2015-2016 ardentheatre.com
Transcription
2015-2016 ardentheatre.com
2015-2016 ardentheatre.com MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR MESSAGE FROM THE PRESENTER In 1983, the opening of The Arden Theatre planted a seed for vibrant cultural expression and accessible artistic experiences in the city of St. Albert. Since then, the city has continued to grow into a major cultural destination, encouraging residents and visitors to organically engage with the arts. From music to dance, literary to visual, comedy to spoken word, the Arden’s diverse programming is an open invitation for all to cultivate creativity and inspiration from performers sharing their craft from centre stage. As The Botanical Arts City, we will continue to nurture our future cultural leaders, the next generation of artists, volunteers and audiences, and we look forward to having you alongside for the journey. My life has been shaped by my early exposure to arts and culture; I was raised on a healthy diet of music, theatre, literature, film and art. As I continue to grow into my career as The Arden Theatre’s Professional Programming Presenter, it has remained critical for me to supplement my cultural “diet” when I’m not working, so much so that I plan every vacation around which festivals or cultural events I must attend throughout the year. It’s just that important to me. On behalf of City Council, thank you to the loyal patrons and dedicated volunteers for being the root of The Arden Theatre for 32 years. You are at the heart of our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional artistic experiences in the 2015-2016 season and for many more years to come. Nolan Crouse Mayor, City of St. Albert – The Botanical Arts City is proud to recognize our Government supporters: 2 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com Every day I am reminded of how very privileged I am to work for an organization that makes art and culture a priority and provides such a wide range of cultural opportunities for its citizens and the greater community. Season after season, I have the great fortune of being able to curate exceptional artistic experiences. This year we’re growing our regular programming. I’m very excited to present our new Speakers Series and Cinema Series to you. These new Series’ will challenge and enrich your lives through great performances and conversations with some of the greatest minds and artists in Canada, from around the world and even outer space. This season, I’m proud to feature artists that were born and raised in our city and to plant the seed for new ideas, experiences and inspiration. In 2015-2016, I encourage you to join me at The Arden Theatre and Root Yourself in the Arts! Caitlin North Professional Programming Presenter City of St. Albert, AB 3 2015-2016 SEASO� NEW! SPEAKERS SERIES An Intimate Evening with CHRIS HADFIELD October 25 TIMOTHY CAULFIELD January 16 TIM TAMASHIRO & TOMMY BANKS September 19 RON SEXSMITH September 26 DAKHABRAKHA September 27 RADICAL REELS October 1 VIJAY GUPTA February 4 CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! April 1 LENNIE GALLANT February 25 THE HEARTS & THE PROVINCIAL ARCHIVE February 26 Sing-a-long-a SOUND OF MUSIC November 6 SIX GUITARS November 12 MOLLY JOHNSON sings BILLIE HOLIDAY December 11 LÚNASA with special guest KARAN CASEY December 12 OSCAR LOPEZ October 3 GOING TO GRACELAND! January 15 THE HARPOONIST & THE AXE MURDERER October 16 DUO RENDEZVOUS January 17 AMELIA CURRAN with opening guest BRADEN GATES October 17 THE OFFICIAL BLUES BROTHERS REVUE October 23 4 MONTREAL GUITAR TRIO & CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO February 12 LES BALLETS JAZZ DE MONTRÉAL February 20 PROFESSIONAL SERIES CONNIE KALDOR September 18 RON JAMES February 6 J.P. CORMIER January 22 THE RÉMI BOLDUC JAZZ ENSEMBLE: TRIBUTE TO DAVE BRUBECK January 23 ALEX*CUBA January 29 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com ALEJANDRA RIBERA Feburary 27 SHARON SHANNON March 17 JUAN DE MARCOS & THE AFRO-CUBAN ALL STARS March 18 CIRQUE ALFONSE presents TIMBER! March 29 MATTHEW BARBER & JILL BARBER present THE FAMILY ALBUM April 15 & 16 TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY, AUGUST 10 AT 10 AM* *Chris Hadfield tickets on sale Wednesday, July 29 at 10 am. Call the Arden Theatre Box Office at 780-459-1542 or visit ardentheatre.com to purchase. FAMILY SERIES Treehouse TV’s SPLASH’N BOOTS October 4 NOISY THEATRE with MARY LAMBERT: FAMILY FUN October 14 THE WIGGLES: ROCK & ROLL PRESCHOOL October 26 NOISY THEATRE with MARY LAMBERT: SWINGING ON A STAR February 3 BOBS & LOLO February 14 NEW! CINEMA SERIES Shakespeare's Globe on Screen THE COMEDY OF ERRORS September 20 Royal Opera House Cinema Season LA BOHÈME October 18 Exhibition on Screen VINCENT VAN GOGH: A NEW WAY OF SEEING January 31 Royal Opera House Cinema Season ROMEO AND JULIET March 20 @theardentheatre /ardentheatre @theardentheatre Season programming subject to change. Illustration Art: Curio Studio City of St. Albert, AB 5 Co-presented with: AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH CHRIS HADFIELD SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 7:30 PM • $100 • $130* This event is not eligible for any discounts. *Includes one copy of An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth, available for pick-up on night of event. "Good morning, Earth!" Astronaut. Commander. Author. Musician. Colonel Chris Hadfield has become a worldwide sensation since becoming the first and only Canadian to ever command a spaceship. As a pioneer of many historic ‘firsts’, Colonel Hadfield makes his first visit to the Arden with his vivid, thought-provoking and refreshing insights from his internationally bestselling book, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth. Colonel Hadfield will motivate audiences to achieve dreams higher than the clouds, and will change completely, the way everyone views life on Earth. In fall 2015, Colonel Hadfield will release Off Planet, an album of guitar and vocal tracks he recorded while manning the International Space Station. chrishadfield.ca This is a featured event of 6 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com Other Speakers Series events include Timothy Caulfield (page 8), Vijay Gupta (page 10) and Choir! Choir! Choir! (page 12). City of St. Albert, AB 7 TIMOTHY CAULFIELD SATURDAY, JANUARY 16 7:30 PM • $32 Desire vs. detriment. Renowned professor, lawyer, writer and health policy expert, Timothy Caulfield, is a self-described “celebrity junkie” who has gone to great lengths to research the lure and often dangerous impact of celebrity-enforced health claims. The best-selling, Canadian author of Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong about Everything? When Celebrity Culture and Science Clash, gives readers humourous yet serious insight on pop culture’s frightening grip on society, even recounting his ill-fated attempts at extreme detoxes and beauty regimens. In this special speaking engagement, Timothy Caulfield reveals the lengths people go to, to achieve extreme extrinsic goals based on aesthetics as opposed to optimal health. speakers.ca Other Speakers Series events include Chris Hadfield (page 6), Vijay Gupta (page 10) and Choir! Choir! Choir! (page 12). Purchase tickets to the entire Speakers Series, not including Chris Hadfield, and save 15% ($88.40 not including GST or facility fee). See page 75 for details. 8 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 9 VIJAY GUPTA THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4 7:30 PM • $40 Music is medicine. Los Angeles Philharmonic violinist and TED Senior Fellow, Vijay Gupta, is a world renowned advocate for the redemptive and regenerative power of music. In his eloquent and passionate talks, Gupta speaks of how music engages people in ways language cannot, and how vitally important it is to those who are most in need. As the friend and violin instructor of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, the subject of Steve Lopez’s book, The Soloist, and movie of the same name, Gupta shares how music has the ability to change our brains, heal ailments, transform lives and facilitate a deeply empathic, authentic connection with people. lavinagency.com Other Speakers Series events include Chris Hadfield (page 6), Timothy Caulfield (page 8) and Choir! Choir! Choir! (page 12). Purchase tickets to the entire Speakers Series, not including Chris Hadfield, and save 15% ($88.40 not including GST or facility fee). See page 75 for details. 10 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 11 CHOIR! CHOIR! CHOIR! FRIDAY, APRIL 1 7:30 PM • $32 Other Speakers Series events include Chris Hadfield (page 6), Timothy Caulfield (page 8) and Vijay Gupta (page 10). Purchase tickets to the entire Speakers Series, not including Chris Hadfield, and save 15% ($88.40 not including GST or facility fee). See page 75 for details. 12 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com Let's get together and feel alright. A little bit of music, a whole lot of inspiration. That’s the premise behind Choir! Choir! Choir! and their open door policy to anyone who loves to sing. Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman are the choir starters behind the international singing phenomenon that exemplifies the best of collaboration and community building. Critics everywhere are singing the praises of what is both a live concert and social experiment, where the audience becomes the star of the show. Having performed with the likes of Sloan and Hey Rosetta!, even opening for Jay Leno, the founding members share their ideas behind the choir in this highly interactive speaking engagement. choirchoirchoir.com City of St. Albert, AB 13 CONNIE K�LDOR folk FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 7:30 PM • $36 A performer without borders. Juno Award-winning artist, Connie Kaldor, is a fearless chronicler of the human experience. Having flourished on the folk music scene for over two decades with her seamless combination of musical skill and engaging repartee, this versatile performer blurs musical boundaries by embracing elements of gospel, rock, country and western, bluegrass and adult contemporary into her repertoire. Singing about the people, culture and powerfully unique landscape of her home province and the Canadian prairies on her new album, Love Sask, Connie also touches on the importance of family and managing the unexpected twists and turns of life and love. conniekaldor.com 14 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 15 TIM TAMASHI�O & TOMMY B�NKS Jazz SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 7:30 PM • $34 Passionate believers in jazz. Since 2007, Tim Tamashiro has been the nightly host of Tonic, a cool jazz radio show on CBC Radio 2 that has him spinning the hits and shining the spotlight on great Canadian jazz talent. As a jazz singer himself, he often performs with many of the artists he supports on radio. One in particular is the great Tommy Banks, who has become part of almost every facet of our country’s entertainment scene since his jazz-playing debut in 1950. With Tommy accompanying Tim on the ivories, together they perform the most popular and influential hits from The Great American Songbook. timtamashiro.com • tommybanks.info Tim Tamashiro 16 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com Tommy Banks City of St. Albert, AB 17 �ON SEXSMITH pop-rock SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 7:30 PM • $40 Newfound contentment. Singer-songwriter, Ron Sexsmith, has amassed a sizable and consistently enthralling body of work since releasing his self-titled debut album in 1995. After two decades of deeply earnest, melancholic singles, the Canadian troubadour’s 14th album evokes the sound of smiling optimism. Returning to his loyal fan base in St. Albert, Ron lightens the palette with new music from Carousel One that is playful, rhythmic and more outgoing than ever before. The meticulous mastery of his craft is still ever-present, yet the warm sincerity and humour that radiates from this fresh and modern collection of work is even more contagious. ronsexsmith.com 18 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 19 DAKHABRAKH� WORLD SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 7:30 PM • $35 Reinventing their heritage. Singing the unsung musical roots of their homeland, DakhaBrakha has broken down the traditional musical framework of the Ukraine with their curiosity and enthusiasm for exotic sounds. Having self-proclaimed their music as “ethnic-chaos”, the Kyiv-based quartet’s invigorating sound intimately connects Eastern Europe’s breathtaking folklore with unforgettable contemporary rhythms. With their trademark lambswool hats and theatrical roots, DakhaBrakha has a fascinating ability to create vivid images and emotional experiences through their powerful and uncompromising vocal range. Having captivated audiences at the 2014 Edmonton Folk Music Festival, this is a group that is wildly succeeding in cultural and artistic liberation. dakhabrakha.com.ua 20 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 21 RADICAL REELS film THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 7:30 PM $20 Adult • $15 Student Hold on to your seat. Calling all hard-core outdoor adventurers and weekend warriors! Bike tough trails, paddle wild waters, ski steep slopes and fly over the edge with some of the world’s most fearless athletes when the Radical Reels Tour once again stops in St. Albert. You won’t believe your eyes when the most outrageous films from the Banff Mountain Film Festival and beyond are brought to life on the big screen, showcasing an entire array of extreme sports that will get your heart pumping and adrenaline racing. Get stoked and grab your tickets early – this wildly popular night sells out every year! radicalreels.com Presenting Partners: Major Sponsors: Local Partners: For more film events at the Arden Theatre, see our Cinema Series on pages 70 & 71. 22 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com From the film: Desert Ice City of St. Albert, AB 23 OSCA� LOPEZ latin SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 7:30 PM • $34 Fiery intensity. Soulful energy. Chilean-Canadian master guitarist, Oscar Lopez, has been mesmerizing music lovers across the globe for over 25 years. With his infectious Latin grooves, jazz-pop sensibilities and improvisational wit, this Juno Award-winning artist dazzles audiences with his stunning technique and passion for his “soul” instrument. Lopez’s signature style illustrates the power of simplicity, making him a stand-out musician on the world music scene. His latest release, Apasionado, is considered his best album yet - a collection of songs that brilliantly complement his astonishing career of using the guitar as his truest and most transparent voice. oscar-lopez.myshopify.com 24 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 25 the ha�poonist & THE AXE MURDERER BLUES FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 7:30 PM • $32 A gritty funky treat. Melding a wild mix of funk, rock, southern roots, honky-tonk and Motown, The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer have fused a fresh and modern blues sound all their own. The Vancouver-based pair of Shawn Hall and Matthew Rogers fires on all cylinders with their trademark fervor and unapologetic, rough around the edges sound that packs a greasy punch. Drawing comparisons to The Black Keys, this multiple Maple Blues Awards-winning duo will perform music from their recent album, A Real Fine Mess, kicking out raw and primal blues with a jolt of renewed energy. It’s blues the way it was meant to be played... LOUD! harpoonistaxemurderer.com 26 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 27 AMELIA CURRA� WITH OPENING GUEST FOLK BRADEN GATES SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17 7:30 PM • $32 Unrivaled eloquence. Maritimes artist, Amelia Curran, has long been regarded as a masterful songwriter and lyricist. As a Polaris Music Prize-nominated musician, Amelia pens songs with “knife-sharp” lyrics that cut through layers of gorgeous, lush sounding instrumentation. Her songs are a meditation on restlessness, frailty, time, longing and loss, and rooted in contrasts of complexity and simplicity. Her latest album, They Promised You Mercy (which earned her a 2015 Juno Award nomination), is a poised and consummate collection of work from a rich folk tradition, that raises the bar once again with its raw and well-honed lyricism. Fort Saskatchewan raised singer/songwriter, Braden Gates, opens the evening with music from his latest album, Ferris Wheel. The 2015 Edmonton Music Awards Male Artist of the Year is making waves for his intricate guitar work, honest storytelling and fiddle playing that places him in a class all his own. ameliacurran.com • bradengates.com 28 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 29 THE OFFICI�L BLUES B�OTHERS REVUE BLUES FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 7:30 PM • $45 The stuff of cinematic legends. Take a walk in the legendary footsteps of Jake and Elwood Blues in the hippest, most authentic Blues Brothers tribute show ever to take the stage. Officially sanctioned by the Belushi Estate and Dan Aykroyd, The Official Blues Brothers Revue captures the infectious humour and unbridled energy from the original hit film from 1980. Backed by a powerhouse rhythm and blues band, Wayne Catania and Kieron Lafferty don the trademark hats and sunglasses, perform classic hits like Soul Man and Sweet Home Chicago, and pay homage to the humour, music and mayhem that have kept audiences worldwide captivated for decades. bluesbrothersofficialsite.com 30 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 31 SING-A-LONG-A sound of music film FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 7:30 PM • $22 The hills (in St. Albert) are alive... Ever wanted to be the star of the show? Well here’s your chance! Warm up those vocal chords to sing and yodel to your heart’s content at one of the craziest, most outrageous theatre experiences ever. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic movie, The Sound of Music, the classic smash hit ‘Sing-a-Long-a’ musical will be screened in its complete and unedited magnificence to the delight of Julie Andrews fans everywhere. So wave your edelweiss, bark at Rolf, hiss at the countess and come dressed up as your favourite thing for the ever-popular costume contest! This is one family-friendly interactive night you won’t soon forget. singalonga.net For more film events at the Arden Theatre, see our Cinema Series on pages 70 & 71. 32 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 33 SIX GUITA�S theatre THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12 7:30 PM • $28 Six characters. One performer. Actor, comedian and musician, Chase Padgett, expertly combines his guitar chops with his acting talents to deliver a breakthrough performance in Six Guitars. With precise vocal alterations and subtle shifts in body language, Padgett masterfully embodies six musicians - blues, jazz, rock, classical, folk and country - and dives deep into each of their heartfelt and humourous stories of life and music. As one of the most successful shows from the Canadian Fringe Festival circuit, Six Guitars is a storytelling masterpiece that will leave you laughing through tears, and insightfully reminded that barriers to music aren’t as concrete as we think. sixguitars.com 34 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 35 MOLLY JOHNSON SINGS BILLIE HOLIDAY Jazz FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11 7:30 PM • $40 Infused with a legendary spirit. A voice that speaks to an emotional depth few vocalists ever reach. Famously smoky yet filled with humour, joy, sassiness and love, Molly Johnson has long-earned her reputation as one of our country’s greatest voices. The acclaimed, multi-genre chanteuse is beloved for her interpretations of luscious jazz and blues standards, and her latest album, Because of Billie, has Molly pouring her heart and soul into the timeless music of Billie Holiday. In a salute that pays homage to her heroine’s sound and character, the Canadian music icon brings an unforgettable night of music to St. Albert. mollyjohnson.com 36 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 37 LUNAS� WITH SPECIAL GUEST Spruce up your holidays with authentic Irish fare. KARAN CASEY celtic-HOLIDAY SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 7:30 PM • $40 With their inventive arrangements and bass-driven grooves, internationally renowned group, Lúnasa, has steered Irish acoustic music into the forefront of surprising new territory. The Emerald Isle quintet has forged a sound that moves beyond the long-established boundaries of traditional music as a result of their finely honed musicianship and innovative spirit. Performing a joyful collection of homey nostalgia and high-energy holiday songs, Lúnasa brings a dazzling concert experience to St. Albert. Acclaimed singer, Karan Casey, one of the most influential vocalists in Irish traditional and folk music, joins Lúnasa for this Celtic holiday celebration. lunasa.ie 38 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 39 GOING TO G�ACELAND! pop-rock FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 7:30 PM • $28 40 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com A modern take on timeless originals. In the 30th anniversary year of the release of Paul Simon’s most successful album of his career, Graceland, a nine-piece group of Edmonton-based musicians, led by James Murdoch and Nathan Carroll, takes fans of the pivotal album through a journey of eclectic musical styles that transcended racial and cultural barriers. Going to Graceland! is a tribute event like none other. While you’ll hear all of the album’s hits, including Graceland, You Can Call Me Al, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes and many more, the ensemble of local talents has deconstructed and recreated the genius level compositions to make them all their own... and the result is outstanding. City of St. Albert, AB 41 DUO RENDEZVOUS Presented by Prairie Debut Classical SUNDAY, JANUARY 17 3 PM • $28 The Arden acknowledges The Canada Council for the Arts, The Alberta Foundation for the Arts and the Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta for their generous support of Duo Rendezvous and Prairie Debut. 42 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com Passionate musicianship. Be enthralled by the engaging stories, captivating charm and dazzling virtuosity of this exceptional Canadian duo. Despite the uncommon pairing of violin and guitar, Duo Rendezvous is a refreshing chamber ensemble that promises a mesmerizing musical experience. Violinist Jasper Wood has established himself as a major talent of his generation, and guitarist Daniel Bolshoy is internationally recognized as “Canada’s reigning master of the guitar." Performing rich interpretations of multi-layered works by Bach, Debussy, Ravel, Gershwin, plus newly commissioned pieces by leading Canadian composers, the pair celebrates the European romanticism and inspiration that serves as the root of their concert repertoire. duorendezvous.com City of St. Albert, AB 43 J.P. CORMIE� bluegrass-folk FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 7:30 PM • $34 Seeing the world through music. Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, J.P. Cormier, has a talent like no other. Travelling the roads of personal memories and tales from his own past, the quintessential Maritime musician strikes a chord with fans worldwide with his blazing fast fretwork and open-ended conversational performances. With a history of backing up legends like Waylon Jennings and Earl Scruggs, J.P. Cormier’s modesty belies an impressive collection of work spanning genres of bluegrass, Celtic, blues and country. His 2015 release, The Chance, is his greatest success yet due to the overwhelming response to his viral hit, Hometown Battlefield, and his thoughtfully crafted songs about the chances people take. jp-cormier.com 44 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 45 THE REMI BOLDUC JAZZ ENSEMBLE TRIBUTE TO DAVE BRUBECK jazz SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 7:30 PM • $32 46 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com Reverence to a pioneer of jazz. Some of Montreal’s best jazz musicians, under the leadership of one of Canada’s finest saxophonists and jazz scholars, bring the famous repertoire of Dave Brubeck to life in this tribute event. The Rémi Bolduc Jazz Ensemble and special guest pianist, François Bourassa, share the beautiful melodies and catchy swing of memorable compositions from the iconic jazz pianist’s repertoire, including Take Five, Blue Rondo à la Turk, and favourites from the top-selling album in jazz history, Time Out. Striving to keep their arrangements fresh and unique, yet leaving the core of Brubeck’s work intact, the Ensemble presents a spirited homage that shouldn’t be missed. remibolduc.com City of St. Albert, AB 47 ALEX CUB� cuban-soul-rock FRIDAY, JANUARY 29 7:30 PM • $38 A flawless mix of confidence and vulnerability. Always the innovator and visionary, Cuban-Canadian musician, Alex Cuba, has long asserted his distinct artistic voice by giving unique expression to our most primal emotions and universal experiences. The multiple Latin Grammy and Juno Award-winner’s warm vocals soar to soulful new heights in his recent efforts to unite the musical nuances of north and south, English and Spanish, Cuba and Canada. The result is Alex Cuba’s most cohesive album to date. Healer is an intimate collection of songs that reflect on the nature of humanity and mark a triumph in reclaiming what’s most important in life. healer.alexcuba.com 48 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 49 RON JAMES comedy SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6 7:30 PM • $54* *Price includes GST and Arden Theatre facility fee. Going boldly where no man has gone before. Marshalling a comedian’s eye for satire and a writer’s ear for language, Ron James takes audiences on a non-stop roller coaster ride through contemporary culture with his quirky, rapid-fire, razor sharp wit. As part of the Gemini Award-winning team of writers for This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Ron James previously spent nearly a decade with The Second City, created and starred in Blackfly and hosted five seasons of The Ron James Show. The explosively funny comic pulls no punches, delivering both hilarious and wry comments on everyday observations and wide ranging issues, in his poetically honed approach. ronjames.com 50 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 51 MONTREAL GUITAR TRIO & CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO jazz-rock-classical FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 7:30 PM • $40 Guitar music like you haven't heard before. Guitar virtuosi from Japan, Canada, Belgium and the United States crisscross the universe of progressive rock, world, jazz and classical music genres, devoting themselves to becoming one voice in this dazzling acoustic exploration. Fusing over 40 years of combined performing experience, the Montreal Guitar Trio and California Guitar Trio unite and return to the Arden stage to shatter stylistic expectations of what is possible when six guitarists share a stage. Performing music of legendary groups such as Queen, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Rush and several original compositions by each Trio, together they burn any boundary that limits the string instrument. mg3.ca • cgtrio.com 52 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 53 LES B�LLETS JAZZ DE MONTRE�L dance SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 7:30 PM $46 Adult • $35 Student Strong. Expressive. Provocative. Internationally renowned dance company, Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal, is acclaimed around the world for its sexy, explosive and original works marked by dynamic physicality and honest expression. Through its radiant and captivating style, the company explores the creative side of contemporary trends, while still firmly committing to classical aesthetics. This evening’s repertoire includes Rouge, Mono Lisa and Kosmos, all stunning creations stemming from the exceptional chemistry between the respective choreographers – Rodrigo Pederneiras, Itzik Galili and Andonis Foniadakis – and company dancers, where the full expression of each artist’s identity reflects the company’s celebration of the human being, its beauty and its creative force. bjmdanse.ca 54 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 55 LENNIE GALLANT folk THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25 7:30 PM • $35 Prolific lyrics and powerful performance. Considered one of the best songwriters living today, French-Canadian musician, Lennie Gallant, writes and sings of the beauty of life and landscape, creating stirring narratives and visual stories. The eloquent folk veteran has garnered such recognition for his collection of work that he has been named to the Order of Canada. With 10 albums to his name, including two Francophone albums that have earned him multiple East Coast Music Awards and three Juno Award nominations, Lennie Gallant is also a published author and playwright. He returns to the Arden performing new songs and familiar favourites from Live Acoustic at the Carleton. lenniegallant.com 56 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 57 The Hearts The Provincial Archive THE HEARTS & THE PROVINCIAL ARCHIVE folk-rock FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26 7:30 PM • $28 Standout musicianship. The Hearts, led by St. Albert-born frontman Jeff Stuart, are a bright light in the world of independent music. Energetic, entertaining and artistic, the band delves into retro-pop, folk-rock and electronica genres to construct an expansive and sophisticated sound. Their music has received international critical acclaim for their healthy dose of sonic experimentation and strong musicianship. Impossible to resist, the band will soon release their highly anticipated third album, Equal Love, in fall 2015. This double bill event also features The Provincial Archive, the poignantly poetic quartet that is a force to be reckoned with. The band will perform cuts from It’s All Shaken Wonder, a collection of songs that showcases the group’s brilliant lyricism and introspective musicality. Craig Schram, also hailing from St. Albert, leads the band’s fine delivery of inventive melodies and thick vocal harmony. thehearts.ca • theprovincialarchive.com 58 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 59 �LEJANDRA RIBERA world-pop SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27 7:30 PM • $32 A seductive performer, an innovative songwriter. Alejandra Ribera has been known to move audiences to tears, drawing them deep into a timeless atmosphere with her distinct voice and evocative performances. Beautifully influenced by the confluence of her many cultural inputs, the Toronto-born, Montreal-based artist passionately weaves lyrics and melodies in English, French and Spanish. Alejandra Ribera was awarded the prestigious SOCAN Songwriting Prize in 2014 for her composition, I Want, from her long-awaited second album, La boca. The richly textured album is an exquisite collection of songs that contain exotic nuances and echoes of the late great Lhasa de Sela, Tom Waits and Bjork. alejandraribera.com 60 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 61 SHARON SHANNO� celtic THURSDAY, MARCH 17 7:30 PM • $40 Music at her fingertips. Prolific composer and musical icon, Sharon Shannon, has been treating audiences to her irresistible melodic charm for almost 25 years. The Irish accordionist blazed an eclectic path beginning in traditional music, but emerged somewhere entirely new. She has achieved legendary status around the world for her collaborations across genres, from hip hop to Cajun, country to classical, and with some of the world’s best folk, rock and world musicians, including Bono, Sinead O’Connor and Jackson Browne. Sharon Shannon’s fearlessness in her musical exploration is a testament to her incomparable versatility and talent, and she is showing no sign of slowing down. sharonshannon.com 62 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com City of St. Albert, AB 63 JUA� DE MARCOS & THE AFRO-CUBAN �LL STARS world FRIDAY, MARCH 18 7:30 PM • $58 64 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com The exhilarating sound of the future. The Afro-Cuban All Stars have been telling the story of Cuba’s rich musical legacy to the rest of the world for over two decades. Led by Juan de Marcos, a central figure in the Cuban musical revival, the Afro-Cuban All Stars have gained international fame through their devotion to sharing the wealth, diversity and vitality of all the music styles of their country. From Bolero to Timba, Guajira to Danzón, Salsa to Rumba, this orchestra of Cuba’s finest musicians churns with an undeniable Latin rhythm and energy that will have audiences on their feet all night long. afrocubanallstarsonline.com City of St. Albert, AB 65 CIRQUE ALFONSE PRESENTS TIMBE�! acrobatic theatre TUESDAY, MARCH 29 7:30 PM $38 Adult • $35 Child 66 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com Hear the traditional, see the unusual. Daring axe juggling, jaw-dropping acrobatics, log throwing and a cracking whip... the circus comes to life with the smell of fresh cut pine and the sounds of traditional Quebecois music in Cirque Alfonse’s Timber! In this family-friendly event, a versatile group of acrobats, dancers and musicians plunges the audience deep into the heart of French-Canadian folklore by reviving a wacky world of lumberjacks and loggers. Drawing inspiration from their native rural roots while taking a creative path yet to be explored anywhere else, Cirque Alfonse presents a wild and entertaining version of a time-travelled tradition. cirquealfonse.com City of St. Albert, AB 67 MATTHEW BARBER & JILL BARBER PRESENT THE FAMILY ALBUM jazz-pop FRIDAY, APRIL 15 & SATURDAY, APRIL 16 7:30 PM • $40 68 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com Siblings set apart from the rest. Channeling a vintage spirit while remaining thoroughly contemporary, Jill Barber has carved out a unique niche in the Canadian music landscape with her distinct voice and repertoire rarely confined to any one genre. The evocative chanteuse returns to loyal St. Albert fans with her brother, Matthew Barber, a Toronto-based troubadour known for his soul-searching ballads, foot-stomping tunes and hooks aplenty. The Juno-nominated artist’s latest acclaimed release, Big Romance, is an intimate exploration of intertwined themes of love and death, passion and despair. The duo closes the Arden season with both solo hits and new music from their highly anticipated duets album. jillbarber.com • matthewbarber.com City of St. Albert, AB 69 CINEMA SERIES $20 Adult • $15 Student & Senior Cinema Series Ticket Offer Purchase tickets to each Cinema Series event and save 15%. See page 75 for more details. SHAKESPEARE'S GLOBE ON SCREEN THE COMEDY OF ERRORS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 • 2 PM There's no Shakespearean theatre quite like the Globe, especially with one of the playwright’s most ingenious, heart-warming and hilarious plays of all. Take one pair of estranged twin brothers and one pair of estranged twin servants, keep them in ignorance of each other and throw them into a city with a reputation for sorcery, and you have all the ingredients for theatrical chaos in The Comedy of Errors. ROYAL OPERA HOUSE CINEMA SEASON LA BOHEME SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 • 2 PM Join The Royal Opera for one of the best-loved operas of all time with John Copley’s timeless and beloved production of Puccini’s La bohème. Set in the Bohemian Paris of the 1930s, experience the tragic story of the penniless poet and seamstress that meets and fall passionately in love but their happiness is threatened when Rodolfo discovers that Mimì is gravely ill. 70 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com Experience thrilling screenings from the most famous stages, and a blockbuster art exhibition from a renowned European gallery. The Arden has your front row ticket to the world’s greatest art. EXHIBITION ON SCREEN VINCENT VAN GOGH: A NEW WAY OF SEEING SUNDAY, JANUARY 31 • 2 PM In this brilliant new film about one of the world’s most fascinating and beloved artists, audiences of all ages are invited to explore complete and unprecedented access to the treasures of Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum. Made in collaboration with the curators and art historians, the film marks both a major re-showing of the gallery’s collection and a celebration of the 125th anniversary of van Gogh’s death. ROYAL OPERA HOUSE CINEMA SEASON ROMEO AND JULIET SUNDAY, MARCH 20 • 2 PM Kenneth MacMillan’s groundbreaking ballet, Romeo and Juliet, is a signature work of The Royal Ballet’s repertoire, and resonates as deeply with audiences today as when it was first seen half a century ago. His famous version of Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy set to Prokofiev’s magnificent score, is rich in the swaggering colour of Verona street life, sword fights and celebrations, and focuses on the complex emotions and fate of the star-crossed lovers. For more film events at the Arden Theatre, that are not part of the Cinema Series, see Radical Reels (page 22) and Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music (page 32). City of St. Albert, AB 71 FAMILY SERIES Treehouse TV's SPLASH'N BOOTS Co-presented with Arrive early at each Family Series performance to enjoy a FREE pre-show activity*! *Excluding Noisy Theatre. THE WIGGLES Rock & Roll Preschool A Special Fundraising Event in Support of the International Children’s Festival SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 11 AM & 3 PM • $30 MONDAY, OCTOBER 26 3 PM & 6:30 PM • $35 Nominated for a 2014 Juno award for Children’s Album of the Year and twice crowned Canadian Children’s Music Group of the Year at the Sirius XM Independent Music Awards, Treehouse TV’s Splash’N Boots are carving their mark into the rich history of Canadian children’s music. From Dubai to Italy, Bermuda to Australia and across North America, Splash’N Boots tour extensively to bring their high energy musical show to families around the globe. Described as "cutting edge children’s entertainment" by The Globe and Mail, this is a hilarious and memorable family event you don’t want to miss. Performance splashnboots.com Sponsor: The world’s #1 children’s entertainment group, The Wiggles, makes their Arden debut in support of their brand new CD and DVD, Rock & Roll Preschool, as well as a new season of their hit TV series airing on Treehouse. Joined on stage by their lovable friends Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus, The Wiggles can’t wait to deliver a rocking good time for their audiences! Kids will shake to That’s the Sound of Rock & Roll, rise and shine with Wake Up! and be the coolest kid in preschool with I Want a Leather Jacket. 72 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com thewiggles.com City of St. Albert, AB 73 BOBS & LOLO HOW TO BUY TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY, AUGUST 10 AT 10 AM* *Chris Hadfield tickets on sale Wednesday, July 29 at 10 am. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14 • 2 PM $18 Adult • $15 Child (Ages 2 and up) • $15 Senior (Ages 65+) Acclaimed for their energetic and interactive live performances, Canadian duo Bobs & LoLo has been capturing the hearts and minds of children, parents and educators for over a decade. Dedicated to connecting kids to the natural world through music, movement and make-believe, the Treehouse TV stars share stories and positive messages that engage and inspire. bobsandlolo.com NOISY THEATRE with MARY LAMBERT FAMILY FUN SWINGING ON A STAR WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 11 AM 11 AM $10 Adult • $5 Child (Ages 2 and up) • Under 2 Years FREE* *Complimentary tickets issued. A 10% group discount applies to 10 or more purchased tickets to Noisy Theatre performances. See page 75 for more information. Juno Award nominee Mary Lambert returns to Noisy Theatre with two interactive performances full of colourful props, infectious energy and upbeat music. Her entertaining mix of country, jazz, folk and boogie will have young tots singing, clapping and dancing all morning! Because at Noisy Theatre, there are no theatre rules! marylambertmusic.com 74 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com PURCHASE MULTIPLE TICKETS TO PROFESSIONAL SERIES EVENTS AND SAVE UP TO 20%! • Save 10% when you buy 10-19 tickets. • Save 15% when you buy 20-29 tickets. • Save 20% when you buy 30+ tickets. SPEAKERS SERIES TICKET OFFER Purchase tickets to Timothy Caulfield, Vijay Gupta and Choir! Choir! Choir! and save 15%. Tickets must be purchased to each event, at the same time, to receive this discount. CINEMA SERIES TICKET OFFER Purchase tickets to each Cinema Series event (listed on pages 70 & 71) and save 15%. Tickets must be purchased to each event, at the same time, to receive this discount. ARDEN THEATRE BOX OFFICE St. Albert Place, 5 St. Anne Street Phone: 780-459-1542 Monday–Friday: 9:30 am–5:30 pm Saturday: 9:30 am–2 pm Sunday: Closed TICKET DISCOUNT REQUIREMENTS • All tickets must be purchased together on one order. • A limit of four discounted tickets per show. • Discounted rates do not apply to Chris Hadfield, Family Series and student, child and senior tickets. • All discounted tickets are available through the Arden Theatre Box Office ONLY, in person or by phone. GENERAL TICKET INFORMATION • A $2.55 facility fee will be applied to each ticket purchased. • A 10% group discount applies to 10 or more purchased tickets to Noisy Theatre performances. • Everyone requires a ticket, including babes-in-arms. • All ticket purchases are final. No exchanges or refunds. • Speakers Series and Cinema Series tickets offers cannot be combined with the multiple ticket discount. TICKETMASTER* In person at all Ticketmaster outlets. Phone: 1-855-985-5000 Online: ticketmaster.ca *Agency fee in effect. City of St. Albert, AB 75 THE ARDEN THEATRE SEATING MAP TAKE A SEAT! THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE.. ARE WAITING TO BE YOURS! How It Works: Cultivate a connection to the arts by placing your name on your favourite seat and marking a special occasion in your life, connecting your business to St. Albert culture, or honouring the memory of someone you love. Your chosen seats will be available to you for the 2015-2016 Professional Series performances. Why Donate? A community with a passion for the The Simmons Family, arts allows for us to enjoy a fulfilling Take A Seat Donors lifestyle. The Arden Theatre plays a key (Photo by Steve Knight) role in the region, and your donation not only supports theatre improvements necessary for production, but helps to cultivate a creative space for expression and enjoyment. Benefits: • A custom engraved arm-rest plaque; • A tax receipt; and • The opportunity to purchase your custom seat for any show of your choice in the 2015-2016 Professional Series. This will be available during an exclusive pre-sale through the Arden Theatre Box Office, beginning Monday, July 27, 2015. Missed the front of line pre-sale, but still want to donate? You will be eligible for front of line privileges for the 2016-2017 season as well as receive a tax receipt and personalized seat plaque. THE FRIENDS OF THE ARDEN THEATRE SOCIETY Our Vision: Cultivating extraordinary experiences for extraordinary audiences Our Mission: Igniting passion and excitement for the arts Charlotte St. Dennis • Kathy Thackeray • Marian Lang • Andrew Dey Maria DiCastri • John Dolman • Ann LeBlanc • Philip Mulder To become a member of the Society, please contact Caitlin North at 780-459-1541 or [email protected]. 76 Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com Visit ardentheatre.com for complete program information, or contact Vineeta Dasoar at 780-418-6664 or [email protected] to donate. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR CONSIDERING A CONTRIBUTION TO THIS CAMPAIGN. City of St. Albert, AB 77 VOLUNTEE� Photo by Steve Knight AT THE ARDEN! This season, consider sharing your time and passion for the arts by joining our team as a volunteer. For more information and to register, visit ardentheatre.com. Nov. 26 - Dec. 6 At the Arden Theatre • Tickets on sale now Adults $27 • Children/Seniors $21 Call 780-459-1542 • In partnership with NIGHT OF ARTISTS THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016 THE ENJOY CENTRE 6:30 PM • Art Slam & Reception 7:30 PM • Show and Awards $25 • TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Lesley Dolman, Recipient of the 2015 Emerging Artist Award. 78 Nomination packages available September 25, 2015. Arden Theatre • 2015–2016 Season • ardentheatre.com Photo by Russell Bingham stalbert.ca/mayors-arts-celebration Book by JOHN WEIDMAN • sact.ca Music by DAVID SHIRE Lyrics by RICHARD MALTBY, JR Based upon the motion picture "big" Written by Gary Ross and Anne Spielberg A TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM Originally Produced on Broadway by JAMES B. FREYDBERG, KENNETH FELD, LAWRENCE MARK, KENNETH D. GREENBLATT In Association With FAO SCHWARZ--FIFTH AVENUE BIG, THE MUSICAL Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 • www.MTIShows.com City of St. Albert, AB 79 5 St. Anne Street St. Albert, Alberta T8N 3Z9 "The City of St. Albert is Alberta’s Botanical Arts City, so the idea of having a visual concept that incorporates both the arts and nature seemed like the perfect, organic fit. The singer represents the artistic vitality of the Arden Theatre, with her crown of plants, roots and vegetables bursting upwards… because the more one roots themselves in the arts, the more one grows. The Arden is truly helping to cultivate life for the greater community.” Amanda Schutz, Illustration Artist, Curio Studio ardentheatre.com