"Some will mourn the final performances of 'A Christmas Carol' at the Royal George for the foreseeable future. Others will mourn the passing of the theatre itself," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
"Why is this production so satisfying? Irving Berlin's songs are pure genius. The orchestra sweeps and swirls us along. We unabashedly sing on request," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
The season includes “Funny Girl,” running April 24 to Oct. 3, with Sara Farb making her Shaw debut as Fanny Brice alongside Qasim Khan as Nick Arnstein. Eda Holmes directs.
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Joe Pillitteri is back to emcee a night at the seventh annual Garden City Comedy Festival, taking place next weekend in downtown St. Catharines, on May 24.
Thousands are expected to come out to the Virgil Sports Park from May 17 to 19. New this year, to help those driving to the Stampede, organizers and volunteers are introducing a free parking shuttle service, running only on Monday.
NOTL-based hip-hop duo 80 Empire didn't take home a trophy at Sunday's Niagara Music Awards, but they are still winning fans across the globe with their new album, guided by local collaborations, community engagement and an ethos of uplifting others.
During these times of swelling national pride, Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate has announced the return of its annual Summer Concert Series and a lineup of returning favourite performers and new artists joining the stage at the Niagara-on-the-Lake winery.
Musicians Patrick McManus and Beau Dixon are reuniting for a special Mother’s Day gig at Oast House in Niagara-on-the-Lake on May 11: ""Bring your kids, bring your mom, or bring your kid’s mom," says McManus.
With its first stage show of the new year, the production company is also celebrating its 10th anniversary since it opened its door in Niagara-on-the-Lake to aspiring young performing artists.
The project aims to highlight the value of small-town experiences in Canada, offering insights into how senior citizens can rediscover where they reside and rekindle a sense of pride and nostalgia, said one of its producers, a media production student at Toronto Metropolitan University.
“It’s a nice little event to break up the winter blues," says executive producer Jeff Paul. Tickets are on sale now for every show except the sold-out Saturday night show.
The church is hosting a Christmas concert Dec. 22, called "A Christmas Homecoming: A Festive Celebration of Story and Song." The goal is to invoke a feeling of being at home for the holidays.
"The delight of this production owes much to its buoyant, genuine performances, fine direction, imaginative minimalist staging, creepy sounds and lively puppets," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
"In this triangle of love, originally described by Bernard Shaw as 'a mystery,' Candida must choose which of the two men will be her future," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
"'One Man, Two Guvnors' is a ribald, rollicking, raucous, roaring hit. To dismiss it with disdain, as some have, is beyond chacun à sans goût — it is to miss the point," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
Tickets are on sale now for an exclusive fundraiser being hosted this fall for supporters of the annual Shaw Festival.
The Shaw Guild's Autumn Soiree...
The Niagara 5000 car show saw Queen Street shut down for regular vehicle traffic on Aug. 9 and make way for dozens of big-ticket Porsches, McLarens, Austin-Healeys and other flashy automobiles.
"'It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing' and swing audiences certainly did when Duke Ellington composed this jazz classic with lyrics by Irving Mills in 1931 and performed it at Harlem's famous Cotton Club," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson, highlighting one of several standout show at the Shaw Festival's Spiegeltent this summer.
In "Turbulence," her exhibition of drawings, watercolours and digital prints at RiverBrink in Queenston, artist Millie Chen focuses attention on past and present, on historical events and memory.
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Gate Street Studio hosted a rejuvenating artist workshop retreat Saturday, offering a vibrant space for creativity and community.
"THE HOUSE THAT WILL NOT STAND"
*** (out of 5)
Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre, 2 hours 30 minutes, one intermission. Ends Oct 12. Writer: Marcus Gardley....
This year’s St. Davids Lions Carnival was met with sunny skies after a rainy run last year. Among the usual attractions including carnival games, rides, bingo, a nickel sale and a Toronto Argonauts kickoff, the ever-so-popular dog show made its return.
