The Cowichan Performing Arts Centre is in full bloom, making moves with an eclectic mix of events this June. From an array of dance performances and recitals, to two mornings with the opera for performances of Carmen and Madame Butterfly, and a night at the movies with One Life starring Anthony Hopkins.
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The month of June starts off with a step in the right direction as the Steps Ahead dancers of all ages and genres bring the classic board game Clue to life on the CPAC stage for two performances.
Will you see Miss Scarlet with the lead pipe, or Colonel Mustard with the revolver? To get a clue you’ll just have to come and see for yourselves. There will be a 6 p.m. performance on June 1, and a 2 p.m. matinee on June 2. Tickets are $33.50.
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Dance devotees will want to strut down to CPAC to Watch Me Dance. Carlson’s School of Dance presents two year-end recitals featuring dancers of all ages and genres showcasing performances in ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and more. There will be a 6 p.m. evening performance on June 7 and a 2 p.m. matinee on June 8. Tickets are $30 for adults and $18 for students.
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On June 11, start your morning off on a positive note with the rescheduled performance of Carmen at 10 a.m. This screening was rescheduled due to technical issues that were experienced on March 12.
In the opera world Carmen is considered one of the most powerful works, and acclaimed English director Carrie Cracknell makes her Met debut, reinvigorating the classic story with a modern day feel and the heart of its drama relevant to the times we live in today. Carmen touches on themes of gendered violence, abusive labour structures, and the desire to break through societal boundaries. Young mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina will dazzles opera aficionados as she leads a powerhouse quartet of stars in the complex and volatile title role, alongside tenor Piotr Beczała as Carmen’s troubled lover Don José, soprano Angel Blue as the loyal Micaëla, and bass-baritone Kyle Ketelsen as the swaggering Escamillo. Bizet’s heart-pounding score is conducted by Daniele Rustioni. Discounted tickets for this rescheduled performance are $26 or $22 for seniors.
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On June 16 get lost in the rhythm as Judy Hogg’s Celtic Rhythm Dancers present Celtic Stories Through Dance at 2 p.m. This show will be a high for fans of highland dancing as the troupe performs pieces across multiple levels and genres. Tickets are $22 or $16 for children.
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Start off the first few days of summer warming up to dance moves with the skilled students of Adagé Studio. Adagé Studio presents This Is Us with electrifying performances across all ages and genres. There will be a 6 p.m. performance on June 21, and a 12 p.m. matinee on June 22. Tickets are $32.50 or $19.50 for children.
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On June 23 break on through to the other side and enjoy an afternoon of dance. LT Dance Studio presents their 11th annual year end recital with Breakthrough, showcasing skills across multiple ages and genres including ballet, acro, hip-hop, jazz, and tap. Tickets are $28 or $18 for children.
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On June 24, the CPAC is reeling in film fanatics with a night at the movies. Reel Alternatives presents One Life at 7 p.m. starring Anthony Hopkins and Helena Bonham Carter. One Life follows the story of Sir Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Winton, a young London broker who, in the months leading up to the Second World War, rescued 669 predominantly Jewish children from the Nazis.
Reel Alternatives is a monthly fundraiser bringing Toronto Film Festival’s critically acclaimed films to the Cowichan Valley. Tickets are $17 and all proceeds go directly to benefiting individuals and families in Cowichan through Cowichan Hospice by ensuring hospice services are available when they need them.
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Transform your morning on June 25 with a performance of Madame Butterfly at 10 a.m.
The Metropolitan Opera starts off the day on an a high note as they present three sopranos Aleksandra Kurzak, Eleonora Buratto, and Asmik Grigorian in this opera classic. Grigorian makes her Met debut as she takes on the demanding role of Cio-Cio-San, the loyal geisha at the heart of Puccini’s devastating tragedy.
Acclaimed maestro Xian Zhang is also making her Met debut as she conducts Anthony Minghella’s vivid production. Other cast members include tenors Matthew Polenzani and Jonathan Tetelman who co-star as the callous American naval officer Pinkerton, mezzo-sopranos Elizabeth DeShong and Eve Gigliotti share the role of the steadfast maid Suzuki, while baritone Davide Luciano and Lucas Meachem play the American consul Sharpless. Tickets are $36 or $32 for seniors.
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To purchase tickets for shows, go to cowichanpac.ca or call the Cowichan Ticket Centre at 250-746-2722, or visit in person in the lobby of the Cowichan Community Centre on James Street in Duncan.
