2017-2018 SPOTLIGHT SERIES

2017-2018 SEASONBallet BC dancers Alexis Fletcher and Andrew BarteePhoto by Michael Slobodian

EXPERIENCE THE 2017-2018 SPOTLIGHT SERIES Want something out of the ordinary? Looking for a unique experience? Spark your imagination and inspire your own creative energy with our exciting Spotlight Series! Nanaimo has a world-class Arts Centre in the stunning Port Theatre. Our goal as your community presenter is to bring you artists of exceptional quality from across the country and around the world, that you would not otherwise be able to see. I’m very excited about the diverse and innovative range of excellent work coming your way for the 2017-18 season. We invite you to join us and experience intimate musical and theatrical performances in our OFFstage and Classical Coffee Concert Series, and to feel the captivating power of LIVE music, dance, theatre and circus works on the mainstage. See you at The Port Theatre! Lindy Sisson Interim General Manager, The Port Theatre Society PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE I am delighted to welcome you to our 2017-18 Spotlight Series. I invite you to discover these artists, celebrate live performance and experience the diverse artistic flavours of Canada and the world. There’s something to entertain, challenge and wow everyone in this Spotlight Series! Fred Jacklin Board President, The Port Theatre Society2 | Port Theatre Spotlight Series 2017-2018

MEMBERSHIPAnnual Membership with The Port Theatre Society givesyou discounts and pre-sale privileges on a great selectionof events, plus a host of other benefits and savings.Your yearly membership also demonstrates your directsupport and appreciation of The Port Theatre’s mandateto stimulate and enhance artistic, cultural and economicactivity of central Vancouver Island.Benefits of a $30 yearly membership include: • Ticket discounts on all Spotlight Series events • Pre-sale privileges (advance notice and advance buys) • Email notice when a new event goes on sale • Voting privileges at our Annual General MeetingIn addition, $100 Business members receive: • Rack card space in the Ticket Centre • Business listed in our Annual Report • Downtown restaurants and hotels listed on our Staying & Dining Downtown page on our website • Your staff can receive members discounts on Spotlight Series eventsBUY TICKETSSee pages 22-23 for all Spotlight Series ticket prices andSpotlight Plus savings up to 25% off.Ticket Centre Hours: Monday-Friday 11:00am-5:30pmSaturday 12:00pm-5:00pm & 2 hours prior to showtimesCheck our website for summer hours.All prices include CDF and GST but not order fees.Order fees $2.50 per ticket. Mailing charge $1.50 per order PORTTHEATRE.COM/SPOTLIGHT TICKET CENTRE: 250.754.8550 125 FRONT STREET, NANAIMO BC porttheatre.com/spotlight | 3

SERVING YOU BETTER Chemical Sensitivity - Some patrons have serious allergies to strong fragrances, forcing them to leave the theatre. In consideration for those seated around you, please refrain from wearing perfume, aftershave or other scented products. Latecomers will be seated 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 are not permitted for adult performances. Please check with the Ticket Centre regarding specific event restrictions. Electronic Devices - As a courtesy to performers and your fellow patrons, please turn off cellular phones and personal entertainment devices. The use of any type of audio or visual recording is strictly prohibited. Parking - Conveniently located beside the theatre, the most ideal parking is in the Harbourfront Underground Parkade. Other options include the Bastion Parkade and VICC parkade, both within a block of the theatre. The parkades can get very busy before sold-out events so remember to allow for extra time.4 | Port Theatre Spotlight Series 2017-2018

AT THE PORT THEATREAccessibility - We are committed to increasing access tolive theatre for all audiences. Services available providingsupport for patrons include: hearing assistance devices,bariatric chairs, complimentary in-house wheelchairs andover 28 wheelchair accessible seating options. Patronsrequiring the use of these services are asked to inform theTicket Centre at the time of purchasing a ticket.Audience Services Desk - Located in the centre of the mainlobby, our friendly volunteers will assist you with coat check,snacks, refreshments, booster seats, hearing assistancedevices and complimentary wheelchairs. Audience Servicesalso houses a first aid station and our lost-and-found centre.Please contact our Front of House Manager on the night ofyour show if we can help you in any way.Licensed Bar Service - Before the show, enjoy our highlypopular Pre-Order Service so that your drink is ready for youat the beginning of intermission. We feature internationaland VQA wines available by the glass and a selection ofdomestic and imported beers and ciders.Washrooms - The Port Theatre strives to be a safe, inclusive,and welcoming space for all. We offer accessible single-occupancy washroom options on all levels of the facility. porttheatre.com/spotlight | 5

International Guitar Night performer Callum Graham Photo by Neville Palmer 3 22-23PORT THEATRE TICKET PRICES &MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT PLUS SAVINGS CHART

WHAT’S INSIDE8 OFFSTAGE LOBBY THEATRE SERIES Intimate Lobby Performances • 8:00pm Oct. 12 2017, Dec. 18 2017, Feb. 21 2018, Mar. 28 201810 CLASSICAL COFFEE CONCERT SERIES Intimate Lobby Concerts • Tuesdays at 10:30am Oct. 3 2017, Nov. 28 2017, Mar. 27 2018, Apr. 17 201811 BALLET BC: 16+ A ROOM, SOLO ECHO, BILL Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 7:30pm12 CIRCUS SQUARED: AN EVENING OF WEST COAST CONTEMPORARY CIRCUS Sunday, October 15, 2017 at 7:30pm13 TANYA TAGAQ OPENING ACT: WILLIAM PRINCE Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at 7:30pm14 COLLECTIF9 Friday, November 10, 2017 at 7:30pm15 WINTER HARP Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 3:30pm & 7:30pm16 INTERNATIONAL GUITAR NIGHT Friday, January 26, 2018 at 7:30pm17 ARTS CLUB THEATRE COMPANY: ONEGIN Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at 7:30pm18 DOUBLE BILL: ALEX CUBA & ALEJANDRA RIBERA Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 7:30pm19 COMPANY WAYNE MCGREGOR: ATOMOS Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 7:30pm20 BETTY BONIFASSI Sunday, April 8, 2018 at 7:30pm21 FREE YOUTH EVENT - LITTLE ORANGE MAN Monday, April 23, 2018 at 7:00pm porttheatre.com/spotlight | 7

Community Partners The OFFstage Theatre Series transforms the Port Theatre lobby into an intimate late night venue showcasing provocative and bold performances from remarkable emerging artists. “ HILARIOUS, TERRIFYING, ”& STRANGELY AROUSING. Jon Bennett The Merkin Sisters8 | Port Theatre Spotlight Series 2017-2018

SJOTAINRTUINS GINATTH7EPMLO•BSBTYAFYOFRODRRPIONSKTS-SBHEFOOWRECTHHAETSSH&ODWRINKSPerformed by Ryan GuntherThursday, October 12, 2017 at 8:00pmIn this hilarious and deeply cynical business seminar-styleshow, Ryan probes the world of work and business witha jaundiced and brilliant eye. Drawing on 15 years ofexperience at a Fortune 500 company, Ryan teaches us howto succeed in a modern corporate bureaucracy.Performed by Ingrid Hansen and Stéphanie Morin-RobertMonday, December 18, 2017 at 8:00pmDaughters of the now-defunct Merkin Empire, theseformerly-famous sisters leave the house for the first time ina decade as they risk everything to present their UltimateWork of Art. An outrageous, no-holds-barred romp toyingwith bodies, hair and sibling rivalry.Performed by Roy HorovitzWednesday, February 21, 2018 at 8:00pmThis award-winning monodrama tells the gut-wrenchingstory of the deterioration of an Israeli family from achild’s eye view. Eleven-year-old Yotam is obsessed withdocumentation, and records everything he hears about thesplintering adult world around him.Resounding Scream Theatre in association with Alley TheatreWednesday, March 28, 2018 at 8:00pmTwo estranged sisters—a bulimia survivor and a gradstudent researching witchcraft trials—delve into theirconflicted past, exposing each other’s fault lines. Marrowweaves words and images from witchcraft trials with thepsychological landscape of two contemporary women. porttheatre.com/spotlight | 9

CLASSICAL COFFEECONCERT SERIESIntimate Lobby Concerts • Tuesdays at 10:30amOctober 3, 2017 • November 28, 2017March 27, 2018 • April 17, 2018The dynamic Bergmann Piano Duo return with theirenergetic and uniquely eclectic programs. They open theseries with a programme of duet transcriptions of favouriteoperatic repertoire. Throughout the series, the virtuosicduo will also collaborate with special guests: Francois Houle(clarinet) on November 28 and Onalea Gilbertson (voice)on April 17. Complete with coffee and treats, the ClassicalCoffee Concerts are a wonderful start to your day! “..electrifyingly rendered recitals.” The Vancouver Sun

Dancers: Livona Ellis and Darren Devaney Photo: Michael SlobodianBALLET BC16+ A ROOM, SOLO ECHO, BILLSaturday, September 23, 2017 at 7:30pmPre-Show Chat 6:45pm in Harmac RoomBold and innovative, Ballet BC presents the work of threeinternationally celebrated female choreographers whoare reshaping contemporary ballet. In 16+ a room, EmilyMolnar, Ballet BC’s Artistic Director, displays her uniquechoreographic style through a complex study of time. WithSolo Echo, former Ballet BC company member Crystal Piteexplores recurring themes of acceptance and loss. Finally,Tel Aviv-based Sharon Eyal’s Bill is a daring piece of intricateand precise expressions of the body combining dance,music and design. porttheatre.com/spotlight | 11

CIRCUS SQUARED AN EVENING OF WEST COAST CONTEMPORARY CIRCUS Sunday, October 15, 2017 at 7:30pm Post-Show Chat in the Theatre A spectacular double bill of contemporary circus arts opens with three of the West Coast’s favourite jugglers in Cause & Effect Circus’ award-winning The New Conformity—a tightly choreographed piece beautifully blending prop manipulation, martial arts and physical theatre. Next, The Underground Circus, who have been wowing BC audiences for years, present Equilibrium Fugue. Featuring a massive movable half-moon-shaped contraption, performers explore complex themes of equilibrium in movement and stillness through dance, theatre, high risk and artistic acrobatics. Community Partner12 | Port Theatre Spotlight Series 2017-2018

TANYA TAGAQOPENING ACT:WILLIAM PRINCEWednesday, October 18, 2017at 7:30pmMulti-award winning artistTanya Tagaq’s music is shockingand exquisite. Tagaq’s uniquevocal expression may be rootedin Inuit throat singing but hermusic has as much to do withelectronica, industrial and metalinfluences as it does with traditionalculture. Nunavut-born “Inuk punk”Tanya is known for delivering fearsome,elemental performances that are visceraland physical, with pure unleashedemotion, drawing incredulous responsefrom worldwide audiences. 2017 JUNOaward-winner William Prince will openthe show.Community Partners

Photo by Danylö Böbyk COLLECTIF9 Friday, November 10, 2017 at 7:30pm Post-Show Signing in Lobby Montreal’s cutting-edge nine-piece classical string band collectif9 (“collectif neuf”) is known for energized, innovative arrangements of classical repertoire. Their genre-bending performances employ lights, staging, amplification and pure charisma more commonly seen at rock shows. This passionate and fearless performance combines rock-inspired rhythmic vitality bringing classical music to pop-culture audiences. This internationally- acclaimed ensemble continues to push boundaries as they combine the power of an orchestra with the crispness of a chamber ensemble for a truly exciting performance.14 | Port Theatre Spotlight Series 2017-2018

WINTER HARPSaturday, December 9, 2017 at 3:30pm & 7:30pmPre-Show Chat 2:45pm in Harmac RoomAudience favourite Winter Harp returns this season witha stunningly beautiful show in celebration of winter andChristmas. For 24 years, this world-class ensemble of harps,medieval instruments, flutes, violin, percussion and singershas brought the joy and meaning of Christmas to tens ofthousands of people. The musicians, in rich medieval attire,perform well-known carols as well as hauntingly beautifulCeltic carols—with elegant backdrops of candles, cathedralsand snow. Songs, stories, tears and laughter combine in thismagical journey deep into the heart of Christmas. “Visual splendour, instrumental virtuosity, and seasonal cheer...” The Georgia Straight

INTERNATIONALGUITAR NIGHTFriday, January 26, 2018 at 7:30pmPre-Show Chat 6:45pm in Harmac RoomThe ever-popular International Guitar Night (IGN) is backagain showcasing world class talent. Gypsy Jazz legendLulo Reinhardt hosts and performs with a new cast ofguitar luminaries: Calum Graham, a young Canadiancontemporary sensation; Marek Pasieczny, Poland’sinnovative classical composer/performer; and award-winning American guitarist Michael Chapdelaine. Join usfor a dynamic and engaging concert of solos, duets andquartets that highlight the virtuosity and diversity of theacoustic guitar. “A fiery acoustic extravaganza” Guitar World

Photo by David CooperARTS CLUB THEATRE COMPANYONEGINWednesday, February 14, 2018 at 7:30pmBook, music, and lyrics by Amiel Gladstone and Veda Hille Based on the poem by Pushkin and the opera by TchaikovskyWhen Evgeni Onegin visits the Larin family estate, hisromantic charms stir passions long forgotten by itsresidents. Poet Vladimir Lensky’s romantic ideals arechallenged (a duel!) after Onegin flirts with his fiancéeOlga Larin, and even the sensible Tatyana Larin falls for thehandsome rogue. The hit musical moves, shakes, and wakesaudiences with its sweeping score, leaving the powerfulquestion swirling in their minds: Look around, look around,look around, do you see someone worth dying for? Tour Production Sponsor porttheatre.com/spotlight | 17

DOUBLE BILL: ALEX CUBA & ALEJANDRA RIBERA Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 7:30pm Post-Show Signing in Lobby An incredible musical double bill brings together two award-winning artists. Latin Grammy and JUNO award winner Alex Cuba is a Cuban-Canadian singer-songwriter with a vast musical vision. Known for his sugarcane-sweet melodies, pop-soul hooks and powerful guitar riffs, Alex is not tied to tradition. Award-winning pop and jazz singer-songwriter Alejandra Ribera blends sophisticated melodies with raw and emotive vocals performed in English, French and Spanish. Community PartnersPhotos by Bruno Rizzato and Alvaro Nates

Photo by Rick Guest with Olivia Pomp “Thrilling flights of grandeur and lyricism” The GuardianCOMPANY WAYNE MCGREGORATOMOSWednesday, March 14, 2018 at 7:30pmPre-Show Chat 6:45pm in Harmac RoomTen dancers perform the unique style of one of theworld’s leading contemporary choreographers, WayneMcGregor—sculptural, rigorous, jarring and hauntinglybeautiful. Atomos highlights the remarkable athleticism,fearlessness and superb muscular control of the dancers fora dramatic and at times ferocious performance enhancedby transcendent lighting, film, 3D effects and costumesdeveloped with wearable technology. Don’t miss this rareopportunity to see cutting-edge modern dance at its finest. Community Partners porttheatre.com/spotlight | 19

“One is bewitched...by the hypnotic and powerful voice of Bonifassi” Metro Journal BETTY BONIFASSI Sunday, April 8, 2018 at 7:30pm Renowned for her extraordinarily powerful vocals, Betty Bonifassi is one of Canada’s great voices. In a lively and diverse set, Betty will perform both Jimi Hendrix covers and originals from her ambitious album that pays tribute to African-American prisoners’ songs. Betty beautifully conveys the intensity of the emotion and hope in these songs, while seamlessly alternating between a range of styles: jazz, blues, soul, funk, electronic and rock. Andrew Homzy’s NOLA NightHawks will open the show. Community Partner20 | Port Theatre Spotlight Series 2017-2018

FREE YOUTH EVENT LITTLE ORANGE MAN Monday, April 23, 2018 at 7:00pm TICKETS AVAILABLECreated by SNAFU Dance Theatre JAN 2018Performed by Ingrid HansenMeet Kitt: a fearless 12-year-old outcast whose greatestdelight comes from re-enacting her grandfather’s grislyfolk tales to neighbourhood children. With no adults leftin her world she can trust, Kitt recruits the audience tohelp her fight her darkest battle. This hilarious, energeticand adventurous solo show is “A MUST SEE” (MondayMagazine). Music, shadow puppetry and dark Danish fablescome together in this multi-award winning performance.“Visually stunning, superbly performed and incredibly inventive...” CVV Magazine With Funding From:Sponsored By: BC Arts Council Province of BC BC Touring Council

BUY TICKETSCLASSICAL COFFEE CONCERT SERIESAdults $27.50 Youth/Student $12.50 Members $24.50 4-Pack $96OFFSTAGE LOBBY THEATRE SERIESAdults $25 Youth/Student $12.50Members $22 4-Pack $86YOUTH/STUDENT TICKETSThe Port Theatre is pleased to offer special ticket pricingranging from $12.50 to $17.50 available to Youth (24 years oldand younger) and students over 24 with valid student ID.EYEGO TO THE ARTS - $5 TICKETSFOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTSThe Port Theatre is dedicated to making the arts accessible toyoung people in our community. That’s why we participate inthe eyeGO to the Arts program, so that high school studentscan experience the best that live arts has to offer for only$5, including all of our Spotlight shows and a selection ofcommunity events.But it’s more than that—it’s important that students engage inthe process of purchasing tickets and connect with us directlyto snag this deal. Check out the selection of shows with eyeGOtickets available: porttheatre.com/eyego

With Spotlight Plus, enjoy up to 25% off regular or member-priced tickets when purchasing for multiple Spotlight Series mainstage performances. THE MAIN STAGE ADULT Buy 2 Buy 3 Buy 4 Buy 5 Buy 6 MEMBER Buy 2 Buy 3 Buy 4 Buy5 Buy 6porttheatre.com/spotlight | 23 TICKETS 5% off 10% off 15% off 20% off 25% off TICKETS 5% off 10% off 15% off 20% off 25% off BALLET BC Sep 23 $52.00 $49.50 $47.00 $44.50 $42.00 $39.50 $48.00 $45.70 $43.40 $41.10 $38.80 $36.50 CIRCUS SQUARED Oct 15 $32.00 $30.50 $29.00 $27.50 $26.00 $24.50 $28.00 $26.70 $25.40 $24.10 $22.80 $21.50 $49.50 $47.00 $44.50 $42.00 $39.50 $48.00 $45.70 $43.40 $41.10 $38.80 $36.50 TANYA TAGAQ Oct 18 $52.00 $40.00 $38.00 $36.00 $34.00 $32.00 $38.00 $36.20 $34.40 $32.60 $30.80 $29.00 COLLECTIF9 Nov 10 $42.00 $40.00 $38.00 $36.00 $34.00 $32.00 $38.00 $36.20 $34.40 $32.60 $30.80 $29.00 $40.00 $38.00 $36.00 $34.00 $32.00 $38.00 $36.20 $34.40 $32.60 $30.80 $29.00 WINTER HARP Dec 9 $42.00 $40.00 $38.00 $36.00 $34.00 $32.00 $38.00 $36.20 $34.40 $32.60 $30.80 $29.00 GUITAR NIGHT Jan 26 $42.00 $30.50 $29.00 $27.50 $26.00 $24.50 $28.00 $26.70 $25.40 $24.10 $22.80 $21.50 $49.50 $47.00 $44.50 $42.00 $39.50 $48.00 $45.70 $43.40 $41.10 $38.80 $36.50 ONEGIN Feb 14 $42.00 $30.50 $29.00 $27.50 $26.00 $24.50 $28.00 $26.70 $25.40 $24.10 $22.80 $21.50ALEX & ALEJANDRA Mar 8 $32.00 ATOMOS Mar 14 $52.00 BETTY BONIFASSI Apr 8 $32.00*Discounts not applicable to multiple tickets to the same performance. Tickets must be purchased in one order to receive discounts. All prices include CDF and GST.

Cast of the Arts Club’s 2016 production of Onegin Photo by David CooperJoin us in thanking our funders, sponsors, and individual supporters. Media Partners 125 Front Street Nanaimo, BC porttheatre.com 250.754.8550