The excitement is palpable around the Production offices of the Playhouse as the opening night of Beyond Eden is just hours away.
An email came in earlier today… “I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say thank you for the great production yesterday. Our twenty two students loved the play and talked abut it all the way back to Bowen Island. The moment that struck them the most, however, was during the talk-back after the performance. Tom Jackson who plays ’The Watchman’ looked out at the audience and told us that he loved us. This was so unexpected and so heartfelt that my students and myself felt incredibly moved. That was a moment I think they will cherish for a long time.”
Adrian van Lidth de Jeude
Arts and Humanities Teacher
Island Pacific School
Beyond Eden is all set for its world premier tomorrow evening (Thursday, Jan. 21). Their Honours, the Honourable Steven L. Point, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and Mrs. Gwen Point will be in attendance as will representatives from Squamish, Musqeam and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, who will welcome the production to the territory.
Here is what some people have been saying about Beyond Eden during it’s previews;
“Just want to let you know that I really enjoyed Beyond Eden. The music was beautiful, the performers so artful and the stylized setting certainly enhanced the performance!” - Shelley Hayashi, Concierge, Pan Pacific Hotel
“We have been subscribers to the Playhouse Theatre Company productions for over 2 decades. Several of our friends also attend on the same night - and tonight, without exception, we all felt that we had seen something very special indeed - we all enjoyed it immensely. Thank you all for a most wonderful production.” - A.M. and C. Lawrence, North Vancouver
“I absolutely loved the show!” - Carol Gomez, Concierge, Pacific Palisades Hotel
“We just wanted to say how much we enjoyed Beyond Eden last night. We have had seasons tickets for many years now, and the production last night is one that will stay with us. We were moved and loved the music and the play and the special effects – the totem pole was amazing as it was ‘coloured’ in. Thanks for bringing this play to us!” - J. & A. Livingstone
The cast of Beyond Eden have been rehearsing in Calgary since before Christmas. Shari Wattling, Theatre Calgary’s Dramaturg who has worked on the production, has kept a blog during the rehearsal process. Check it out here… http://theatrecalgary.com/edenblog/
Many of the Playhouse staff met the cast and crew of Beyond Eden today at a meet and greet at the theatre. It was very inspiring! We simply can’t wait to open this world premier musical spectacle - that took 20 years to develop - right here in our West Coast city!
Rehearsals for the world premier of Beyond Eden have been taking place since before Christmas at Theatre Calgary, our co-production partner. The cast will begin final rehearsals in Vancouver on Tuesday, in preparation for their first preview on Saturday, Jan. 16 leading up to the official opening on Jan. 21.
We are very excited that The Honourable Steven L. Point, OBC, Governor General of British Columbia, will be attending opening night of this production that has been two decades in the making.
Buy tickets here.
From David C. Jones at OUT TV…
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels the movie is now a musical
the transformation is well done and downright hysterical
the set and costumes look like a million bucks
and the dance and cast rock and so nothing sucks.
It held me and tickled and I had so much fun
that the next day I went out and bought the cast album.
http://www.outtv.ca/blog/2009/12/03/vancouver-arts-scene-3/#more-755
The Playhouse Box Office phone hours during the holidays are as follows: DEC 24: 9:30am-3pm; DEC 25: Closed; DEC 26: 11am-5pm; DEC 27: 11am-5pm; DEC 28: Closed; DEC 29: 9:30am-8pm; DEC 30: 9:30am-8pm; DEC 31: 9:30am-5pm; JAN 1: Closed; JAN 2: Closed; JAN 3: Closed; JAN 4: Open, regular hours recommence.
We get criticized so very often, it’s nice to get praised now and then for this kind of work.
“I am heartened that Max Reimer of the Vancouver Playhouse is taking the lead on this and going out of his way to find the very best actors to represent the Canadian Truth – that we are society that as of 2006 for 4/10th non white.”
Read This One Goes to 11 with Cameron Mackenzie and followup discussion here:
http://thenextstage.wordpress.com/2009/04/08/this-one-goes-to-eleven-cameron-mackenzie/
“He’s done it again. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is further proof of director Max Reimer’s gift for musical comedy.” Peter Birnie, Vancouver Sun
http://www.vancouversun.com/Lowdown+laughs+zany+hijinks+pepper+Dirty+Rotten+Scoundrels/2279900/story.html
“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is an uproariously-funny, down-and-dirty outing packed with laughs and enough charm and talent to win over even the toughest critics.” Vancouver Musicals
http://vanmusicals.com/2009/11/29/dirty-rotten-scoundrels-playhouse-review/
“A dynamic production that lives up to the funny book and musical numbers.” Marsha Lederman, The Globe and Mail
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/dirty-rotten-scoundrels-a-delightful-romp-on-the-french-riviera/article1380204/
“If you like your holiday punch spiked then Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is the show for you. The Playhouse production of this wickedly funny musical is spot-on.” Colin Thomas, The Georgia Straight
http://www.straight.com/article-272720/vancouver/dirty-rotten-scoundrels-ranges-range-irreverent-outrageous
“Christmas isn’t even over and I’m looking forward to finding out what the Playhouse has for me under the tree next year!” Mark Robbins, gayvancouver.com
http://www.gayvancouver.net/theatre/review-dirty-rotten-scoundrels
“If you have not already got your tickets to see this show pick up the phone or hit the keyboard soon because this is going to be another sellout holiday hit for the Vancouver Playhouse.” Gillian Lockitch, (Re)View from the House
http://www.reviewfromthehouse.com/theatre-seen/as-i-see-it/dirty-rotten-scoundrels
“Scoundrels is one of the year’s best shows, offering a welcome respite from the typical ‘heartwarming’ holiday fare.”
http://www.westender.com/articles/entry/stage-review-dirty-rotten-scoundrels/
“Here is first class entertainment. Get your tickets while there are still some to get for this almost flawless production. Enjoy!” http://www.reviewvancouver.org/theatre.htm
“Missing Dirty Rotten Scoundrels would be a dirty rotten shame.” Jo Ledingham, Courier
http://www2.canada.com/vancouvercourier/news/artsandentertainment/story.html?id=b4746522-4925-4745-85b2-85cbbac90283&p=1
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