“I’ll get you my pretty!” – My wife Kimberley shrieks in our living room. It’s not every day a husband gets away with publically announcing: I’m married to the Wicked Witch of the West.
Kim is reciting her lines for her upcoming shared role in The Wizard of Oz – coming to the Performing Arts Centre next weekend. Suffice to say, I’ve heard all about this crazy vendetta against a girl named Dorothy, “and her little dog too.”
The Wizard of Oz is this year’s big show by Vernon Community Music School’s Lights of Broadway. Favourite show tunes including Over the Rainbow, and We’re Off to See the Wizard are performed by Vernon’s up-and-coming talent. Backed by grand sets, costumes and a very enthusiastic live Toto, there are three shows to choose from: 7 p.m. evening performances on May 4 and 5, and a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, May 5. Call the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW (7469) for your tickets.
Now moving from Kansas to Russia, Okanagan Symphony Orchestra is back next Sunday at the Performing Arts Centre for their latest concert, Russian Gems. Music of Borodin and Tchaikovsky are featured, and the symphony will be joined on stage by Ian Parker through special arrangement with Chamber Music Kelowna. The concert starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are on sale through the Ticket Seller by calling 549-SHOW (7469).
On Monday, May 7, join Ontario’s Bboyizm for their performance of IZM. It’s raw and authentic street dance brought to stage in a high-energy mix of breaking, popping, rocking and bboying. The skill levels of the dancers shines through their athleticism – a sneak preview of which can be viewed on the Ticket Seller website at www.ticketseller.ca/479. The performance starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are available by calling the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW (7469).
He’s the star of the self-titled Ron James Show on CBC and on May 10 top comedian Ron James will be onstage at the Performing Arts Centre for an evening of comedy and laughter. Everything we know in contemporary culture from Tim Hortons to politics and hockey is fodder for James’ signature 90-minute rants. Showtime is 8 p.m. on the 10th and tickets are available through the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW (7469).
Sweeten up your week with the Cheesecake Burlesque Revue, taking the Performing Arts Centre’s stage in a sparkling sequined storm on Friday, May 11. Masters of their craft, naughty but nice cheesecakes turn up the heat, flaunting lavish costumes and cheeky attitude straight from a bygone era. Showtime is at 8 p.m. on May 11, and tickets are on sale through the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW.
The Zirka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble presents a celebration of Spring and Dance coming up on May 12. Vesna Spring Awakening is a unique evening packed with the colours and sounds of Ukrainian culture. Zirka will be joined on stage by Kelowna’s Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers to showcase dances from all regions of Ukraine.
The show starts at 7 p.m. at the Performing Arts Centre and tickets are available through the Ticket Seller box office at 549-SHOW (7469).
And don’t miss your chance to see Powerhouse Theatre’s Woman in Black running now through May 5. It’s a spine-chilling ghost story about a lawyer dealing with one of his late clients’ affairs. Catch the matinee performance today starting at 2 p.m., or the evening performances from Tuesday through Saturday starting at 8 p.m. Visit the Ticket Seller website at www.ticketseller.ca or call 549-SHOW (7469) for more information and to buy your tickets.
Enjoy the shows!
Brian Van Wensem is audience development director for the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre.
