I’m so glad we’re in one of my absolute favourite calendar months although it’s hard to believe that by month’s end we’ll be looking at spectacularly orange and yellow trees and, of course, jack-o-lanterns and other spooky sights.
October also stands as the start of a new and exciting theatre season at the Performing Arts Centre.
With the 10th annual presentation season kicking off, we’re now full swing into another year of quality arts and entertainment experiences.
The kids’ series is underway starting this afternoon at the Performing Arts Centre.
It’s the place to be for an afternoon of family fun as Vancouver Opera in Schools comes to town. Last year they brought us crowd favourite Cinderella, and this year’s Hansel and Gretel is a fun operatic rendition of this classic German fairytale, geared for children ages five through 12.
See the incredible sets and costumes that the Vancouver Opera is known for –– they’re sure to make this production come to life and inspire young imaginations.
There are two performances starting at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and tickets can be picked up at the Ticket Seller within an hour before each performance, or purchased online at www.ticketseller.ca.
On Friday, the Marc Atkinson Quartet is at the Vernon Jazz Club starting at 8 p.m.
Atkinson is a guitarist who has dazzled audiences with his award-winning talent and versatile gypsy- jazz repertoire. He’ll be joined on stage by Adrian Dolan on the fiddle, Joey Smith on bass and Kelby McNayer on drums for high energy, acoustic jazz, roots and world music.
The Vernon Jazz Club is located above Nolan’s Pharmasave at 3000 31st St. and tickets can be picked up at the Bean Scene, Bean to Cup or at the door.
Oct. 12 is the Talents of Ukraine at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.
Headlining the event are the top-caliber Donbas Honoured Academic Song and Dance Ensemble joined by solo violinist Innesa Tymochko, singer Svitlana Sasu and singer Yevhen Vas’kin.
Colourful costumes, athletic leaps, intricate steps and a cheerful spectacle are on the program for this evening of fun direct from northern Ukraine.
The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased from the Ticket Seller by calling 549-SHOW (7469).
And Mascall Dance is at the Performing Arts Centre Oct. 15 for The White Spider starting at 8 p.m.
The production is inspired by a book of the same name, by Heinrich Harrer, about the many failed – and first successful attempts at climbing Switzerland’s Mount Eiger.
Book lovers, mountain climbers and dancers alike can connect with the piece as the dancers climb and rappel the walls and ceiling of a set that changes and shifts throughout this cutting edge performance.
Call the Ticket Seller at 549-SHOW (7469) for tickets.
Enjoy the shows!
–– Brian van Wensem is the audience development coordinator for the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.
