Port Theatre - Spotlight 2016-17 Booklet

2IP 016-2017 SEASONPHLLOTP spotlight SERIES presented by:O

Serving you better...ChemicalSensitivity- Some patrons have serious allergies to strong fragrances, forcing themPL OTPLHGto leave the theatre. In consideration for those seated around you, please refrain from wearingperfume, aftershave or other scented products.Latecomers - Out of respect for your fellow patrons and our performers, latecomers will beseated in available seats in the back of the concert hall. At a suitable break in the performance,we can get you to your assigned seats.Babes-in-arms - Babes-in-arms are not permitted for adult performances. Please check withSthe Ticket Centre regarding specific event restrictions.Electronic Devices - As a courtesy to performers and your fellow patrons, please turn offcellular phones and personal entertainment devices. The use of any type of audio or visualPIrecordingisstrictlyprohibited.Parking - Conveniently located beside the theatre, the most ideal parking is in the HarbourFront Underground Parkade. The cost is 75 cents per hour for the first two hours, and then $1 foreach additional hour. Other options include the Bastion parkade and VICC parkade, both withina block of the theatre. The parkades can get very busy before sold-out events so remember toallow for extra time.

HGT ...at The Port Theatre Accessibility - We are committed to increasing access to live theatre for all audiences. Services available providing support for patrons include: hearing assistance devices, bariatric chairs, complimentary in-house wheelchairs and over 28 wheelchair accessible seating options. Patrons requiring the use of these services are asked to inform the Ticket Centre at the time of purchasing a ticket. Audience Services Desk - Located in the centre of the main lobby, our friendly volunteers will assist you with coat check, snacks, refreshments, booster seats, and complimentary wheelchairs. Audience Services also houses a first aid station and our lost-and-found centre. Licensed Bar Service - Before the show, enjoy our highly popular Pre-Order Service so that your drink is ready for you at the beginning of intermission. We feature international and VQA wines available by the glass or bottle and a selection of domestic and imported beers and ciders. Or celebrate by sharing a small bottle of bubbly, delicious Prosecco. We offer an ATM in the lobby.

Welcome to the 2016-17 Spotlight Season! Let's celebrate and embrace our national diversity—both artistic and cultural. This season is one of two tales… One of renowned and spectacular main stage performances from artists you recognize, celebrate and who have captured our national imagination. It is also a tale of emerging artists—the incredible talents who are mastering intimate traditional and unconventional spaces, sparking new conversations, and captivating audiences with smart and edgy content. This is indeed a season of two tales… but they come together to tell one epic story of Canada's diverse artistic and cultural identity. I invite you to come along with us as we celebrate our country's 150th birthday through the presentation of culturally significant acts from coast to coast to coast. I'll save you a seat. Bruce Halliday General Manager, The Port Theatre Society2

President's Message Membership has PerksIt is with great pride that I welcome you to our 2016-17 For as little as $25 a Year - An annual membership to The Port Theatre Society offersSpotlight Season! The Port Theatre will be alive with you discounts on Spotlight Season shows, advance notice each time any new showspectacular performances you will remember and treasure. goes on sale, advance purchasing of hot ticket events, plus a host of other benefits.Fred Jacklin, Board President www.porttheatre.com/membershipStart Saving Today! 2 performances 5% off 3 performances 10% offWith Spotlight Plus, you can enjoy more shows, more discounts and more affordable fun 4 performances 15% offwhen you purchase adult or member tickets for two or more Port Theatre Spotlight Series 5 performances 20% offmain stage performances. With savings this good, it's no wonder it all adds up. 6 performances 25% off Buy Tickets Ticket Centre Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-5:30pm, Saturday 12-5pm & 2 hours prior to showtimes - check website for summer hours.www.porttheatre.com/spotlight or Call 250-754-8550 *All prices include CDF but not order fees 3

Make it a night on the town… Visit one of our extraordinary downtown sponsor restaurants and breweries before the show. ASTERAS GREEK TAVERNA This authentic Greek The place to go for Home of Nanaimo's only Award winning eatery Enjoy locally inspired, restaurant is known for delicious Mexican food wood-fired oven. From offers a variety of classic carefully crafted beer, its traditional, delicious in downtown Nanaimo. dough to sauces, meats Thai cuisine using the brewed on-site from foods, warm Greek Experience premium to pastas, everything is freshest ingredients, the grain to glass at this atmosphere and a focus seafood, fish tacos, made in-house using the finest cuts of meats and downtown taproom. on excellent service. chicken chipotle and freshest ingredients. authentic Thai spices vegetarian cuisine. and herbs. whitesailsbrewing.com asteras.ca lastellatrattoria.ca ginasmexicancafe.ca sukkhothai.ca4

what’s inside! p6 OFFstage Theatre Series - 8pm p14 International Guitar Night spotlight Tuesday, October 4, 2016 • Friday, November 11, 2016 Sunday, January 22, 2017 - 7:30pm SERIES Tuesday, March 14, 2017 • Tuesday, April 11, 2017 2016/17 SEASON p15 Les 7 Doigts p8 Classical Coffee Concert Series Tuesday & Wednesday, Intimate Lobby Performances - Tuesdays at 10:30am January 31 & February 1, 2017 - 7:30pm Oct 18, Nov 15, Feb 7, Mar 21 p16 Santee Smith and Cris Derksen p9 Fred Penner Friday, February 3, 2017 - 7:30pm Saturday, October 29, 2016 - 2:30pm p17 Sarah Hagen Solo Piano Concert p10 Montréal Guitare Trio Tuesday, February 21, 2017 - 7:30pm Wednesday, November 2, 2016 - 7:30pm p18 Kiran Ahluwalia p11 Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery By Ken Ludwig Wednesday, March 1, 2017 - 7:30pm Tuesday & Wednesday, November 15 & 16, 2016 - 7:30pm p19 Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de p12 Buffy Sainte-Marie A Rare Solo Performance Montréal: Minus One Sunday, November 20, 2016 - 8:00pm Wednesday, April 5, 2017 - 7:30pm p13 Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet: Nutcracker p20 DakhaBrakha Monday & Tuesday, December 5 & 6, 2016 - 7:30pm Wednesday, April 19, 2017 - 7:30pm

in partnership with:daring - edgy - boldIntimate,JeovinocuastibveefolorbewbtiyhthethtsehhaeotwVreafuoslertrdCieraisfn…éksstaanrtdintrgeaatts7pmA storytelling show by Brent Hirose “Plays with your A monologue by Brendan McLeod “It's soulful, heartfelt theatreTuesday, October 4, 2016 – 8pm heartstrings…FOUR STARS.” Friday, November 11, 2016 - 8pm that is moving and challenging, skillfully crafted and entertaining.” Filipino Journal Plank Magazine In 1942 the Canadian government forcibly relocated Japanese Canadians living on the A hilarious, heartbreaking monologue about consciousness, mental illness west coast to the Canadian interior. Those displaced included Brent's grandparents, and friendship from award-winning novelist and former Canadian SLAM who eventually settled in Winnipeg. Seventy years later, Brent moved from Winnipeg poetry champion Brendan McLeod. Brain maps Brendan's experiences with to Vancouver and came face-to-face with the legacy of his grandparents and the obsessive compulsive disorder: from a teenager struggling to understand his history they left behind. Winner of the 2012 Winnipeg Fringe Best of Fest. obsessions to an adult battling psychosis. This upbeat, intense comedy6 explores what it's really like to lose your mind.

sponsors: Tickets adults $25 eyeGO Stay for Post-Show members $22 ONLY $5 Chats and drinks after students $15 4 pack $86 each performanceWritten by Sydney Hayduk and “…hits the sweet spot between Written and performed by Ivan Coyote “... A natural-bornElsa Reesor-Taylor stinging social commentary Tuesday, April 11, 2017 – 8pm storyteller.”Performed by Sydney Hayduk and whimsical storytelling” Globe & MailTuesday, March 14, 2017 – 8pm Winnipeg Free PressWhen Charlie, a 20-something social media consultant, spots a sign posted Award-winning writer and performer Ivan Coyote delivers a heartfelt andto a nearby telephone pole which reads “Would you like a chance to heartbreaking show that opens with the death of a beloved matriarch, anddisappear,” she is transported into the depths of a hive-shaped Village. This touches on subjects like the dynamics of small town big families and beingvulnerable, angsty and passionate piece is performed by Sydney Hayduk, a an ex-Catholic queer. Ivan's performance leaves us all asking ourselves whatVancouver based, self-produced, self-directed powerhouse known for we truly inherit from the blood that runs in our veins. Ivan will be joined bycrafting messages modeled around empathy, vulnerability and love. singer-songwriter, record producer and multi-instrumentalist Jon Wood. 7

October 2016 – March 2017, Tuesdays at 10:30amIntimate Lobby Performances – Oct 18, Nov 15, Feb 7, Mar 21Classical Coffee Concert SeriesJoin us for the Bergmann Piano Duo's dynamic and energetic performances. Elizabeth and MarcelBergmann's eclectic programmes have inspired audiences for more than two decades, and thisseason they present some of their favourite piano duets. They open the series with the well-loved music for piano with four hands with select pieces by Dvorak and Rachmaninoff. Thevirtuosic duo will also collaborate with special guests: Beth Root Sandvoss (cello), Rod ThomasSquance (percussion). Complete with coffee and treats, the Classical Coffee Concerts are awonderful start to your morning!“Always adventurous, the married couple combines virtuosic dedication with theinstincts of professional entertainers who love their music.” Showtime MagazineTickets adults $27.50 members $24.50 students $15 eyeGO8 4-pack $96 ONLY $5

tboeJfmooo1war:iienk3nnet0cth-ayhue2ote:uses1lhroa5obvrpwsebm!ryy Saturday, October 29, 2016 - 2:30pm Co-presented with: Fred Penner JUNO award-winner and beloved family entertainer, Fred Penner brings 25 years of commitment, consistency and depth to his performance. Fred is a musical master and has an undeniable ability to make you feel good about yourself. He is always conscious of the “delicate balance required tocreate a positive influence that fosters healthy self-esteem in the life of a child”, infusing his work with asteadfast commitment to communicating with children and families in a clear, non-condescending way. He has truly established himself as a fundamental part of Canadian family entertainment.Co-presenting sponsor: “Fred Penner is as culturally relevant today as he's ever been.” Winnipeg Free Press Community Partner Tickets adults $32 members $28 spotlight SERIES students $15 eyeGO 9 ONLY $5 spotlight plus p.3

Wednesday, November 2, 2016 - 7:30pm Pre-Show Chat: 6:45pm in Harmac Room Montréal Guitare Trio Described by the CBC as the \"hottest\" guitar ensemble in Canada, MG3 has established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. For over 15 years, the award-winning trio's creativity and dynamic stage presence have been winning applause around the world. Marc Morin, Sébastien Dufour and Glenn Lévesque marry passionate virtuosity with a stealthy sense of humour. Their eclectic and energetic programme includes a spectacular mix of rearranged classical pieces, well known covers adapted for three guitars, original compositions, jazz numbers and world music discoveries. “…simply stunning artistry.” Calgary Herald Tickets adults $42 members $38 students $15 eyeGO10 spotlight plus p.3 ONLY $5

Tuesday & Wednesday, November 15 & 16, 2016 - 7:30pm Co-presented with:Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery An Arts Club Theatre Company Production - By Ken LudwigGet your deerstalker cap on—the play's afoot! From the award-winning mastermind of mayhem, Ken Ludwig, comes a fast-paced comedy about everyone's favourite detective solving his most notorious case. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson must crack the mystery of The Hound of the Baskervilles before a family curse dooms its newest heir. Watch as five actors play over 40comical characters, filling the stage with suspects, allies, and heirs in this zany whodunit based on the Arthur Conan Doyle classic. This hilarious thriller is anything but elementary! A fast-paced farcical adventure!co-presenting sponsor: Tickets adults $42 members $38 spotlight SERIES students $15 eyeGO 11 ONLY $5 spotlight plus p.3

Sunday, November 20, 2016 - 8:00pmBuffy Sainte-MarieA Rare Solo PerformanceLegendary singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie is supporting her bold new album, Power in theBlood, in this solo show. “Life is precious, diverse and worth protecting” has long been multi-award winner Buffy's inspiration, and her messages resonate with new audiences and loyal fansalike. Winner of the 2015 Polaris Music Prize, Power in the Blood is as eclectic and exciting as ever,and includes a contemporary version of her debut hit “It's My Way” whose lyrics about the road toself-identity are as valid today as they were 50 years ago. As always, Buffy's music transcendsgenres and the chameleon artist showcases her inspiring creativity and unique talents.“…Power In The Blood is a masterpiece in a storied career.” Exclaimadults $52Tickets THE Community GRAND Partnersmembers $48 NANAIMO COAST SALISH INSURANCEstudents $15 eyeGO12 spotlight plus p.3 ONLY $5

Monday & Tuesday, December 5 & 6, 2016 - 7:30pm Pre-Show Chats: 6:45pm in Harmac Room Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet Nutcracker As midnight strikes, young Clara's enchanted Christmas gift leads her into a wondrous world.With the valiant Nutcracker by her side, Clara defeats the Mouse King and his army of mice and journeys to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. Royal Winnipeg Ballet's acclaimedproduction of Nutcracker is a sheer delight, and features endearing Canadian scenes such as a snowy pond hockey game and a battle on Parliament Hill. This year's production will be even more heart-warming with the addition of twelve white furry friends! Join us for a wondrous adventure this holiday season, danced to Tchaikovsky's timeless score. “…Picture perfect.” The Georgia Straight Tickets adults $68Solace members $64 spotlight wellness centre SERIES students $25 13 spotlight plus p.3 Background photo by Réjean Brandt Photography, Dancer Samara Rittinger

Sunday, January 22, 2017 – 7:30pm Pre-Show Chat: 6:45pm in Harmac Room International Guitar Night The ever popular International Guitar Night (IGN) brings together the world's foremost acoustic guitarists to perform their latest original compositions and exchange musical ideas in a public concert setting. Legendary Gypsy Jazz master, Lulo Reinhardt hosts and performs with a new cast of guitar luminaries: Italy's innovative contemporary guitarist Luca Stricagnoli; brilliant young Brazilian composer/performer Chrystian Dozza, and India's ground-breaking slide guitarist Debashish Bhattacharya. Join us for a special evening of solos, duets and quartets that highlight the virtuosity and diversity within the world of acoustic guitar. “Fiery acoustic extravaganza.” Guitar World Tickets adults $42 members $38 students $15 eyeGO14 spotlight plus p.3 ONLY $5

VJaoIninncsoCt6uiutt:vl4huVei5entIreUpaLImrosoylfbaibnnyd, Tuesday & Wednesday, January 31 & February 1, 2017 – 7:30pm Pre-Show Chats: 7pm in the Theatre Les 7 Doigts Cuisine & Confessions This fabulous familial piece is an exciting recipe of acrobatics, dance, spoken word, theatre,comedy… and cooking show that takes us through time and around the world. The iconic kitchenis our common meeting point where every sense is explored: the eye-popping sight of acrobatic choreography; the sound of pulsating music; the feel of hands in batter; the scent of bakingcookies; the taste of roasted oregano. This spectacular immersive performance shows us that the best recipes sometimes contain the most unexpected combination of ingredients.“An infallible circus-dance-theatre-rock recipe that brings us right back to ourco-presenting sponsor: hearts while warming our stomachs!” Le Monde, Rosita Boisseau Tickets adults $52 members $48 spotlight SERIES students $25 15 spotlight plus p.3

Friday, February 3, 2017 – 7:30pm Pre-Show Chat: 6:45pm in Harmac Room Kaha:wi Dance Theatre presents Santee Smith in NeoIndigenA This captivating solo piece beautifully fuses Indigenous and contemporary dance while exploring our relationship to all living entities and elements. NeoIndigenA is an elemental search that fiercely cycles through the sacred portals between Skyworld, Earthworld and Underworld. This piece promises to be both transcendent and primordial. Cris Derksen JUNO nominee Cris Derksen is a cellist and composer known for building layers of sound into captivating performances. Her music braids the traditional and contemporary in multiple dimensions, weaving her classical training and her Aboriginal ancestry with new school electronics, creating genre defying music. Cris will be performing with a percussionist and a hoop dancer. Presented in Partnership with Crimson Coast Dance Society Tickets adults $32 Community Partners members $28 students $15 eyeGO16 Cris Derksens' photo: Nadya Kwandibens spotlight plus p.3 ONLY $5

Tuesday, February 21, 2017 – 7:30pm Post-Show Chat in the Theatre Sarah Hagen Solo Piano Concert Presented in Partnership with the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music Acclaimed classical pianist Sarah Hagen has wowed audiences in concert halls and over the airwavesthroughout North America and Europe. After five extremely successful years hosting our Classical Coffee Concert Series, Sarah returns for an exquisite solo piano concert. Known for interpretations that exude passion and expressiveness, Sarah is performing Rachmaninoff's complete Preludes Opus 32, a powerful, undiluted set ofthirteen preludes composed in 1910. Rarely performed as a complete set, Sarah takes listeners on an intensively beautiful musical journey. This incredible show is 90 minutes of music and insightful artist talk back.“…the level of passion that Hagen possesses — when it comes to experiencing, interpreting and expressing art — is something quite extraordinary.” The Guardian (Charlottetown)Tickets adults $32 members $28 spotlight SERIES students $15 eyeGO 17 ONLY $5 spotlight plus p.3

Wednesday, March 1, 2017 – 7:30pm Pre-Show Chat: 6:45pm in Harmac Room Kiran Ahluwalia JUNO award-winning artist Kiran Ahluwalia is a unique, inspiring performer whose legion of fans grows with every performance. Kiran's beautiful hybrid of Indian and Pakistani grooves, Saharan blues and Western Jazz shows us that borders are meaningless—in the heart, or on the stage. With her 5-piece group of electric and acoustic guitar, harmonium, tabla and electric bass, Kiran creates boundary-breaking songs inviting us to explore the human condition, transcending the self by losing ourselves in love. Love, in all its shades, is at the centre of Kiran's captivating music. “…an evening of fascinating, newly revealed music.” Los Angeles Times Tickets adults $42 members $38 students $15 eyeGO18 spotlight plus p.3 ONLY $5 Photo Credits: SahibaKaurChawla and George Whiteside

Wednesday, April 5, 2017 – 7:30pm Pre-Show Chat: 6:45pm in Harmac Room Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal: Minus One Creative, innovative and bold, Les Grands Ballets has been wowing audiences for 60 years. Minus One is acomplex and finely chiselled piece set to a propulsive soundtrack that alternates between traditional and popsongs, baroque pieces, world rhythms and original compositions. With dazzling speed, 35 dancers jump andspin, pausing to give way to slower hypnotic moves, before coming full circle to explosive expressiveness. Inthis festive atmosphere, the dancers abandon themselves joyously to the dance, their gestures by turns bold, merry, contemplative, graceful, agile and humourous… keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. “… A stunning show” Boston GlobeTickets adults $68 members $64 spotlight SERIES students $25 19 spotlight plus p.3

Wednesday, April 19, 2017 – 7:30pm DakhaBrakha Ukrainian “ethno-chaos” quartet DakhaBrakha's sound is bright, unique and unforgettable. Rooted in Ukrainian folk music, the band beautifully layers rhythms from traditional Indian, African, Russian, and Australian instrumentation with their own contemporary vision to create their unique musical spectrum. With their powerful and uncompromising vocal range, the band infuses heart and soul into their cultural and artistic liberation, urging us all along on a sometimes intimate, sometimes riotous, journey. “All that's left to do is pick up our jaws from the ground, for DakhaBrakha's diapasons and vocal ranges are second to none.” WNUR 89.3 FM Tickets adults $42 members $38 students $15 eyeGO20 spotlight plus p.3 ONLY $5

Completion of your PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE July2016Update The completion of The Port Theatre's Community Performing Arts Centre is within reach. Our early fundraising efforts are already underway, with over $680,000 in community donations and contributions raised, even before the launch of our public campaign. The principal purpose of this project is to provide comprehensive, affordable and accessible performance and rehearsal spaces for professional arts organizations and community groups throughout Nanaimo and the Region. This project represents long-term prospects for growth in the sector. Facilities include: ·A 50-220 seat flexible, intimate and purpose-built theatre performance space ·2 rehearsal spaces ·A new lobby accessible from the heart of downtown's Diana Krall Plaza ·Additional washrooms for Port Theatre audiencesThis facility will be unique on Vancouver Island For the most up-to-date information, please visit:and confirm Nanaimo as a cultural destination. porttheatre.com /your-performing-arts-centre 21

Join us in thanking our funders, sponsors and individual supporters. The Spotlight Season would not be possible without your generosity 125 Front St, Nanaimo | www.porttheatre.com | 250-754-8550