographed, and be greeted by a champagne reception sponsored by Brent Roberts Realty.
This Oscar bash is a fundraiser for RCTC’s youth mentorship program. It’s fun, glamorous and you could win your own (chocolate, gold foiled) Oscar. How can you resist? Join the party, which starts at 4:30 p.m. on “Oscar Sunday,” Feb. 26, at the Sheraton, located on 104th Avenue in Surrey.
This glam hotel has just undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation and RCTC is grateful for their sponsorship. Tickets for to Oscar Party are $50, or $35 for RCTC members. Go to Rctheatreco.com/event/oscar-night-party. The chocolate Oscars will be awarded to best costume, and best bling. That’s the part where you come as your favourite movie character or celebrity.
After the red carpet, you will enjoy a great dinner while watching the Hollywood version of the Oscars in real time. And there’s more: You could win two tickets to Los Angeles as guests of American Airlines. So if we can’t go to the Academy Awards, then let the awards come to us. I’m in.
And yes, I love watching the Academy Awards, the red carpet and all the rest. I’ve even seen some of the nominated movies. But I still love live theatre. Every performance is different and will never be captured in the time capsule of film.
From Feb. 22 to March 4, Arts Club Theatre Company On Tour presents the last of this season’s “On Tour” productions at Surrey Arts Centre. This funny show is “Bittergirl: The Musical,” about the romantic breakups involving three women, set to songs like “Be My Baby,” “And Then He Kissed Me” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Audience advisory: strong language and mature themes. Tickets are $25 to $55, including all fees, via 604-501-5566 and Tickets.surrey.ca.
This cast includes Cailin Stadnyk, Lauren Bowler, Katrina Reynolds and Josh Epstein – some of my favourite professional musical theatre actors, backed by a live band.
How can you turn the heartbreak of breakups into a funny and amusing evening of entertainment? Guess you will just have to buy tickets and find out for yourself. There are some special performances, including complimentary pre-show appetizers on opening night (Wednesday, Feb. 22, 7 p.m. start). I love the socializing, naturally. Sometimes the actors come out after the show for a meet-and-greet. No red carpet, and probably no champagne, but it is theatre. We just love it!
