Vancouver Arts Scene
Hey there
Olympic fever is ramping up in Vancouver - one side protests and the other side celebrates. Personally I am getting excited that I am living in an Olympic City and although not a sports nut by any stretch of the imagination I hope Canada does win a Gold Medal on home turf. You may not know this but we are the only country to host a games (twice) in the past never to win a gold at our own games.
Found time from my job (at the Olympics) to see some shows. I wish to applaud Max (Vancouver Playhouse) Reimer and Bill (Arts Club) Millerd for embracing diversity in theatre - by casting stage works reflecting the face of Today’s Canada. Mr. Millerd has diverse faces but mostly in supporting roles in his current production of White Christmas but big bold props for Mr. Reimer casting the amazing Elena Juatco (Canadian Idol 6th place finalist) as the female lead in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - a part traditionally (and for no reason) cast with a Caucasian actress.
Speaking of diverse faces Pi Theatre with Rumble Theatre produced a stellar and whimsical production called After The Quake - part fantasy and part domestic drama it is set in Japan although the characters are identifiable in any country, well maybe not the Giant Frog.
I was saddened to take this issue of the value of diversity to another blog site called The Next Stage where one person got defensive when I challenged their langauge in defense of casting exclusively white shows. I think we finally came to an understanding about the power of words and how they can unintentionally promote status quo but it is odd to have to keep fighting for this seemingly obvious cause.
okay to the reviews - in rhyme.
After the Quake was magical and bold,
Based on two stories previously told
the set was exquisite the lighting above par
the cast was great with a young child star
but if there was only one reason to go
it would be for the great turn by Alessandro.
http://pitheatre.com & http://rumble.org
White Christmas was corny and a little bit long
But most of the cast could really belt out a song
The dance was off sync, the bad wig made me shout
but because it is Christmas it will sell out.
I adored Sara Jean Hosie but must make an admission
It was not compelling so I left at intermission.
http://www.artsclub.com
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels the movie is now a musical
the transformation is well done and down right hysterical
the set and costumes look like a million bucks
and the dance and cast rock and so nothing sucks.
It held me and tickled and I had so much fun
that the next day I went out and bought the cast album.
http://www.vancouverplayhouse.com
There you go. My job at the Olympics - in case you were wondering - is totally stressy but totally fun. I am in charge of creating and finding and developing all the outdoor entertainment from bands to comedians to fantastical creatures (not mascots). I am being paid to be creative and work with artistic people. How cool is that?
Also - if you are a fan of Out TV’s Tops & Bottoms and want to win a hundred bucks - check out this video.
Who Said It?
Joyously
David C. Jones
PS: Other quick note to my former student Cody - who pondered in a past blog that theatre may be cast based on what sells more tickets. It was a thoughtful and respectful supposition. But speaking to that theory is the fact that After The Quake sold out it’s run, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is ’selling like hotcakes’ with 5 sold out shows so far. It could be just because they are good shows or it could also be the audiences are excited to see good shows with faces that look like them.
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Cody Young Says:
December 8th, 2009 at 10:45 amVisit Cody Young
Great blog David! I love the mention in the end.
I do want to say that I wasn’t necessarily “defending” the status quo just in case I was included in that sentence, just proposing a theory as to why it is the way it is and if that was wrong or not. That’s great that these shows are doing well, perhaps the wish for diversity is closer than you think. Everyone deserves a shot at their dreams, regardless of their skin.
If the trend of diversity continues and it sells well, I have no doubt it will be around to stay. If its only that these are particularly good shows, then it may continue to struggle. I have no idea what the current situation in Vancouver is like considering what is playing and what is doing well, but I would also be curious to know if there are any shows doing well that have little diversity (aka mostly white) amongst the cast. I think that would paint a more complete picture as to what the demand is there.
Either way, this white male yankee won’t be working in Vancouver theater anytime soon (legally). I wish you the best in your endeavors David!
former student Cody
Ambassador: David C Jones Says:
December 8th, 2009 at 11:07 amVisit Ambassador: David C Jones
Cool Cody - the defending quote - was not referring to you - but another unnamed person. I was only referencing you in the PS.
Hope you are great!
Love ya.