K-W & Beyond

Intimate Apparel
at The Canadian Stage in Toronto

As Black History Month is being celebrated The Can Stage is presenting the Obsidian Theatre production of Intimate Apparel written by Lynn Nottage.

It is set in New York in 1905, when independent ambitious African American women were wishing for the better life. The

Raven Dauda as Esther & Kevin Hanchard as George [photo: David Hou - courtesy Canadian Stage Theatre]

central role of Esther, a seamstress, is played by Raven Dauda (and is she ever an accomplished actress!), - just turning 35 and dreaming of love, a husband and her own beauty shop. The landlady renting rooms to Esther and other working women is progressive, although realistic, and is played by Marium Carvell. Also in the cast is Mayme (Lisa

Carly Street as Mrs. Van Beuren & Raven Dauda as Esther [photo: David Hou - courtesy Canadian Stage Theatre]

Berry), a prostitute for whom Esther makes intimate apparel, Mrs.Van Buren (Carly Street), a client of Esther, Mr. Marks (Alex Poch-Goldin) who is really great as a Jewish merchant supplying Esther with needed fabrics and finally George (Kevin Hanchard) the love interest coming from Panama to be Esther’s husband.

The play is written and set in the African American environment; however, there is no racial issue, and it could easily be transported into a similar working class white neighbourhood. The issues of dreaming for love and marriage, planning for one’s own independence and business, mistaken intentions, being taken advantage of – all of these scenes so well acted in all details of body language and facial expressions, could be in any setting, black or white, early 20-th or for that matter 21-st century. The directing of Philip Akin and the acting – with special praise for Raven Dauda - is exquisite! A long standing ovation at the opening night was very much deserved.

Intimate Apparel is running till March 6^th, the web site is www.canadianstage.com or call 416-368-3110 for tickets. It is more than worth a drive to Toronto.

Jazz at the Registry Theatre – Kitchener

Again, like last winter, there are four concert jazz series booked at the Registry. The opening concert was Larry’s Jazz Guys, Larry being Larry Larson, a trumpet player from K-W Symphony, and a passionate jazz player besides - or is it K-W Symphony on the side?

Larry and His Guys played easy melodies like Yesterday, Tenderly, If I Fall in Love and less known Favela in a theatre full to capacity with the usual crowd of jazz lovers, the same faces keep turning again and again. There is no need to praise the quartet for their performance; they are well known and excellent as always. It was a wonderful winter break.

Three more jazz concerts coming: New Vibes Jazz Quartet on March 6^th, Top Pocket on April 9^th and Stealing Dan on May 29^th – this final concert is a tribute to jazz-rocker Steely Dan.

Lawrence McNaught, the manager of the Registry Theatre is doing a great job in keeping the theatre alive and the venues interesting. Thanks! Tickets are available at Centre in the Square box office or The Registry Theatre in person or by phone 519-745-6565.

Guelph Symphony Orchestra
at River Run Centre in Guelph

On February 14 – Valentines Day – Simon Irving presented his 4^th seasonal concert celebrating appropriately – love and romance. The program included Mozart’s Elvira Madigan and Warsaw Concerto by Richard Addinsell and excerpts from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, which was wonderfully “interpreted” by Clayton Scott, who not only told the story but also at times danced to the music. The orchestra is getting better and better every time I attend their concerts. Mr. Irving, with his comments, is an added pleasure and River Run Centre is an ideal place for such events.

One more concert of this season is scheduled for April and is titled Masterworks & More. It will be conducted by Kerry Stratton, quite an occasion for Guelph and vicinity; it will take place on April 11 at 3 pm. The program includes Schumann’s Fourth Symphony and Dvorak’s Cello Concerto. What a treat!

Tickets available at 519-763-3000 or on line www.guelphorchestra.ca.

K-W & Beyond

by Irena Syrokomla