Classic story of magic, romance

Dancing is a skill that takes far too much dedication of the mind, body, and spirit and when I witness this type of movement to music, especially those who are classically trained, I am in awe.

One such company whose dedicated training to achieve exceptional levels of skill is Mission Dance Company in Kelowna. For the past 20 years since its inception, Artistic Director Tanya Vadurova-Bakala leads the dance programs and curriculum as well as directing the annual ballet productions for her dancers.

The company is currently on tour in Thompson-Nicola Regional District bringing the well-known classical Ballet, Swan Lake and Giselle, and this weekend the shows are in the Okanagan. Three performances in Kelowna, on June 10 and 11 at Rotary Centre for the Arts, 421 Cawston Ave. Saturday shows are 3 and 7:30 p.m. with a Sunday matinee only at 3 p.m. Visit their website for ticket links to purchase or to understand the company and their dedication to the arts through: missiondancecentre.com/ mission-dance-company-swanlake/

Swan Lake is a classic romantic story of magic, romance, betrayal, forgiveness, purity and love. The costumes are gorgeous, and the dancing sublime. The show will also land in Vernon on June 24, at Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre, 3800 33 St. Tickets at ticketseller.ca/ tickets/event/swan-lake

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Big Apple Productions presents Cabaret the Musical to the Vernon stage from June 7 – 17 under the direction of Neal Facey and musical director, Melina Schein. The show also features a live seven-piece band and all the sexy lyrics and songs that go along with the show.

This is the fourth time this musical has been presented in the Okanagan, that opened on Broadway in 1966.

Each company seems to create a special signature tone to their production and I’m curious to find out what will set this one apart from the others. The book is by Joe Masteroff and based on the play by John Van Druten and the stories by Christopher Isherwood.

The music is by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. I am sure by now this storyline is well known and its setting at the twilight of the Jazz Age in Berlin, when the emerging Nazi party is growing stronger. Much of the action is at The Kit Kat Klub, a seedy cabaret, and a place of decadent celebration where one can relax, loosen up, and be yourself.

This show contains mature subject matter, explicit language, sexual themes, violence, and partial nudity. Parental discretion is heavily advised. Tickets are $50 through ticketseller.ca

The performances will be at Powerhouse Theatre, 2901 35 Ave., in Vernon. Shows are at 7 p.m.

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Rhindress Duo perform at The Vibrant Vine, 3240 Pooley Rd. on June 10, from 1-4 p.m. This loving musical couple who are fresh off the heels of a successful album launch and full band performances are pairing down to the basics of what made the magic and playing as a duo, their original material as well as fan favourites. $5 admission at the gate.

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As most of my dedicated readers already know, I am the lead female in Andrew Lloyd Webbers Sunset Boulevard which is currently in performance at Kelowna Actors studio. I play Norma Desmond, an emotionally draining and vocally challenging role for me especially because the other lead characters are so strong. The character Max, Norma’s butler amongst other things which are revealed throughout the timeline of the show, is truly infatuated by Norma and his deep unconditional love and devotion allows the audience to believe that Norma, in spite of her crippling lack of self-awareness, is worthy of love.

Mark Wells performs this character to perfection. His stance, the way he presents his dialogue in monotone mannerisms creating a haunted aura around him and when he sings, you are fully captivated. Behind the scenes he is lighthearted, loving, loves to croquet little animal characters, but is extremely professional when work needs to be done.

Wells is a sought-after performer for these reasons and you can follow him performing with Opera Kelowna in their upcoming mainstage production of Così fan tutte happening Aug. 18-19 at the Kelowna Community Theatre.

The lead male character in this production is Joe Gillis, a writer pursuing a screenwriting career in Hollywood. Gillis is on the verge of being cynical about the business, he is broke and desperate to earn some money and is motivated into a ghostwriting job for Norma out of pure necessity, which then develop into something more.

Josh Richardson plays this part with an efficient air that transcends his young years of merely 22! Richardson masterfully executes his lines, blocking, gestures perfectly – there is no second guessing with him. I play along side of him and I can improvise my characters movement more because I know Josh won’t stray from what he has already cemented into play for his character. Astutely professional and his strong melodic vocals continue to blow me away becaue of the confidence he exudes at such a young age.

Richardson is already cast as Danny Zuko in Grease which runs from

Aug. 3 – 12 at the Kelowna Community Theatre, 1375 Water St.

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Sunset Boulevard runs until June 18 with ‘Dinner Theatre’ and ‘Show Only’ options available – call the box office at 250-862-2867 or visit the website at: KelownaActorsStudio.com

Show is at Kelowna Actors Studio, 1379 Ellis St., Kelowna.