Stage West Calgary - "80's Solid Gold 2"

80's Solid Gold 2

Stage West Calgary

until Feb 7, 2016

The Saturday Morning 

"Somebody-Asked-Me-To, So Here-I-Go" Review:

"80's Solid Gold 2"

(at Stage West Calgary until Feb. 7, 2016) 

Who says sequel's are bound to disappoint? 

Filled with razor-sharp humour, and sight gags that even take a bit of time to manifest before you crack up at their ingenuity, "80's Solid Gold 2" at Stage West Calgary is set to become another favourite for the run it will enjoy now and on into the new year.

Casting. 

Man, casting makes these shows tick, and in the case of the sequel that includes a broad selection of musical tracks from the era, there are so many that are sure to find a wide enough array of styles to appeal broadly to most audiences, and then some. 

Well, and the actual cast too - many returning after absences, some lingering almost long enough at Stage West that they are just about needing to update their driver's licence information, and some new faces. 

All in all, they get to represent most of the successful and significant songs of the decade that offered possibly the most diverse and innovative sounds in musical history.

As usual, I have to hold back much of my commentary for the official Calgary Herald review I'll be putting together as soon as I post this one (link as soon as that is live to share!).

However, I can tease you with just a few of the names that get showcased in fine form here:

Don Henley, Bryan Adams, The B-52's, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, rockers AC/DC, Van Halen, and Bon Jovi...the list is extensive, and there is little to disappoint with how their songs are re-imagined, or respectfully recreated over the two acts.

Effective use of stage-length video screens (this was the era of MTV and Much Music after all), some of the best costumes for a revue, and bang-on choreography had tables around me entirely caught up in the experience for the media night presentation. 

Again, as soon as that official Calgary Herald review goes live, I'll post a new link to direct you there. 

In the meantime, enjoy a sumptuous holiday dinner along with this upbeat, terribly fun sequel to 80's Solid Gold.

4 out of 5 stars...

(All photos courtesy Stage West Calgary...)

My latest humour column - Snowman Weight Loss Program

In my latest REM column, I wonder how those often husky-looking snowmen might try losing a few pounds.

Read all about that here!

Enjoy...

Later!

All My Life's A Circle...

Funny how life is.

After spending years writing with a scattergun approach,  across a wide variety of spectrums and publications, my determination back in May to focus on blues, folk and roots music has taken me right back home, literally with respect to the Canadian market, and figuratively. My first professional writing credit was for the music business back in Winnipeg in 19xxxxxxxxxxx.......mumble mumble...

Today I'm getting re-tweeted and Facebooked all across the country thanks to a good decision, and good people that continue to support me.

Check out today's online feature, and thanks everyone for helping me find my way, despite my own best efforts to remain lost in the crowd.

Mercredi Beaucoup....

Later!

What's Happening, Calgary?

It feels like forever since I've posted something new here, so maybe it's time to link to a few pieces I've had run lately in my online Calgary Herald space.

How about a preview of Rosie & The Riveters/Steve Seskin, tonight at The Calgary Folk Club?

Read that here!

You may have missed Winnipeg's Red Moon Road at the Ironwood Stage & Grill earlier this week, but you can get a big jump on their January 2016 appearance at that very same Calgary Folk Club mentioned earlier - btw, the companion podcast is a hoot regardless of your availability to see the show...

Read that here!

I caught Vancouver's The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer in Bragg Creek a week or so ago, but it was even more fun chatting with Harpoonist Shawn Hall before their show. Don't miss the companion podcast!

Read that here!

Man, all this typing....

Why don't I just link you to my online Calgary Herald space??

Read that here!!! 

Why, there's a veritable WEALTH of interesting reading there!

Enjoy!!

Later...

Steve Hill Coming Back To Calgary

I talked to blues rocker Steve Hill back in June, ahead of his show at the Ironwood Stage and Grill, which I then made sure to attend.

Glad I did, he was absolutely amazing live - between his deep, urgent rhythms that straddle traditional blues and classic rock, there was that image of him whacking away at a cymbal with the drum stick attached to the head of his guitar - the only word that sufficiently describes the experience is "intense".

Here's a link to the podcast interview from back then.

This was the preview feature online in The Calgary Herald, and this was the followup after seeing him live.

Don't miss out - get your tickets for Steve Hill TODAY!

Later...

Growing Up Canadian - Street Hockey Memories

This is my latest real estate column, but it's more about the quintessential rite of passage for many Canadian kids. Back when I was this age, it would have been a predominantly male endeavour.

Read the piece here...

Enjoy!

Two Days Ago, John Lennon Would Have Turned 75...

My piece from yesterday's online Calgary Herald, which has already been linked online at Topix.com, Scoopnest.com, Entertainment 24x7, The Edmonton Journal, The Windsor Star, Canada.com, The Montreal Gazette, Saskatoon Star Phoenix, MSN.com, Vancouver Province - among others

Make sure you leave your own mark before your time is up...

"Create YOUR Legacy For A Better World - Lennon At 75"

Finding the "Perfect"House - my latest humour column for REM

Finding the just-perfect home is hard, especially if one house is too hard, and the other is just too soft...

Read it here!

Enjoy!

Later...

Dennis Ellsworth & The 24th Street Wailers - In Pictures

Meanwhile, over at my OTHER blog...

Click here to view

Legendary Songwriter Don McLean, Calgary

Don McLean

Chrome Showroom

Calgary

My takeaway from seeing this iconic singer songwriter last night has to be how he has chosen to live the life he wants to live, which may have cost him somewhat in his career.

That seems like small potatoes, given that he remarked he's been touring now for 47 years, and has made a bunch of money from artists covering his songs - I'm sure he's done pretty well with his own interpretations of those tracks as well :-)

Which is all to say that it made his show even more remarkable that I had anticipated, and even more special given that he does not confine himself to a pre-determined set list, rather just sharing his own songs and those that have inspired him along the way.

Last night we were treated to songs by other iconic singer songwriters going back as far as Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison, to Elvis and Marty Robbins and more. His take on the classic story song El Paso was every bit as engaging as the original, almost going so far as to make it his own. 

That said, he shared his pride and preference for Elvis' cover of his own gorgeous And I Love You So, which sounded just fine in his own rich voice, which was up to full par for the two hours he stuck around, including a lengthy three song encore.

Along the way, there were many familiar songs (his hit cover of Orbison's Crying), and lesser known album cuts like Crossroads and King Of Fools - which I will have to track down now...

Of course, he is blessed or cursed with American Pie, which despite my having seen easily hundreds of amateurs and lounge acts play repeatedly over the years was nothing short of ASTOUNDING when he launched into an extended version that was heavy on sing-a-long participation. The whole night was filled with that, by request of the man himself - he often sat alone with his guitar or accompanied by piano to make the showroom an intimate space.

Vincent (Starry Starry night) during his encore brought about as enthusiastic reaction as did American Pie. Not all his output has equaled some of those monster successes, but there was not a single moment last night that felt like padding or a misfire. 

That's exactly why he will continue to fill rooms wherever he chooses to play, and we're fortunate that last night was here in our town...

Stage West Calgary's "The Wedding Singer"

Stage West Calgary 

"The Wedding Singer"

Sept 4 - Nov 8

Courtesy Stage West Calgary

Stage West Calgary Presents 

"The Wedding Singer"

(based on the New Line Cinema film)

And there you have it - the latest season at Stage West Calgary opens, and explodes off the stage in their uproarious presentation of the Broadway production based on Adam Sandler's comedy hit film "The Wedding Singer". 

Filled with vastly likeable and talented actors, there is never a dull moment in this love story that overcomes the odds!

As always, I have to hold back content here for my upcoming (official) Calgary Herald review, but in this preview review, I suppose I will set the tone for what is to come there - mainly a glowing endorsement for audiences to get on over to the facility and settle in for the ride. 

It's the most fun you'll have in a seat!

Courtesy Stage West Calgary

Bringing back some familiar faces, and introducing some new talent to SWC audiences, "The Wedding Singer" tackles a typical Hollywood love story - I'm not giving anything away by saying all's well that ends well, love will find a way, true love wins - you know the drill...

The winning combination for this show is the exceptional writing, exciting choreography, and a chance for almost every member of this well-cast group of actors to either solicit a laugh, or steal a scene. 

As likeable as both lead actors are (Elicia MacKenzie, Aidan Desalaiz - they are both way beyond likeable, really), they are constantly getting upstaged by supporting roles that have been fleshed out for maximum effect by this book's dialogue and comic situations.

A petite powerhouse, a lady-adverse keyboard player, a big lug with a mullet, an ex-girlfriend with big hair and a bigger voice - there's just so much to like about this comic take on relationships set in New Jersey in 1985. If you've seen the movie, you'll have a general idea of the story, but this production is almost even sweeter than the source material - directly smoothly and surely by regular contributor to Stage West Timothy French. 

Courtesy Stage West Calgary

        Well, I had better wrap this recap up - I've got my newspaper review to write. I will name names. I will provide even more incentive for you to go see this show.

I will give it a hearty 5 out of 5 stars...

Link to be posted here when that is ready for your viewing pleasure - this show is already ready for that.

Stage West Calgary

 

 

Latest Interview & Feature: Singer/Songwriter Dennis Ellsworth

Just gone live now in my Calgary Herald space online - an interview and podcast-enhanced feature with PEI musician Dennis Ellsworth, ahead of his upcoming album release.

Read the piece here, and there are links in there that will take you to a music video, as well as my podcast :-)

Enjoy!

Later... 

Latest Humour Column

My latest REM column is live online now - all about how to tell if you are a writer!

Click here to read it!

Summertime Open Houses - my latest real estate humour column...

Back when I was still selling real estate, my summer weekends weren't spent enjoying BBQ's and beer - I was most often sitting in a home for three hours.

But why?

NOW I come up with better options - doh!

Read my latest REM column here!

Enjoy!

Later...

Brock Zeman, At The Ironwood

Review of new CD to follow, but 

CLICK HERE

to get to my photo slideshow from Brock Zeman, Blair Hogan, and The Northwest Passage live at The Ironwood Stage & Grill Tuesday night...

Later!

Songwriter Due To Hit Ironwood Stage Next Week - Brock Zeman

Can't wait for this one - his latest album is stellar, and I can't wait to see his music come to life onstage!

Read the feature in my online Calgary Herald space, and click on the link to listen to the full audio interview....

Enjoy!

Later... 

For The Birds - my latest humour column...

You don't even have to say "based on a true story". You really can't make this sort of stuff up.

But you can exaggerate how things unfolded a wee bit...

My latest REM column, a feathery tale of me versus nature - any guesses who wins??

Enjoy!

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Interviews: Stage West Calgary's "Rumours & Dreams A Look Back At Fleetwood Mac"

I sat down with Randy Johnson (co-creator, director) and Stephan Dickson (choreographer) for Stage West Calgary's latest musical revue - read the feature here!

Includes a full video link to the interview as well...

Enjoy!

Later...

Stage West Calgary presents "Rumours & Dreams" - A Look Back At Fleetwood Mac

Stage West Calgary

"Rumours and Dreams - A Look Back At Fleetwood Mac"

(playing June 25 - August 30, 2015)

photo courtesy Stage West Calgary

I should precede this review by stressing that Stage West Calgary's latest ensemble musical revue is just that, a theatre-styled retrospective with a slender storyline that unites the musical numbers. It is NOT a Fleetwood Mac cover band show in any way, shape or form, which is pretty obvious once the lights come up onstage.

As a matter of fact, this revue show touches on the music of other influential bands as well, those that had immediate connections to the band - such as Jefferson Airplane and Heart. Those connections are discussed by the show's co-creator Randy Johnson, in a video interview and feature that will appear online in my Calgary Herald space over the next day or so. My official Herald review will appear there soon as well.

This Fleetwood Mac production occasionally mirrors the band itself - explosive power, subdued and delicate melodies, and a few misfires. It is ironic that as a bit of an overture, the show starts both acts with Tusk - a song from that double album of the same name. Despite achieving sales and chart hits that would make it a runaway success in this current fragile music era, it was considered by many critics to be a self-indulgent flop. Personally, I love the song, and always love to hear those drums and recurring chant, so I wasn't among those in that camp. 

However, it is a pretty accurate reflection here. This cast is composed of so many talented singers that have helped propel productions here before -  like Katie Beetham, the award-winning powerhouse star Lady Of The Lake from the just-closed Spamalot. 

Add in Aurianna Angelique (Love Train), Andrew McGillivray and Brent Thiessen (80's Solid Gold), plus Nikki Ponte, marking her second Stage West show during The Calgary Stampede (Uptown Country Girls) as some of the familiar faces that are back. Each of those singers and actors have moments here that sparkle, especially in some of the re-imagined versions of these iconic songs.

It is that statement, in how these songs are so iconic, that there are a few stumbles. If you've grown up wearing out those albums, then the cds that replaced those, it may be that you have a certain expectation of those tracks, as they were recorded and cherished.  But that said, it's not enough to discourage you from being in the seats there to hear the standouts, of which there are many. Never mind the always stellar house band, led by the musical director Konrad Pluta.

A slow start, a few meanderings that mirror the band's career in a spooky sort of way, but overall, the effort has more shine than a gold or platinum record. 

3.5 of 5 stars

Rumours And Dreams - a look back at Fleetwood Mac runs at Stage West Calgary 

June 25 - August 30, 2015

I will post links soon to that video interview with co-creator and director Randy Johnson, and choreographer Stephan Dickson, there's some great commentary on the show and their careers as well.

And check back as well for my official Calgary Herald review!

photo courtesy Stage West Calgary

The Calgary Stampede's "Canadian Classic" Grandstand Show

What an amazing job the folks organizing this year's show have done!

Read my review for The Calgary Herald here.

Get out there and get your Stampede on!!

Later...