Some of Victoria’s favourite artists such as Mike Delamont (God is a Scottish Drag Queen), Charlie Ross (One Man Star Wars, One Man Lord of the Rings), Rod Peter Jr. (Kitt and Jane); festivals (Intrepid Theatre’s Uno Fest); and events (Gotta Getta Gimmick’s chorus|line|cabaret) return in May. The month is packed with theatre and performance in every genre – from comedy to musicals, solo shows, dramas, play readings and even circus.
The Adventure of Ape man and Fish boy May 3/4 is at the Intrepid Theatre Club. Rod Peter Jr. is Ape man – a broken down, chain smoking, super-secret agent who just happens to be half ape – forced out of retirement to save the world one last time with a former desk sitting, milk drinking, pencil pushing, intern known as Fish boy (Charlie Ross). Eventbrite.ca
Everyone’s favourite deity returns as award-winning local comedian Mike Delamont previews God is a Scottish Drag Queen IV May 5/6 at the Intrepid Theatre Club. Mikedelamont.com
Victoria’s longest running alternative theatre company, Theatre Inconnu, has a long history of presenting challenging and complex work. Up next is A Lie of the Mind by Sam Shepard, a play filled with enormous vitality, and humor that takes a gritty look at the issue of domestic violence – an issue too commonly ignored. May 3-May 21. Theatreinconnu.com
The next Intrepid Theatre YOU Show is The Succubus: a gothic puppet tale, May 7 presented by Jane Bee/Levity Stilt. It’s the larger-than-life tale of a widowed countess who finds a child among the tombstones. Could this cure her broken heart? Intrepidtheatre.com
Gotta Getta Gimmick’s chorus|line|cabaret #17 highlights the music of Michael John LaChuisa. His work is esoteric, challenging and intense. May 9 at the Belfry Theatre Advance tickets are recommended as the show regularly sells out. Come and watch the curated Act 1, then stay for Act 2 with sing alongs, jump-ups and diva tag. Belfry.bc.ca
Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre returns to a summer season with Long Day’s Journey Into Night by Eugene O’Neill (considered one of the greatest American plays in the 20th century). Starring David Ferry, Kyra Harper, Jacob Richmond (last seen together in the spectacular Death of a Salesman), Elliott Loran (Ride the Cyclone) and Kathleen O’Reilly, directed by Brian Richmond. May 10-22 at the Roxy Theatre. Bluebridgetheatre.ca
CCPA’s Alumni Troupe returns for a second year with two brand-new, original works: Get Happy and The Pitch: Doc Nostrum & His Caravan of Cure-Alls, running weekends May 13-May 28. ccpcacanada.com
The Reader’s Theatre Festival, at Langham Court Theatre May 14 is a unique opportunity to see four short plays, including the world premiere of local playwright Joyce Kline’s Bowser, presented as staged readings. Admission by donation. Langhamtheatre.ca
St Luke’s Players presents the genteel murder mystery Bull in a China Shop May 18-29. Stlukesplayers.org
Intrepid Theatre’s UNO Fest celebrates 19 years of presenting acclaimed solo shows May 18-29. The festival takes you from the top of a tightrope to a final phone conversation, from life behind bars to a support group for Elizabethan literary figures. Intrepidtheatre.com
A new musical revue created by the team responsible for Good Timber – Songs and Stories of the Western Logger, FLOTSAM & JETSAM – Life on the West Coast reunites Ross Desprez and Tobin Stokes as lead creators collaborating with some of BC’s finest actor/musicians. May 19-29 at The Vic Theatre. tix.thevic.ca
You’ll be sure to be humming Under the Sea as Four Season’s Musical Theatre presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid, May 20-22 at Oak Bay High Theatre and May 27-29 at Isabelle Reader Theatre. fsmtheatre.ca
Janis La Couvée is a community builder, writer and arts advocate.
