A dark new comedy is coming to Havana Theatre this month called All New People. Ben Bilodeau, an actor for many years in Vancouver, is making his directorial debut with this fast-paced 4 person play. The play was created by actor/writer Zach Braff. If the name is not familiar, you may recall him as one of the ‘doctors’ on the TV sitcom Scrubs. All New People opens with a young, disenchanted Charlie on a chair with an extension cord around his neck, intent on ending his life. Unknowingly, his plans are about to be put on hold with the unexpected arrival of a spiritually misguided, British real estate agent, a Thespian-turned-fireman and a dim-witted, but well-intentioned working girl. Zach Braff brings you a perky, sitcom-style comedy that we hear is guaranteed to keep you laughing as these unlikely roommates open their hearts to each other and you. All New People runs from January 17 -30. Tickets are $20 and available online from Brown Paper Tickets.
Dark New Comedy ‘All New People’ Comes To Havana Theatre January 17-30
8 Jan
Carnival For The Festival Thursday May 8th Fox Cabaret
4 May
You are invited to Carnival For the Festival being held on Thursday, May 8th at the Fox Cabaret, 2321 Main Street. The In-House Festival is an organization that creates intimate cultural spaces where all genres of music, dance, theatre, circus, magic, puppets, storytelling, spoken word, cabaret, burlesque and more are featured. They produce several shows throughout the year including dinner theatre events, a haunted house and others, but their signature event is the In the House Festival. On the weekend of June 6th – 8th, 2014, which will be their 11th year, they will host 3 days of unique and captivating events AND it all takes place in the intimacy of someone’s home! 13 houses open up their doors and their yards to the 20 spectacular shows.
On May 8th, In House Festival is hosting a fundraiser “Carnival For The Festival” which is a New Orlean’s themed Carnival. You should expect to shake your booty to some amazing music, shop at the fantastic silent auction and support one of Vancouver’s treasures. You are encouraged to wear your carnival mask, as there will be a dance your face off for those that are so inclined. The most beautiful and creative mask will have a chance to win a full In the House prize pack which includes a weekend pass to the festival in June, a t-shirt, and an In the House CD.
The night inclues a line up of many great performers including:
Razzmajazz: RazzMaJazz is dedicated to performing traditional jazz in the New Orleans style. They are known as a fun and upbeat swinging band.
Sambata: Based in Vancouver, Sambata is a percussion school and musical ensemble that plays a powerful and unique blend of music drawing on the rich traditions of Afro-Cuban and Brazilian popular and folkloric music.
Samba Fusion: Samba Fusion International Dance Group performs several styles of dance and dance fusion including: Brazilian Samba, Samba, Reggae, Afro- Brazilian, Belly Dance, Gypsy, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Salsa/Latin/Reggae-ton, African, Polynesian, Bollywood andVegas Show Showgirls Cabaret.
The Soft Wind Quartet: The Soft Winds Quartet will delight you with their authentic New Orleans sound, excite you with their hot improvisation and get you dancing to the sounds of Bourbon street and Frenchman street.
Doors open at 6:00 pm for Carnival For The Festival and the show gets under way at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $40.00 and available through Brown Paper Tickets. Come out and support this great event.
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Clue: The Musical At Havana Theatre February 20th – March 8th
17 Feb
Ghost Light Projects presents Clue: The Musical at the Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Drive. All your favourite characters will be brought to life from this classic board game. On stage starting February 20th you will find Colonel Mustard, Professor Plum, Miss Scarlet, Mrs. White, Mrs. Peacock and Mr. Green. Expect to find a funny twisted tale of crime and passion to music. Each night you will see the demise of the victim, Mr. Boddy, but the question is in which room was the crime committed and with what weapon? The Detective played by Meggie McKinnon will help you uncover who the real killer is. Best of all, this magical experience has 216 possible endings. Which one will you be there for?
Will it be Colonel Mustard in the Billiard Room with the Candlestick? OR
Will it be Professor Plum in the Dining Room with the Rope? OR
Will it be Miss Scarlet in the Library with the Revolver? OR
Will it be Mrs. Peacock in the Kitchen with the Knife? OR
Will it be Mr. Green in the Conservatory with the Lead Pipe? OR ….
Find out for yourself and see Clue: The Musical which starts Thursday, February 20th with performances running Tuesday through Saturday at 8:00 pm with special Saturday matinees at 2:00 pm until Saturday, March 8th. Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance. Seating is by general admission. Tickets are available from $20 – $40 at Brown Paper Tickets.
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Reasons To Be Pretty On Now At Havana Theatre Until Feb. 1st
21 Jan
The play by Neil Labute titled the “Reasons To Be Pretty” is now on at the Havana Theatre until February 1st. This is a love story about the impossibility of love. You will be introduced to Greg who adores his girlfriend, Steph. Greg also thinks Steph has a few physical imperfections which he casually mentions. As you might imagine, all hell breaks loose after that. Reasons To Be Pretty is a hopeless romantic drama about the hopelessness of romance. The play runs until February 1st with pay what you can shows on January 21st and 28th, tickets on January 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th are $15, and shows on January 24th, 25th, 31st and Feb. 1st are $20. Tickets are available online at Brown Paper Tickets. Show is at 8:00 pm each evening.
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An Evening With Fidel At Havana Restaurant From January 8th – 11th
7 Jan
You are invited to An Evening with Fidel in the theatre at Havana Restaurant, 1212 Commercial Drive. This is a play that will be performed in two acts by way of Bravura acting. The play created and performed by Tim Perez will recreate scenes from the life of one of the most complex characters of our times. Tim Perez will use Fidel’s own words, gleaned from interviews, speeches and personal recollections. The play will also incorporate historic film footage and mixed media set design. The play runs from January 8th through to January 11th at 8:00 pm each evening. Tickets are available online through Brown Paper Tickets at a cost of $20, or are available at the door (cash only).
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The Woman In Black Opening at Little Mountain Gallery October 31st
28 Oct
Yogurt Theatre Co. presents “The Woman in Black” at Little Mountain Gallery starting this Thursday, October 31st. This production is the second by this young theatre company which was founded in December 2012 by artistic director Chris Cochrane.
The play is about Arthur Kipps, a retired lawyer, who enlists the help of a young actor to tell the story of what happened to him when he was sent to the late Mrs. Drablow’s creaky old estate in Eel Marsh. The cold air, thick fog and Mrs. Drablow’s old mansion set the stage for a series of events that will change Arthur’s life forever.
This is a terrifying ghost play adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from the book by Susan Hill. The Woman in Black has been running in London’s West End since 1988 and has been performed all around the world. This is not a bloody or gruesome story, but one that crawls up your spine and whispers in your ear. How befitting the opening night is this Halloween. The production runs till November 16th at Little Mountain Gallery, 195 East 26th Avenue with shows at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $20 and available at BrownPaperTickets. Here are a few teasers from London as to what you can expect at the Woman in Black.
“Don’t go unless you like being scared out of your wits.” Sunday Mirror
“One of the most brilliantly effective spine-chillers you will ever encounter” The Daily Telegraph
“Prepare to be haunted by one of the best horror stories your will ever see on the stage.” HELLO Magazine
Photo Credit: Andrzej Pobiedziński
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Children’s Hour Coming To Havana Theatre Sept. 19 – 28th
17 Sep
Ghost Light Projects presents a provocative drama beginning this Thursday, September 19th at the Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Drive. Children’s Hour, originally written in 1934, was banned in five cities for its themes but found a home on Broadway. Even though the topic of homosexuality was not permitted on Broadway at the time, audiences flocked to the show. The play examines the relationship between truth, power, and sexuality in a way that transcends the setting of the play. With school yard bullying, class privilege, and accusations of same sex desire providing the basis of this piece.
The journey of the Children’s Hour begins with a boarding school for girls run by Martha and Karen who have worked tirelessly and sacrificed to make their dream into a reality. Their vision is of an environment that fosters young women’s scholastic and personal development, readying them to enter a complex and changing world. However, a series of events leads one of the children to tell a vicious lie about the head mistresses. This act affected each of the characters in ways that will forever change them.
Directed by Randie Parliament and Greg Bishop, the production features a great line up of Vancouver talent. Tickets range from $15 to $35 and can be purchased online through Brown Paper Tickets or by phone at 1-800-838-3006. Shows take place in the evenings at 8:00 p.m. with matinees on Saturday, September 21st and 28th at 2:00 p.m.
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Don’t Forget Your Pants On Now At The Havana Theatre
18 Jul
Share Production brings you a fun filled comedy Don’t Forget Your Pants at the Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Drive. This is an original play with colourful characters, witty dialogue and absurd situations. You follow the misadventures of four characters as they struggle to assert themselves in society.
The play contains three major narratives that weave together. After making a series of questionable decisions, Chauncey touches on a moral core that he has ignored for years. Lewis, neurotic and insecure, tests the limits of his relationship with Serena and his unreasonable demands. Serena only wants to get married. Meanwhile, Todd, just wants a hug.
The play is satirical, comical and at times savage but is essentially light hearted fun. It deals with morality, friendship, loneliness and compromise in relationships. It is on now at Havana Theatre until July 27th. Show starts at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available through www.brownpapertickets.ca.
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Love! Valour! Compassion! Coming to the Havana Theatre Friday, April 19th
15 Apr
Ghost Light Projects presents Love! Valour! Compassion! starting this Friday, April 19th at the Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Drive. The show features eight men that head to the country for three weekends of fun, infidelity, soul-searching and skinny dipping.
Ghost Light Projects is a registered non-for-profit society that was founded in 2009 in Toronto and relocated to Vancouver in 2012. It is now in its fourth season and operates solely on the support of ticket buyers. So come out and see the show. Love! Valour! Compassion! runs until April 27th. Tickets are available in advance for $25 through Brown Paper Tickets, or at the door $30 (if available). Show starts at 8:00 p.m.
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Havana Theatre Presents Elephant Sighs April 3,2013
1 Apr
There are many gems in East Vancouver. One of them, which is hidden unless you know it is there, is the Havana Theatre. This is a 60 seat theatre tucked away at the back of the popular Havana Restaurant, 1212 Commercial Drive. The theatre opened in 1996 and was originally used as a cinema. There was an increase in demand for a venue for live performances, so they switched to showcasing live theatre. As well as featuring local productions, Sunday and Monday nights are home to comedy nights presented by www.eastvancomedy.com.
This Wednesday, April 3rd is the preview night for the production of Elephant Sighs produced by The Page Theatre. This is a comedy about an uptight lawyer, Joel Bixby, that moves to a small town and is invited by a fast food connoisseur to joint a group of local townsmen. Despite Joel’s protests, he is drawn into the group. Although the reason for their meeting is unclear at first, the reasons do unfold during the course of the evening. The play highlights loss, loneliness and the healing power of friendship. Tickets are available in advance for $15 through Brown Paper Tickets, or at the door $20 (cash only). Elephant Signs runs April 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9 – 13th at 8:00 p.m.
ILiveInEastVan.com 