Tag Archives: Donna Spencer

Firehall Arts Centre Presents Mary’s Wedding February 25 – March 13

21 Feb

The Firehall Arts Centre invites you to witness an unforgettable story of love and survival in their production of Mary’s Wedding. This is a play that weaves a theatrical spell of hope, regret, memory and dreams.

When Mary and Charlie – young, passionate, vulnerable, and impulsive – unexpectedly take shelter in a barn during a thunderstorm, a tentative love is born. But the year is 1914, and Mary and Charlie must surrender to the uncertainties of their tumultuous times.


Mary’s Wedding is written by Canadian playwright Stephen Massicotte and directed by Donna Spencer, the Firehall’s production of this award-winning script features two teams of performers: Sarah Roa (Mary) and Tanner Zerr (Charlie); and Emma Ross (Mary) and Jacob Leonard (Charlie). This play is an in person production with Covid safety protocols in place. To purchase tickets, visit Firehall Arts Centre.

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The Firehall Arts Centre Opens Their 2022 Season With John January 12 – 15

8 Jan

The Firehall Arts Centre opens their 2022 season with Helen Walkley’s powerful dance/theatre piece, John. The production takes place from Wednesday, January 12 to Saturday, January 15, 2022.

“John is a memoir of my oldest brother who disappeared from Vancouver in May of 1969, never to be heard from again. I sourced from an archive of family letters dating from 1959–2010, which document the years leading up to his disappearance, his medical history, and the subsequent tracking my parents did of his disappearance. He was twenty-three at the time and I was thirteen.” – Helen Walkley.

“John is such a powerful, intimate piece that you are left feeling like you know this mysterious person,” says Artistic Producer Donna Spencer. “The performers, Josh Martin and Billy Marchenski, work together and apart in a manner that captures the inner feelings and outer conflicts of this young man. The work takes you on a journey of hope and loss with gentleness and frustration – it is a wonderful and memorable night of dance theatre.” – Helen Walkley

The production is choreographed by Helen Walkley and performed by Josh Martin and Billy Marchenski, John premiered and wowed audiences during its sold-out run at the 2019 Dancing on the Edge Festival.

Performances at the Firehall Arts Centre are continuing live at 50% capacity, masks and proof of vaccination will be required. To purchase tickets for the live performance, visit Firehall Arts Centre.

Photo Credit: Chris Randle

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The Firehall Arts Centre Kicks Off Their 39th Season With Chapter 21

9 Sep

The Firehall Arts Centre has just announced its 39th season, and Artistic Producer Donna Spencer has proudly programmed it as a Reunion Season.  “We have heard from Firehall audiences how much they miss theatre and dance in their lives,” says Spencer. “And in our 2021-2022 season, we are looking forward to having a reunion – a reunion with them and with the artists and creative teams we have missed so much. In some instances, the productions will be reuniting the Firehall with artists we haven’t worked with for a long time, and in others, our creative teams will be exploring stories that reunite characters with their past.”

With that in mind, the Firehall Arts Centre opens its 2021-2022 season with the world premiere of Raven Spirit Dance’s Chapter 21 from September 29 to October 3, 2021.  Choreographed by Starr Muranko and directed by Yvette Nolan, Chapter 21 explores what happens when a vibrant, powerful artist comes face to face with a crippling collision of events. A dance/theatre piece, Chapter 21 is a reflection on the days that have come to pass and the art of becoming. To purchase tickets for this upcoming performance, visit Firehall Arts Centre.

Photo Credit: Erik Zennström

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Firehall Arts Centre Presents An Outdoor Exhibition Yellow Objects May 11-22

16 Apr

The Firehall Arts Centre is hosting the world premiere of yellow objects, an exhibition created by Derek Chan, from Tuesday, May 11 to Saturday, May 22, 2021. The exhibition will take place outdoors in the Firehall Arts Centre’s courtyard and is limited to 10 patrons per showing. There will be no live performers – only objects, voice recordings, and projections. Over the 12 day exhibition, there will be a total of 50 showings, each 40 minutes in length. yellow objects invites us to question our responsibility to future generations by stepping into a Hong Kong of two eras – 2019 and 2050. “This piece is a collection of what was, what has been, what is, and what could be,” says Chan. “It’s a rally for the ones who are still risking their lives out there; written in remembrance of those who cannot be there anymore; a lament of families broken and loves lost.”  The production is. inspired by the ongoing pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong and the Chinese government’s oppressive enforcement of the National Security Law in July 2020. Individuals can step into the world of yellow objects through the shoes of protagonists ‘Sandra Wong’ and ‘Uncle Chan’.

Prior to visiting the exhibition at the Firehall Arts Centre’s courtyard, patrons can take part in a series of short digital narrative adventures, which will be available on April 19, April 26, and May 3 via Rice and Beans Theatre. This digital component is an introduction and portal into the exhibition piece.

Through the exhibition piece, taking place May 11-22, patrons can witness the rest of ‘Sandra’ and ‘Uncle Chan’s’ journey to Hong Kong from 2019 to 2050 – with a walk through the Chinese underworld and beyond – culminating in a final act of political defiance against tyranny.

The Firehall Arts Centre’s Artistic Producer Donna Spencer says, “It is exciting to showcase this very pertinent and challenging exhibition at a time when the world’s eyes are on Hong Kong and the dismantling of the democratic movement there. Derek and his collaborators have found a way to share this important information in a COVID-safe exhibition that is dramatically compelling.”

COVID protocols: Between each showing, the venue will be sanitized as per COVID-19 protocols. Patrons will be required to wear a mask and follow the two-metre social distancing rule. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Ticket prices range from $15 to $25. To purchase your ticket, visit the Firehall Arts Centre.

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The Amaryllis At The Firehall Arts Centre November 12 – 22, 2020 – Cancelled Due To New COVID Restrictions

26 Oct

Well it’s been some time since we’ve written about upcoming events and as as an ardent support of arts in the community, we are pleased to feature The Amaryllis coming to The Firehall Arts Centre November 12 – 22, 2020.

The Firehall Arts Centre and The Search Party are pleased to produce and present the world premiere of The Amaryllis. Written by Michele Riml and directed by The Search Party’s Artistic Director, Mindy Parfitt, the production transports audiences into the fascinating, quirky world of Lucy and Jeremy Keener. Lucy is a terrifically talented voice over artist and Jeremy is her troubled agent, who would sooner jump off a cliff before ever following a dream of his own. Sister and brother for better or for worse, these two are inextricably bound. The amaryllis plant – a mysterious gift from a mysterious giver – takes on a strange power over their lives. The Amaryllis is mystery about what it really takes to grow, and a comedy about what it really takes to change.

Artistic Producer Donna Spencer says the show is “Named after one of my favourite flowers, the play reminds us how challenging and fragile change can be and how difficult it is to undertake in isolation. Not unlike the needs of the flower and the needs we all have to grow and become who we are, the character of Jeremy requires support and encouragement to step out of the safety of the world he and his sister Lucy have created together. I am so pleased to bring this work to the stage at a time when we all need encouragement to grow and make the changes we can during this global pandemic, and to partner with The Search Party on its realization.”

Note: The Firehall Arts Centre has a COVID-19 Safety Plan which includes limiting seating to 50 people. Further, staff, volunteers and patrons are required to wear masks. To see all of their safety protocols, visit Firehall Arts Centre COVID-19.

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    Talking Sex On Sunday At The Firehall Arts Centre February 14 – March 8

    2 Feb

    male blow-up dollA fun new musical production hits the Firehall Arts Centre on February 14th.   On the first Sunday of every month Margot and her lady pals host a theme party. For something a little different, Margot decides to shake things up and throws a Sex Toy Party.  In this musical comedy, you’ll witness women share fears, reveal dirty secrets, explore new possibilities, all while finding the power of female friendship. The production is directed by Donna Spencer, Talking Sex on Sunday features performances from some fierce females including Janet Gigliotti, Jennifer Lines, Sara Vickruck, Irene Karas Loeper, Caitriona Murphy, Katrina Reynolds, and Seana Lee Wood.

    “I am delighted to be working with such a powerhouse team of actresses on this wonderful new work created by Sara Jeanne and Nico,” says Donna Spencer.

    “It’s a perfect piece for late winter, and reminds us how for so many years and even now women have not spoken openly or been proud of their sexuality. Dr. Ruth has done her best to get us talking, but there is always more to be said.”

    Tickets are on sale now for the production. To grab your tickets, visit Firehall Arts Centre.

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    The Shipment At The Firehall Arts Centre September 24 to October 5, 2019

    10 Sep

    ShipmentFACSpeakEasy Theatre’s critically acclaimed production The Shipment is back at the Firehall Arts Centre September 24th to October 5th.  Korean-American playwright Jean Lee brings to the stage a modern minstrel show about black identity meant to wake the world to the ridiculous narratives in dominant media.  You can expect some brazen mash ups, stereotypes and clichés portrayed throughout what Vancouver Presents calls a “bold, honest and hilarious” production.  The Firehall’s Artistic Producer Donna Spencer calls Jean Lee “one of America’s most fearless and exciting playwrights.” This is production to watch.  For tickets, visit Firehall Arts Centre.

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    The Enemy At The Firehall Arts Centre November 10 – December 1, 2018

    31 Oct

    The Enemy 1 - Jenn Griffin and Paul Herbert.jpgThe Firehall Arts Centre is presenting a new political drama that touches on a number of themes including corruption, environmental activism and a lack of accountability. The Enemy is a contemporary interpretation of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People. The original story was written in 1882, but with the current political climate in the US, The New York Times says this story “is suddenly as timely as a tweet.” In Ibsen’s version, Dr. Stockman is written as a male. In The Enemy, Artistic Director Donna Spencer has taken the role of Dr. Stockman and written it as a female to illustrate the road blocks women face when challenging the “powers-that-be” or “the old boys club”. This production also touches on the choices  we make, the ones we think we should make but don’t, and the influences around us that colour that decision-making. The Enemy asks “is the majority always right?” “What happens when truth is declared as not the truth?” “What happens when disbelief is spread via social media, ‘fake news’, and shoddy journalism?” Who ends up being the enemy?

    Artistic Director Donna Spencer has chosen a piece that reflects what is happening in the world today. A timely piece that encourages us to look at and question the political, social and environmental landscape around us. You can catch The Enemy at The Firehall Arts Centre from November 10th to December 1st. For tickets visit, the Firehall Arts Centre.

    Photo Credit: Pedro Meza

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    Never Still At The Firehall Arts Centre September 26th – 29th, 2018

    12 Sep

    Never_Still_Shion-Skye-Carter_Image_by_Ben_Didier-560x333

    Never Still the newest work by Vanessa Goodman is inspired by the inherent conflicts and dichotomies of water. The production is both graceful and challenging, much like humanity itself. The show has social, environmental and biological themes explored within this highly physical new work.  Never Still dives into the distinctive and overlap between three different systems of circulation: global water cycles, communication technology and fluids within the body.  “We are living in an increasingly polarized culture,” says Donna Spencer, the Firehall Arts Centre’s Artistic Producer. “And it is our role as artistic creators to encourage audiences to consider, through what they are seeing on stage, how inextricably linked we all are in finding our way through these challenging times.”  Donna goes onto say that this Season the Firehall Arts Centre’s programming is “about choices – ones we make, the one we think we should make but don’t and the influences around us that colour that decision-making”. This production is a collaboration Shion Skye Carter, Stéphanie Cyr, Bynh Ho, Scott Morgan, Alexa Mardon, James Proudfoot and Lexi Vajda.   Never Still is at the Firehall Arts Centre from Wednesday, September 26th to Saturday, September 29th at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $20 and available online at Firehall Arts Centre.

    Photo Credit: Ben Didier

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    Circle Game: Reimagining the Music of Joni Mitchell At The Firehall Arts Centre April 29 – May 20

    10 Apr

    Circle Game-Joni Mitchell by Asylum Records Public DomainThe Firehall Arts Centre is bringing the music of a Canadian icon and renowned singer-songwriter, Joni Mitchell, to the stage with the production of Circle Game: Reimagining The Music of Joni Mitchell.  Artistic Producer and local talent, Donna Spencer, has created an energetic musical experience. Circle Game features six quadruple-threat talents including Rowen Kahn (Superman: Man of Steel), Scott Perrie (Godspell), Adriana Ravalli (Rock of Ages), Kimmy Choi (Avenue Q), Sara Vickruck (Love Bomb), and David Z. Cohen (Heathers: The Musical). Together they play eighteen instruments, creating modern variations on themes by Joni Mitchell.  One of the most influential female recording artists of the late 20th century, Joni Mitchell often featured social and environmental issues in her music. Mitchell’s music stands the test of time and once again she is the voice of a generation. The heartbreak of a failed love affair in “River”, the fear of imminent ecological disaster in “Big Yellow Taxi”, and the promise of a generation gathering to ‘get back to the garden’ in “Woodstock” are topics that resound as heavily today as they did fifty years ago. Donna Spencer states, “As I look back on the powerful impact Joni Mitchell’s songs had on the Baby Boomer generation, I am excited the Firehall will premiere this reimagining of her music in this production conceived and created by Millennials Andrew Cohen and Anna Kuman. Issues that Mitchell sang about in the ‘60s and ‘70s are unfortunately still relevant today. Audiences will not only be reminded of this, but given the opportunity to enjoy her beautiful poetic lyrics and masterful melodies.”  Circle Game runs from April 29th to May 20th. Tickets are available online from $23 at The Firehall Centre with several Pay What You Can Performances on Wednesdays at 1:00 pm on May 3, 10, & 17. If you are interested in a post show talk, be sure to grab your tickets for the evenings of May 4, 11, or 18, 2017.

    Photo Credit: Tyler Branston

    “I have to admit I felt a bit of apprehension attending Circle Game.  It bills itself, essentially, as an exploration of how music written is by and for the baby boom generation but it  speaks loud and clear to millenials. As a Gen Xer, was I going to feel skipped over? Would the dreaded auto-tune make an appearance?

    In fact, I had nothing to worry about and it was a terrific show. The re-framing of Joni’s music featured tunes that were still very true to the spirit of the ‘60s – perhaps even more accessible than the originals in some cases, since Joni’s jazz-influenced rhythms were often replaced with a steady classic rock beat.

    There’s an attractive set, well-choreographed dance routines, and a lot of emoting to help carry the message of each song. The 6 performers who deliver this material are all amazing triple-threat talents. Quadruple threats, in fact – I think every one of them got a chance to demonstrate their skills at singing, dancing, acting, and playing one or more musical instruments. Even though there’s no spoken lines, the delivery is very emotionally effective. I was wiping away a few tears for Little Green and grinning through Raised on Robbery.

    In short, whether you listen to the oldies station without a second thought or whether it’s a bit of a guilty pleasure, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this show. If you’re a fan of musicals or enjoy watching Glee, you’ll LOVE this show, which is a lot like a musical without all that  plot getting in the way.”

    Review By Tiva Quinn

    CircleGameTylerBranston

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