As the cooler and wetter fall weather arrives, there is no better way to enliven the spirit than with the arts.
It may only be November but fans of St. Luke’s Players annual Christmas pantomime – this year it’s Mother Goose – know they must purchase tickets early if they wish to attend as the performances regularly sell out. TicketRocket.co
If you’ve ever hummed The Ballad of Mack the Knife, you’ll want to attend UVic’s Phoenix Theatre production of The Threepenny Opera, the iconic work by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill, directed by Brian Richmond Nov 5 to 21.
Ballet Étoile begins its new season with Art in Motion II Nov. 7/8 at the Metro Studio. Celebrated artworks spring to life through innovative choreography as dancers re-interpret familiar paintings and sculptures. Appropriate for all ages. Ticketrocket.co
River Boat Songs, the November YOU Show (Nov. 7) at the Intrepid Theatre Club, is a multi-media and multi-dimensional play that tells stories of love and loss, home and exile using the words and music of Nazrul, one of Bangladesh’s most loved activist-poets.
The Sooke Harbour Players take on an ambitious project with The Who’s Tommy! Nov 6, 7, 13-15, 20, 21 at Edward Milne School. Sookeharbourplayers.com
Atomic Vaudeville presents Matt and Ben with Amanda Lisman and Britt Small Nov. 10 to 15 at the Roxy. This hilarious play takes us back to 1996 and the pivotal moment when the finished script for Good Will Hunting falls from the ceiling into Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s grungy apartment, a moment that will change their lives forever. Directed by Jacob Richmond. Ticketrocket.co
Since forming at the Victoria Fringe Festival in 2008, Peter n’ Chris have become a highly recognized and awarded comedy duo. They return for a rare show in Victoria, Peter n’ Chris present Here Lies Chris Nov. 12/13 at the Metro Studio Theatre. Ticketrocket.co
Langham Court Theatre tackles the provocative Pulitzer Prize award-winner Doubt, A Parable, by John Patrick Shanley Nov. 18 to Dec. 5. Langhamtheatre.ca
Renowned Canadian artist Ronnie Burkett returns to Victoria Nov. 19 to 22 for the first time in nearly 20 years, manipulating and voicing a cast of 40 marionettes. For ages 16+. Presented by Intrepid Theatre. Ticketrocket.co
Students of Playwright Charles Tidler present The Playwright’s Cabaret Nov. 29 at the Belfry Theatre. Belfry.bc.ca
The University of Victoria School of Music has a full schedule of concerts in November, far too many to mention here. Just two of the highlights are acclaimed quartet-in-residence, the Lafayette String Quartet which perform works by Shostakovich and Dvorák Nov. 15 and visiting Belgian pianist Daan Vandewalle in a concert of works by American contemporary composers Gordon Mumma and Alvin Curran, Nov. 16. finearts.uvic.ca/music/events.
The Civic Orchestra of Victoria and the Gilbert and Sullivan Society combine forces for a concert to benefit Victoria Hospice. Nov. 22 at the University Centre Farquhar Auditorium. civicorchestraofvictoria.org
November marks the beginning of what I’ve come to consider one of my most cherished holiday traditions – the annual trip to all the gallery walks, small works shows and Christmas exhibitions.
First up is Eclectic Gallery’s Small works BIG IMPACT show (Nov. 2 to Jan. 9) with an opening reception Nov. 7 from 3 to 5pm. eclecticgallery.ca
Downtown Victoria galleries (among them Alcheringa, Madrona, West End and Legacy) combine forces for the 18th annual Gallery Walk Nov. 26. The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria Christmas Show and Sale opens Nov. 26 in the historic Massey Gallery.
Janis La Couvée is a community builder, writer and arts advocate.
