Summer in the West End means two exciting events come to my doorstep: the four nights of the”Celebration of Light” fireworks shows, and topping the month off, the Pride Parade. This year was a special one for me, as for the first time since I moved up here, my Mom was in town during both these events and able to see in person what I had been raving about. This year’s parade was particularly special - not only was there a record crowd, but the overall vibe just seemed to be set to extra-joyous. There was a time I’d have told you I was getting a little jaded about the Pride Parade, but this year - maybe because of my special guest - it seemed even more fun than ever. 

Of course, the usual elements were all in place, without which it just isn’t a Pride Parade. I mentally checked them off in order as the procession went by: Read the rest of this entry »

Well, after 14 years of West End living, this was the first year I received not one, but two invitations to enjoy the annual fireworks extravaganza from a lofty vantage point. The highlight had to be the final night, when I viewed the show from a friend’s 15th-floor balcony directly across Beach Avenue from the fireworks barge. It was a remarkable perspective on the event and a real thrill. I’ve posted my best photos - have a look!

I’ve submitted the above photo to JPG Magazine under their category of “On Stage”. It’s a stage-eye view of one of the big group numbers from The Broadway Chorus show, “What Not To Wish”. No, we didn’t play to an empty house - this was taken during rehearsals!

To give this picture your thumbs-up and help it get selected for the next issue of JPG, just visit its page on the JPG Magazine website. Just takes a mere moment - I really appreciate your support.

Click here to vote!

Dancing Matt, who gained fame via the Net by dancing his way around the world, came to Vancouver last fall for some brand-new boogieing. I was there along with a crowd of fun-loving folks. Now, the video has finally been released. The Vancouver Sun even covered it, featuring a similar image to the one below on Page 1 - so I can legitimately say that my photo was front-page news! You just need to look reeeeally closely. (Sadly, the photo is not included in the online edition.)

I’ve done a low-tech version of Facebook tagging here and also pointed out my friend Jhayne Holmes - it was thanks to Jhayne’s blog that I learned about this event in the first place!

The entire video is at http://www.wherethehellismatt.com. Also check out my behind-the-scenes video report submitted at the time.

We’re mere days away from the 2008 Broadway Chorus show, “What Not To Wish - A Slightly Wicked Musical”!

This year’s production is a twisted fairy tale full of quirky characters, funny dialogue, extremely silly plot twists, and course great singing and choreography from a talented group of performers.

Will Edward, incompetent heir to the throne of Xanadu, escape the witches’ curse and figure out how to run a kingdom? Will Mildred, junior witch of the coven, succeed in her quest for spiritual enlightenment and true love? 

At “What Not To Wish” you’ll learn the answers to these questions, and also discover why everything’s better with monkeys!

Dates: June 18-21
Location: Waterfront Theatre, Granville Island
Time: 8:00 pm 

To reserve tickets e-mail ashley.lm@ubc.ca or call 778-322-7182. Tickets are $18/14. All shows begin at 8:00pm.

The Waterfront Theatre is located at 1412 Cartwright St. on Granville Island, beside the Kid’s Market; there is plenty of free parking after 7:00pm.

Coming up in just a few more weeks, it’s the annual musical-comedy extravaganza from The Broadway Chorus! Once again, a wacky plot and some very funny dialogue blend with some of Broadway’s best tunes to create a memorable and laugh-filled evening of theatre. Welcome to “What Not to Wish: A Slightly Wicked Musical”! Read the rest of this entry »