The fifth annual Show-case of the Performing Arts (SOPA) raises the curtain once more Thursday, July 6, on a host of musical and dramatic events at the Heritage Playhouse in Gibsons for the entire month. July is traditionally a time that theatres are dark while audiences hit the beach, but the SOPA tradition is designed to offer people a chance to see mostly local talent in a one-of-a-kind evening and to raise funds for the community theatre.
In the past, the opening event was organized by musician Lyle Carter, who recently passed away. This year, the opening gala features Pender Harbour's Larrie Cook and the Blues Masters with their rocking blues, along with a skit presented by popular denizens of the theatre, the Driftwood Players. Wine and refreshments will help fans get in the gala mood. Joe Hatherill and members of the Sunshine Coast Community Orchestra will be putting together a Lyle Carter memorial concert program on Saturday, July 8, to remember Carter's contribution to SOPA over the years.Friday, July 7, features a unique blend of Latin, jazz and flamenco from De La Terra, a band from Vancouver. These guys really produce gorgeous sounds, according to those who heard them last year, with their jazz-infused rumba, flamenco and a dash of modern world beat.This group is fuelled by the passion of guitarist Doug Towle.
Graham Walker and the Barn Cats host the annual kids' concert on Sunday, July 9, at 2 p.m. while vocalist Karin Bergen and her quartet (Dan Richter, Al Burns, Boyd Norman) will call on special guest Walter Martella, trumpet and piano, from Powell River, to put on a jazz favourites show that same Sunday evening at 8 p.m.
On Wednesday, July 12, SOPA presents a dramatic reading of Grantham's Landing resident Mary Burns' new play Casting the Angel. It describes the relationship between four women who met as young actors. Now in their 50s, they must audition for the role of Hagar in The Stone Angel. Rivalries play out and the women realize the consequences of choices they once made. The reading, by five local actors, will help the play on its development. Also on the same program, Stand Up for Beethoven by David King is a hilarious, short narrative woven into the first movement of the maestro's Seventh Symphony. "My play is the entrée," says Burns, "while Stand Up for Beethoven is the dessert."
The musical group The Duttons, featuring Clay Hepburn and friends, will perform an eclectic mix of story and song on July 13, while nimble-fingered pianist Angela Johnson plays and sings from her latest original CD, World of Dreams, on July 14.
An accomplished group of players will appear in a special one-time-only Coast performance of Princess Ida, a full-scale Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. The Fraser Valley Stage Production Society started over 40 years ago as a ladies' chorale, and has grown in scope and professionalism. They specialize in the repertoire of the renowned British duo and have previously performed The Mikado in Ireland. After the SOPA performance they will be heading for Buxton, England, to give Princess Ida at a Gilbert and Sullivan festival. First performed in 1884, it's not one of the best-known musicals but is noted for its majestic score and wit. It satirizes controversial issues of the time: feminism, women's education and Darwinian evolution.
Tuesday, July 18, features the very musical Andrews brothers. Mark Andrews is now married and living in Toronto; he will be back on home turf briefly to perform on piano with brother Neal who will play trumpet and violin.
SOPA continues through July with a one night only (Wednesday, July 19) dramatic reading organized by local actress Marilyn Browning. She will read the part of Charlotte Whitton, former mayor of Ottawa and feminist role model, from a play by Sharon Bajer entitled Molly's Veil that reveals Whitton's secret love affair described in letters opened 25 years after her death.
"It was the play I always wanted to write," says Browning, who is from the Ottawa valley and remembers Whitton as a politician. "It has humour but it's also sad," she said.
July 20 offers an evening with singer Angie McCauley, and on Saturday, July 22, everyone's favourite group performs - the Coast String Fiddlers will appear with dancers from Belgium who they met while attending an international festival in Aberdeen. Cie Ph/f/ase dance group and local group DS Danse will combine in a special evening.
On July 27, playwright Jasing Louvel will see the world première of her original play Novel Attractions. Watch Coast Reporter for more on this show that will continue into August.
Tickets for all SOPA events are available at Hallmark Cards and Coast Books in Gibsons and Talewind Books in Sechelt. Admission varies from $25 for the gala on July 6 to $6 for the children's show on July 9. Many events are from $10 to $15. Most evening performances are at 8 p.m. except for several afternoon matinées. Pick up a schedule at local bookstores or at the theatre.
