Theatre and music buffs, take heed – there are lots of great shows that take place right here in the Tri-Cities, at Coquitlam’s Evergreen Cultural Centre. If you’ve never attended an event at this local venue, you’re missing out. Today, we’ll give you a little taste of what’s cooking over the rest of the summer, and during the upcoming 2012/2013 season.
On August 24 and 24, 2012 at 8:00pm, Evergreen is presenting its first annual Opera on the Lake. They’re joining forces with DragonDiva Operatic Theatre for the two show run. The evening kicks off in the Studio Theatre with The Old Maid and the Thief by Gian Carlo Menott. This charming opera premiered in 1939 on NBC Radio, and DragonDiva willpresent the opera in the style of a radio play with a live studio audience. Plus, in true DragonDiva style the company will also take on the commercial breaks, backstage shenanigans and more. Then, after the show, you’ll head out to the patio overlooking Lafarge Lake for desserts and mingling.
In September the 2012/2013 season kicks off, and David Mann, Evergreen’s Performing Arts Manager, is excited. “Sometimes the stars just align perfectly and an entire season of productions of exceptional quality and huge audience appeal just falls into place.This is one of those times. Every one of our plays in the 2012/2013 subscription series is a proven hit!”
This year Evergreen will present six fabulous productions: three from the Arts Club on Tour series and three independent productions by local theatre companies. It all starts in September with Axis Theatre Company’s The Number 14, the hilarious play about the famous urban bus and its assortment of passengers. It pulls all the stops on this 20th anniversary tour.
In late October you’ll want to check out the sold out hit Do You Want What I Have Got? A Craigslist Cantata co-written by Bill Richardson and Veda Hille. This show is an eye-opening look at the popular online community of classified advertisements, all put to music. And, the following month, Ace Productions presents Billy Bishop Goes to War, a Canadian classic featuring Damon Calderwood as the famous war hero.
Along with the December chills we’ll be treated to a splendid adaptation of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by Pacific Theatre, a brilliant production that preserves the magic of the 20th century’s fantasy classic. Rounding out the series in the New Year are two Arts Club touring shows: Henry and Alice: Into the Wild in January/February and Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps in March, 2013.
With ticket prices that won’t break the bank and a car ride that’s just around the corner, why go downtown? Subscriptions to all six plays start at $75 for students $150 for seniors and $174 for adults. A four play option is also available. Call the Box Office for more information at 604.927.6555 or check online at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca.
