One of the effects of Obama’s triumpph down south has been that now everyone wants an Obama of their own. After all, what’s not to like about someone who’s smart, inspiring, oratorically gifted, tech-savvy, and progressive? I don’t know if people like him are simply few and far between - well, I guess that is true - but also whether it’s just that people with those qualifications just aren’t attracted to electoral politics.
At any rate, I was amused by one of the questions on the exit poll I was asked to fill out after voting in Vancouver’s recent civic election. It asked me to rate the two mayoral candidates on various qualities - leadership, compassion, intelligence, etc. - but the last item made me chuckle: who, it asked, was “more Obama-like”?
Booster though I was of Gregor Robertson, I had to answer “neither” to that one. After all, “Obama-like” is a title not to be bestowed lightly. And in Canadian politics in particular, I don’t see anyone who remotely seems to fit that title. The last election seemed to bear this out - nobody inspired voters enough to change the outcome from a near carbon-copy of what it was before.
The only politician who consistently gets referenced in this connection is the late great Pierre Trudeau. Love or loathe him (both camps seem to still be quite active), his was a dynamic personality, truly a mold-breaker - and perhaps the only Canadian politician in living memory who could truly be compared to Obama. For a relatively brief shining moment in history, Canada had a cool Prime Minister. I don’t see anyone like him on the political radar these days, though.
But there’s possibly one thing I may be able to contribute to this topic: a word for what we’re looking for. Clearly what Canadians long for is a “Snowbama” - someone who can melt the hearts of us frozen Northeners with some of the same passion and appeal.
I see that this word has appeared out there in the wild, but not - as far as I can tell - in this specific context. So perhaps it will take off. If so, you can say you read it here first!
Bruce, The Musical is in the home stretch with only two more shows to go! This hybrid of political theatre and toe-tapping musical comedy/drama has been getting positive notices from the Courier,the Georgia Straight and the Sun - and we’ve been playing to packed houses every night! It’s been a total thrill and a lot of fun. This show is making a real connection with the community and I’m honoured to be a part of it!
For tickets, contact Theatre In the Raw at (604) 708-5448 or visit the Theatre in the Raw website where you can buy tickets via PayPal.
Want a taste of the music? Click below for a quick one-minute medley of songs from “Bruce”, as heard on our recent Co-op Radio appearance. If you have trouble with the link below, try this link. (The entire one-hour show can be heard here.)
Irish Musical Seeks Actors
My friend and fellow Applause! Musicals alumni Mary Clark has co-written a new musical, “Under the Hawthorn Tree” - and they’re looking for actors! They’re holding auditions on Wednesday, November 19th, at 7pm. This will be at First Lutheran Church, at East 42nd and Wales.
The show will run March 10 - 21 at the Havana Theatre. Auditions will consist of a cold read and singing songs from the show (which will be provided). Most roles have been cast but they are still looking for:
1 young woman (15 - 25)
1 boy (soprano, 10 -15)
1 young man (15 - 25)
1 woman (40 - 70, tall and/or slim)
1 man (40 - 70)
If you’re interested, please get in touch with them via e-mail at thetwomarys@gmail.com.
On Thursday, October 30, a bunch of cast members of Bruce, The Musical headed down to Co-op Radio, CFRO, in the heart of Downtown Eastside. We crowded into a radio studio, and recorded an hour-long show featuring half an hour’s excerpt from Act 1 of “Bruce”, including scenes and songs. That was followed by interviews with the cast and creators.
Now you can listen to the show, right here - thanks to the magic of the Internet. Click the arrow below to enjoy!
I’ve made a new home on Flickr for all my photos of “Bruce: The Musical”. They’re arranged by photo set. All new photo sessions will appear here for easy reference. Enjoy!
Incredibly, after surviving for almost 100 years, and after being the centerpiece of an amazing community-based restoration project that will help revitalize the Downtown Eastside, the Pantages Theatre is in grave danger of being demolished, due to a stunningly wrongheaded decision by City Council. Your emails and letters are VITAL at this dangerous juncture for a civic jewel.
Below is the letter I just sent to my personal mailing list, and as well, here is a CTV report that just aired yesterday outlining some of the history of the theatre.
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I write this with both sadness and great urgency, as I’ve been involved with the Pantages Theatre project in my own small way for some time.
After spending considerable money to hold and maintain the building and adjoining properties (necessary for a fully-functioning and modern theatre), the Pantages’ owner has been forced by the actions of City Council to put all of the properties up for sale. The FOR SALE signs are now posted. Barring a change from the city, it’s presumed that this irreplaceable heritage and community structure will be destroyed. Read the rest of this entry »
