Why I Love Edmonton's Arts Scene...

Because there is simply so much to see and such different types of theatre. In the past 10 days I have seen 3 very different musicals produced by community and professional theatres (see earlier post) with wide ranging budgets, talents, scripts and themes. I also saw this evening a wonderful new work from Andrea Beca called Bunburying which combined Oscar Wilde and Big Brother and is really hard to explain beyond that except that I simply loved it. Unfortunately for you, it closed tonight... perhaps she will remount it? Last night I went to a fundraising Gala evening put on by JTMF-West for HIV Edmonton. There I saw and listened to Simon-Marc deFreitas (a classical pianist), David Shepherd (a lovely singer-songwriter), 100 Mile House (a folksy trio with stand out music), as well as 3 Trevor Anderson films. I bought CDs for the middle two, because I could and because I think Mark will like them. All this in 10 days.

Now I move into tech week for From Cradle to Stage at Walterdale. I don't have much to do since I am set painter of a very small set, but I did pick up the job of make-up artist as well. I also will be rehearsing for A Little Night Music on the other nights. It never stops.

I am planning on other things to see in Edmonton, and because this city is so busy, I have my choice. I want to see the Mayfield's 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and I have tickets to Wicked at the Jube. I also want to see Teatro's When Girl's Collide (hopefully I can fit it in). I also would like to catch Edges, which is being put on by Powerhouse Performance Company. I have my fingers crossed but this is a busy week. Whew! How do the Sterling Jury members manage it all?

A Little Music on a Sunday Afternoon...

This afternoon I went to the Winspear for a Pro Coro Canada concert. It was a fundraiser I think, but you had to buy an additional ticket for a reception and art auction following the concert. My mother got the tickets because Laurie Hawn, M.P. was singing with the celebrity choir. I haven't been to hear much in the way of choral music and it sounded like a lovely afternoon. It was good. I was surprised, however, at how empty the Winspear was. This is a phenomena I have noticed in Edmonton. I have been to a number of exceptional events (and been involved in them, too) and have noticed small audiences. There is a tremendous amount of good art happening in this city... why aren't there people in the seats? Is it the ticket prices? Well, some of the things I went to were very reasonable and some were very expensive so it is hard to tell. Is there too much to do? That's possible, because there always seems to be a lot to do and see in the What's On. But if that is the case, why do some people lament a lack of culture in the city (I'm talking to you, Babiak)? Bottom line: You want a city with good cultural events, then you have to go to them. And you might just have to pay for the ticket. It's probably worth it, from what I have seen.