theatre

Giggle Dam Cruise with the Cast

August 30, 2010 By Jon Leave a Comment

The Giggle Dam Theatre will be hosting a cruise in May 2011, and they want you to join them for the wine, laughs, and fun.

The Giggle Dam in Port Coquitlam has been bringing their unique brand of comedy dinner theatre to the Tricities since 2001. If you haven’t had the pleasure of taking in dinner and the show at the Giggle Dam, you are missing out on some of the best fun you’ll find anywhere. Be prepared to get in on the comedy fun, especially if you feel the need for a glass of water. The food is great, usually with a large sprinkling of parsley, because as they say at the Giggle Dam, “it’s cheap, and looks nice.” The shows at their location in downtown Port Coquitlam run Friday thru Sunday nights throughout the year, and for $55 (plus tax) for dinner and a show, it’s a fantastic deal.

But instead of just heaping praise on the local shows, we’re here to talk about the “Go on Vacation with the Dam Cast” cruise that kicks off on May 3rd, 2011. You may have noticed the banners on our site, so here’s the deal. You’ll spend 10 nights aboard the Celebrity Millenium sailing from San Diego to Vancouver. You’ll fly down to San Diego (one of my favourite places, if you’ve never been), and sail back up the West Coast. At the end of the cruise, you step off the boat and head home. Oh so convenient

Want to know what the ship is like? Have a look at the video…

While the boat looks fantastic, here are the ports of call where you can stretch your legs and see some sights…

Catalina Island. 26 miles across the sea and a world away from Los Angeles.

Overnight in San Francisco – lots of time to visit Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, Napa, ride a cable car, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, and other forms of awesomeness.

Astoria, Oregon. Take a day trip to Seaside or Cannon Beach

Seattle – The boat docks right downtown, enjoy the Pike Place Market, shopping, and all your Seattle favourites

Victoria: Visit the Legislature, have High Tea at the famous Empress Hotel, enjoy Buchart Gardens. The next night you’re home!

What cool things are happening with the Giggle Dam cast? Thought you’d never ask…

Not only will there be Giggle Dam laughs, but a whole wine program as well.

Now, last year the cruise sold out with 450 revellers having a fantastic time, so space will be limited. Until September 30th there is an early bird special. A deposit of $375 per person will guarantee your spot on the ship, and you’re entered into a draw from a $250 on board credit.

Mention you heard about the cruise here on theV3H.com, and you’ll get a “Celebrity Gift Pack” and an entry to win ANOTHER $250 on board credit.

Since the cruise will be happening over Mother’s Day, finally become your mother’s favourite child and take her along for the ride. For all the details on what is going to be a fantastic time on the high seas, visit the Giggle Dam Cruise website. For all questions answered and to reserve your spot, call Arlene Pfeiffer-Jones at (604) 720-9190, or email her at apfeiffer (at) travelonly.com.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: comedy, cruise, Giggle Dam, theatre, vacations, wine

A Theatre, an Overpass and a Library

March 3, 2010 By Amber Leave a Comment

I am sure that I am not the only one who is still recovering from the Olympics in Vancouver. In fact, I’m certain that I’m not, because this weekend is shaping up to be a quiet one here in the V3H. However, there are still several fabulous events to choose from, so read on!

The powerful drama Jake’s Gift began playing on Tuesday, March 2 and it continues until Saturday, March 6 at Evergreen Cultural Centre [map]. Jake’s Gift tells the story of 80-year-old Jake, a Canadian World War II veteran who reluctantly returns to Normandy, France, for the 60th Anniversary of D-Day to find the grave of his eldest brother who was killed in 1944. In June 2004, Julia Mackey traveled to Normandy, France, for the 60th Anniversary of D-Day. During her journey she interviewed dozens of veterans who had returned for the ceremonies. The stories they shared with Julia and her own life-long interest in World War II and remembrance were the inspiration to create Jake’s Gift. For more information, or to buy tickets, call 604.927.6555.

If you are an actor, or have acting aspirations, you might be interested in the Open Auditions for the SHIFT 1-Act Theatre Festival. The auditions take place on Friday, March 5 from 6-9pm and Saturday, March 6 from 12-5pm in the Parkview Room, which is just above Inlet Theatre in Port Moody [map]. You should arrive with a prepared monologue around 1 minute long, and be ready to cold-read a short piece that will be provided when you arrive. You can sign up for an audition online. For more information call 604.910.1199 or email nick.sartore@shiftarts.ca.

As we shared a little over a week ago, the Coast Meridian Overpass is opening. To celebrate, there will be some opening ceremonies on Saturday, March 6 from 10am-noon. It sounds like a fabulous time!

The Terry Fox Library in Port Coquitlam [map] is running three great programs this week. On Saturday March 6 from 2:30-3:30pm they present Family Pet Series – Bite Free Program: Dog Bite Safety. SPCA Educator Nina Hobbis returns to deliver this dog bite safety presentation to children that will equip your family with the skills to interact comfortably with dogs. On Monday, March 8 from 7-8:30 pm they present Writing Your Will. The People’s Law School outlines the steps to writing a will and how to avoid common pitfalls. Finally, on Tuesday, March 9 from 7-8pm they present CSI Myths: What’s Really Involved When You Work in Forensics for teens. Dr. Mark Skinner, Forensic Anthropologist and co-director of SFU’s groundbreaking Centre for Forensic Research, will discuss and demo what really happens in the field of forensics in this interactive presentation. For more information on any of these programs, or to register, call 604.927.7999.

Have a great week!

Filed Under: Events, News Tagged With: Coquitlam, library, Overpass, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, theatre

New Year’s Eve in the V3H

December 30, 2009 By Amber Leave a Comment

At our house, New Year’s Eve is a low key affair. For one thing, my husband works pretty much every year, often sneaking in the door at around 11:40pm. For another, we have a 4-year-old and a 1-year-old. There just isn’t a lot of partying in our lives at the moment.

However, you may not share our New Year’s blues. In fact, you may be footloose and fancy-free and looking for a party. Or maybe you just want a chance to take your kids skating. Either way, we have tracked down some great events that are happening in the Tri-Cities on December 31, so hopefully there is something to tickle your fancy.

From 1-4pm the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex [map] is holding a New Year’s Eve Skate. It will be an afternoon of fun, games and music on the ice. After skating, take a break and warm up in the lobby with free hot chocolate and hot apple cider, then participate at one of the craft stations. For more information call 604.927.7970 or email parksrec@portcoquitlam.ca.

The Giggle Dam Dinner Theatre rings in 2010 with Laugh with the Dam Stars at their theatre in downtown Port Coquitlam [map]. The doors open at 7:30 pm for the once a year only musical extravaganza, featuring a 6 piece live band and a plethora of well known celebrity impersonations. The chef kicks it up in the kitchen featuring your choice of quality main dishes and DAM champagne and party favors for the big countdown. After midnight they let it all hang out as the live band provides great classic rock. For more information, or to buy tickets, call 604.944.4453.

The Red Robinson Show Theatre in Coquitlam [map] is welcoming the New Year with Party 2010, featuring dinner and a performance by Tower of Power. Doors open at 7:30pm for dinner, or if you would like to attend the show only you can arrive at 10pm. There will be party favours and a champagne toast. And, of course the renowned horn-driven funk music from Tower of Power, which emerged from the rich San Francisco Bay area music scene in the early 1970s. Tickets are available from TicketMaster at 604.280.4444.

And, of course, the Evergreen Cultural Centre is celebrating New Year’s Eve with QuiRING in the New Year, which we highlighted on Monday.

No matter how you choose to ring in the New Year, we hope that you will be safe. And we would like to wish you all the best in 2010!

Filed Under: Events, News Tagged With: Coquitlam, Events, New Year's, Port Coquitlam, theatre

“Art” to Open in Port Moody

November 16, 2009 By Jon 1 Comment

The wonderfully named local theatre company, Fight Like A Girl Productions, are about to launch their 4th show at Port Moody’s Inlet Theatre. Here’s the description…

An intellectually strong, funny and beautiful story, “Art” explores and tests a long-standing friendship between three men when one of them purchases a very expensive piece of abstract art – a large painting consisting of white lines on a white canvas. Emotions run high and the conflict escalates as the friends engage in an ongoing debate over the value of the painting.

“Art” stars Dimitri Arvanitis, Michael Weir, and William Valenzuela. Directed by Brad Williams, Assistant Director is Flo Bullock, and Art is produced by Fight Like A Girl’s driving force, Lori Dulmage.

The performances are at the Inlet Theatre, 100 Newport Drive in Port Moody.

November 19, 20 & 21 at 8pm
November 22 at 2pm
November 26, 27, & 28th at 8pm

Tickets are $13/$15, and can be purchased by calling 778-217-0435, emailing boxoffice <at> fightlikeagirlproductions.com, or visit their website at www.fightlikeagirlproductions.com

Filed Under: Events, News Tagged With: Art, arts, Fight Like A Girl Productions, theatre

Life of Lucille Starr at the Evergreen

September 14, 2009 By Jon Leave a Comment

The gripping story of a local legend is about to hit the stage at the Evergreen Cultural Centre. Back to You: The Life and Music of Lucille Starr will be in Coquitlam from September 22nd-26th.

Lucille Starr (born Lucille Savoie) grew up in Maillardville. With her husband/singing partner Bob Regan, they called themselves The Canadian Sweethearts and signed a record deal in 1963. In 1964, at A&M Records in Los Angeles with the legendary Herb Alpert producing, Lucille recorded “The French Song” which was released as a 45rpm single. It was an instant hit, and Lucille became the first Canadian female artist to ever have a record sell 1 million copies. During the height of Beatlemania, “The French Song” catapulted Lucille to international fame.

The story of Back to You begins in 1981, Lucille has come home to Coquitlam to give her first solo concert in 25 years. The last time the hometown crowd saw her, it was with her husband Bob. Coming home has stirred up a lifetime of memories that the audience will relive throughout the course of the play. The story takes you to the heights of her international stardom, to the loss of her voice and the downhill spiral of her marriage. The common thread through it all is the music, songs such as Yodel Love Call, I’m Leavin’ It Up To You, Who’s Gonna Stand by Me, and of course, The French Song.

Back to You stars Beverley Elliott as Lucille in concert, Alison MacDonald (just from the Arts Club production of Les Miserables) as the young Lucille, and Jeff Gladstone plays Lucille’s husband Bob Regan.

It’s a fascinating homegrown story, and this is a great chance to see a top notch production in our own backyard.

Back to You will be in a few venues around the Lower Mainland throughout the fall…

Sept 22-26: Evergreen Cultural Centre in Coquitlam
Sept 30-Oct 10: Firehall Arts Centre in Vancouver
Nov 12-21: Gateway Theatre in Richmond

For tickets in Coquitlam, visit the Evergreen Cultural Centre Box office at www.evergreenculturalcentre.ca, or call (604) 927-6555.

For more information about the production, visit www.musicaltheatreworks.ca

Filed Under: Events, News Tagged With: Coquitlam, Evergreen Cultural Centre, Lucille Starr, Maillardville, theatre

A Weekend of Elvis and More

August 12, 2009 By Amber Leave a Comment

This weekend is all about Elvis in the V3H. Which is odd, because the King had no particular connection to Port Moody that we know of, but I’ve decided to run with it. So here it is, a hunka hunka summer fun.

On Friday, August 14th Steve Elliot and Patsy Bartholomew will be taking to the stage at the Inlet Theatre in a tribute to Elvis Presley and Patsy Cline [map]. The Elvis and Patsy Show is presented by Elite Productions and runs from 7:30 – 10:30pm. Tickets are $22.50. Of course, the question whenever someone is paying tribute to the King of Rock and Roll has to be, which Elvis? And the answer in the case is Young Elvis from the 1950s. So there won’t be any phoenix suits, but there will be a great time. For more info contact Elite Productions at 604.793.4581 or the Inlet Theatre at 604.931.2008.

On Sunday, August 16th Elvis will be paying another visit to the area, stopping by the Festa Italiana in Newport Village [map]. The Italian Festival Main Street event will take over the village from 11am – 5pm. There will be crafts, games, and entertainment for the kids, as well as watermelon and spaghetti eating competitions. And Ben Preslee Klein will provide an excellent Elvis Presley tribute. How could you go wrong?

You would think two Elvis sightings in the area would be enough, but you would be wrong. The King will also be making an appearance at the Downtown Port Coquitlam Car Show on Sunday, August 16 in downtown PoCo [map]. The cars will be on display from 10am – 4pm, and entertainment will continue until 6pm at Leigh Square. Elvis Within will take the stage from 10:30 – 11:15am, and then will be on walkabout for the rest of the day, but there will be lots of other acts, too [complete schedule]. The event is free to spectators, and it costs only $20 to register your car. Visit the Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association to download the registration form, or call 604.464.1490 for more info.

If your tastes run less towards Elvis and more towards film, check out the Port Moody Film Society‘s double header on Saturday, August 15. They are showing two films at Inlet Theatre, with the first film showing inside the theatre and the second outside [map]. The first film is Adam’s Apples, a Danish film with English subtitles, which is a festival favourite with 15 wins. The second film is Death at a Funeral, a comedy from the UK and the USA. Admission is $5 per film, and a $5 annual membership is also required. For more info call 604.469.4571.

If you want to commune with nature, you can stop by the Riverview Hospital Grounds on Sunday, August 16 for a Public Tree Tour [map]. The Riverview Horticultural Centre Society runs the free walks, although you can join the society or make a donation if you wish. The walks are led by a volunteer arborist, and leave the HEY building at at 1pm. They generally last about 2 hours, depending on the weather and the group. Children and dogs on leash are welcome. For more information you can call the horticultural society’s answering service at 604.290.9910.

So check out of Heartbreak Hotel and have some fun this weekend in the V3H!

Filed Under: Events, News Tagged With: Events, festival, music, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, theatre

Neil Simon’s “Chapter Two” comes to Port Moody’s Inlet Theatre

July 13, 2009 By Jon Leave a Comment

The abundance of great live theatre we enjoy here in the V3H continues this week. “Chapter Two”, one of Neil Simon’s most personal works, will begin this Thursday at the Inlet Theatre at Port Moody City Hall. The very cleverly-named Fight Like A Girl Productions is putting on the show.

Here’s the lowdown about the show from the production website…

After travelling Europe both chasing and trying to let go of the memories of his late wife, novelist George Schneider (Michael Weir) finds himself back at home trying to make sense of it all. With well-placed love, and poorly-guided judgment, his brother Leo (Scott Woods) offers encouragement and support in the form of blind dates with beautiful women. George puts his foot down after the latest explosive date practically catches him on fire, and almost misses the chance to meet soap-opera actress Jennie Malone (Jozie Bennett). Jennie has recently left a bad marriage and is equally apprehensive about starting the second chapter of her life, but gives in to the enthusiasm of her friend Faye Medwick (Hazel Neill) when resistance indeed proves to be futile.
The two find themselves on an obligation five-minute “hello and goodbye” to satisfy their well-meaning match making friends. To their cautiously happy surprise, they find themselves enchanted, leading to a whirlwind romance with some hiccups, laughter and tears through classically witty Neil Simon repartee.

While the setting is 1970’s New York, the situation is timeless and universal – relationships, love, loss, betrayal and joy. The show will engage the audience until the final curtain.

Here’s the skinny…

When: Thursday July 16th thru Saturday, July 25th
Where: Inlet Theatre at Port Moody City Hall
Tickets: $15 adults – $13 seniors/students
Where can I get mine?: Call the box office at 778-217-0435 or buy online at
www.fightlikeagirlproductions.com

Filed Under: Events, News Tagged With: Art, Events, Fight Like A Girl Productions, Inlet Theatre, Neil Simon, Port Moody, theatre

One-Act Theatre Festival 2009

June 3, 2009 By Amber Leave a Comment

The SHIFT Performing Arts Society is presenting the second One-Act Theatre Festival this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in Port Moody. The festival showcases 9 plays in total. The plays feature both original and previously published scripts, and include a variety of themes and styles. There will even be a surprise work performed on opening night, June 4. A full festival line-up is available online. You can also catch up with the festival on Facebook and Twitter.

The festival runs each night at 7:30pm at the Inlet Theatre, located at 100 Newport Drive in Port Moody. Tickets are $10 for a single evening, or $25 for a festival pass. You can find ticket information online at the SHIFT Performing Arts Society, or you can call them at 604-630-8753.

NOTE: As of this writing Friday June 5 is sold out, but single evening tickets are still available for Thursday June 4 and Saturday June 6.

The SHIFT Performing Arts Society is an innovative arts company based in Port Moody. In addition to the One-Act Theatre Festival they produce a series of theatre and multi-disciplinary shows. Executive Director Nick Sartore incorporated SHIFT in 2008, and is working to create more live performances for the Tri-Cities. SHIFT’s mantra is:

SHIFTing your focus, attention and expectations through our creation of innovative, exciting and challenging live performance art.

The SHIFT website contains more detailed information about the company, including profiles of the dedicated team members working to bring more performance art to our area.

The one-act festival promises to offer some great theatre. It sounds like tickets are going fast, so you might want to buy them before they’re gone!

Filed Under: Events, News Tagged With: arts, Events, festivals, Port Moody, theatre

The V3H.com - Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam

Giggle Dam Cruise with the Cast

A Theatre, an Overpass and a Library

New Year’s Eve in the V3H

“Art” to Open in Port Moody

Life of Lucille Starr at the Evergreen

A Weekend of Elvis and More

Neil Simon’s “Chapter Two” comes to Port Moody’s Inlet Theatre

One-Act Theatre Festival 2009

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