October 2023 – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

The ART of IMPROV: Saturday Night Laughs

We had an awesome evening last night with the Comedy Department. It was a special Halloween themed night watching improvised performances by seasoned comedians. Plus they handed out candy to their SOLD-OUT audience.

These THEATRE SPORTS & SECOND CITY alumni know that the revival of live Comedy is more welcome than ever before. Making people laugh is a full-time job for them. But it doesn’t come across as a job – as they seem to really enjoy what they do while interacting with the audience.

And they do this in another Vancouver little hidden gem of a night club. Located in an entryway corner of the Park Pub on Davie Street by gorgeous English Bay in the West End. I had no idea it was there since they’ve only been in this location since May. Sidenote: the menu is very good too which is a big plus.

These days you’d have to live in a cave to not be aware of all the tremendous chaos that’s going on in the outside world so if we can fill a few hours with laughter and connection it makes our little world a whole lot better.

The Comedy Department has quickly become the new standard of professional comedy in Vancouver at The Show Cellar with hilarious weekly shows from start to finish. Audiences have come to expect non-stop, fast-paced hilarity and unexpected twists based on audience suggestions, and a uniquely interactive experience that continually receives 5-star reviews on Google and TripAdvisor.

Founded by veteran comedy performers, Denise Jones and David Milchard in 2021.

Photo: Denise Jones and David Milchard, photo by Farrah Aviva

After decades of experience doing live improv comedy shows, performing alongside some of the best comedic giants in North America, Denise and David realized they wanted to make comedy their full-time job and started The Comedy Department. They also craft custom comedy entertainment for corporate galas and special events and bring the improv mindset to the workplace fostering cultures of communication and collaboration.

Comedy Department Co-Creator and Performer, David Milchard has been bringing laughs for 25 years and his passion for it still burns brightly. “During the pandemic I realized something: I can’t live without improv and live shows. And I believe most people underestimate how impactful improv can be. The improv mindset is a powerful tool for communication, connection and growth and I’m driven to help our communities experience the benefits of it.”

It’s with that in mind that the Comedy Department is expanding into improv classes. The Comedy Department is excited to announce upcoming comedy classes designed for everyone, from beginners to seasoned performers. Their experienced instructors will guide students through the art of improv and comedic storytelling. These classes are designed to enhance communication skills, build confidence and to develop the ability to just live and respond in the present moment.

ABOUT DENISE JONES

Denise Jones is a Leo-nominated film and tv actor and Canadian Comedy Award winning performer. She is the former Artistic Director of the Improv Centre where she co created and directed smash hit shows to sold out crowds. She has performed in thousands of shows all over the globe with Second City Theatricals, the critically acclaimed Comic Strippers, Princess and Crystal Cruiselines and alongside legends like Colin Mochrie and Ryan Stiles. She is also a member of the teaching faculty of Vancouver Film School’s Comedy Project. You’ve seen her on film and tv in projects like Preggoland with James Caan and the BFG, directed by Steven Spielberg.

ABOUT DAVID MILCHARD

David Milchard is an award-winning actor, writer, director, producer, comedian, improviser, and digital creator. A Second City and Vancouver TheatreSports League alumni, he’s performed in comedy festivals across North America including Just For Laughs, Bumbershoot, and the Chicago Improv Festival. A member of the critically acclaimed international hit touring show the Comic Strippers (Canadian Comedy Award Winner) you’ve seen him on Altered Carbon, Psych, Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce, Fringe, The Flash, Supernatural, Robert Redford’s The Company You Keep and Tim Burton’s Big Eyes. David, co-creator of the award-winning viral web series, Convos With My 2-Year-Old on YouTube (125 million plus views). David produced Corner Office (2020 Tribeca Film Festival starring Jon Ham and Danny Pudi and directed the feature film F**king Idiots (2020 VIFF /Montreal Independent Film Festival).

Now offering two time slots (at 7:30PM and 9:30 PM) recurring weekly on Saturdays following. Get ready to bring big laughs to your next corporate special event or into your coming weekend! The Comedy Department

Photos: d. king

Art & Culture

Mozart’s “The Magic Flute”

AKA: DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE

Had the pleasure of attending the season opener of “THE MAGIC FLUTE”at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Saturday night with my friend Rosa.

Opera is a rare art form that inspires and exhilarates all of the senses, and more often than not; procures life-long aficionados, also referred to as fanatics. Rosa is one of those, whereas I used to be more familiar with Broadway-type shows and musicals.

Kirsten MacKinnon and Owen McCausland – **Emily Cooper Photography**

Opera is trying to make sense of the nonsense. No good opera plot can be sensible because no one sings when they get stabbed or bitten by a dragon. It’s just an imaginative fairy tale set to music with romance (usually a damsel in distress and some bad or misunderstood guy), dancing, tragedy, comedy, special effects and a little supernatural. If they throw a king or queen and a crazy bird man into the mix; all the more magical.

There were bits and pieces of all of that in the Magic Flute. If you’re not already aware; this is considered a timeless classic; one of the greatest operas ever written. It concerns the search for truth and reason (I never did get the reason though), love and enlightenment. It follows the adventures of Prince Tamino and this silly bird-catcher called Papageno on their quest to rescue Pamina – daughter of the Queen of the Night.

Audrey Luna as The Queen of the Night with Kirsten MacKinnon – **Emily Cooper Photography**

Prince Tamino plays the Magic Flute and discovers it has the power to calm the most savage of beasts. Tamino and Pamina finally meet and pledge to endure the trials of initiation into the Temple of Wisdom together; trials that have their basis in the Freemasonry movement of the 18th century, of which Mozart was a member – a sneaky way of putting that in there without even realizing it. I knew there was some trial because they kept referring to it, but didn’t understand why, or where it was going to take place. Anyway, freemasonry is one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the world. More on that later…as I try not to go too off topic.

There’s lots going on in this 3 hour opera, including some monsters and 3 damsels that keep showing up out of nowhere. However, I must give special mention to the costumes and set design which were breathtaking. It is a fantasy after all I keep reminding myself.

And let’s remember that Mozart wrote it over 230 years ago.

“THE MAGIC FLUTE” was the last opera Mozart composed. It premiered on September 30^th, 1791 – roughly three months before he died at the age of 35. Mozart is perhaps the greatest composer in history. In his short creative lifetime he wrote more than 600 works, he redefined the symphony, composed some of the greatest operas ever written and lifted chamber music to new heights of artistic achievement. That’s some resume!

SECRET SOCIETY: Both Mozart and the opera’s librettist, Emanuel Schikaneder, were devoted Freemasons, a fraternity famous for secret rites and rituals, at a time when the Masonic order was frowned upon by the authorities and mistrusted by the public. Its meetings were mysterious to outsiders and the order was believed to be connected to the principles of the Enlightenment, so established political leaders were a little nervous about it. The emperor of Austria even restricted the number of Masonic lodges allowed to operate in the country.

So, while Mozart’s drama fell into the general category of “magic opera” — works based on folk tales, with plenty of stunts, scene changes and spectacular stage effects — it was also a political statement in disguise, filled with veiled Masonic symbolism, including an homage to a Masonic initiation ceremony in Act II balancing four elements (earth, air, water, fire) in perfect harmony of the universe.

“The happy medium – truth in all things – is no longer either known or valued; to gain applause, one must write things so inane that they might be played on barrel-organs, or so unintelligible that no rational being can comprehend them, though on that very account, they are likely to please” – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

You don’t say…

Now until October 29^th. For tickets:

https://www.vancouveropera.ca/whats-on/magic-flute/

Header Photo: The Magic Flute full stage – Emily Cooper Photography

Art, Architecture, Culture

Thrills, Chills & Cocktails

Always a winning combination don’t you think?

Such was our evening last night at the opening of “THE SHINE.”

Presented by “THE BEAUMONT STUDIOS ARTS SOCIETY“ which aims to advance the public’s knowledge and interest in the Vancouver art scene through participation in events and artistic exhibitions.

“THE SHINE” is described as a Stephen King themed burlesque and cocktail bonanza. I cannot say for sure which part I found most intriguing as it was all so well put together.

It was my first time at the studios so I had nothing to compare it to, and no expectations – which turned out to be a big surprise in a gorey meets glam kind of way. Lots of twists and turns (literally) in a pre-Halloween scary celebration of some of the “King of Horrors” most iconic figures from “THE SHINING,” “CARRIE,” and “MISERY” – three of my personal favourite creepy movies of all time.

The evening started with a lineup outside the studios before being let in. My first thought was this might turn out to be a bit of a let down. But thankfully it turned out to be the opposite.

Once inside, we were greeted by the infamous Annie Wilkes character from “MISERY” (played by Kathy Bates in the movie) handing out two drink tickets while the novelist character of Paul Sheldon (played by James Caan in the movie) is typing away frantically at an old fashioned type writer. Do you remember this line from the movie –“God came to me last night and told me your purpose for being here. I am going to help you write a new book” – because Wilkes didn’t like the ending of his latest book. Still gives me the creeps.

Then we were led into the first themed room (of three) to get our first cocktail served up by a clown who dropped a bit of blood on top for colour. And it went on from there. A little burlesque, another cocktail served up by Lloyd, the iconic bartender from “THE SHINING,” the eerie twins from the Overlook Hotel did a twisty-turned cirque-like performance, Jack Torrence (the Jack Nicholson character) makes a vaudevillian and villainous appearance, and finally; the prom scene from “CARRIE” including that bloody pail.
Don’t want to give too much away because this extravaganza is on until October 27^th. If you reside in or around Vancouver you should really try to get a ticket for something unique, refreshing, campy and utterly spellbinding. The talented group really outdid themselves. Fab, Fun, Entertainment.

A Bit About the Beaumont:

This place exists to inspire and engage artists, designers, and creative small business owners with space, events and opportunities to work together, play together, share, learn, create and produce art and artistic projects and engage with the community around it. It is a place for the public to engage with art, learn from our artist community and appreciate creativity for what it brings to our lives.

The Beaumont was established in 2004 by artist Jude Kusnierz, as an open and supportive environment for a wide variety of creative professionals. Being a full-time professional artist for over a decade, Jude’s goal was to create a unique environment where artists, like herself, could work in a beautiful, safe, reasonably priced, positive and upbeat environment, a place that would offer opportunity for growth, mentoring and cross-pollination of ideas and business.

Photos: d. king

Tickets for upcoming events:

https://thebeaumontstudios.com/

THINKAboutit

Critical Viewing

“Critical Viewing” – the best words I can think of to describe films as more than just entertainment.

It’s very similar to critical thinking which is the ability to effectively analyze information and form a judgment – but on cinema instead of with thoughts.

As much as I love watching movies, I rarely find one that inspires, enlightens or generates insight for me. So for that reason, I’m a tough critic at least for myself. Ironically, uninspiring movies have inspired me to write this post. For example; as I quickly went through a recent film festival guide with speed dating precision, countless films felt unworthy of my attention, sad to say.

So…does that make me a movie snob? Or are there just not that many seemingly great movies out there any more? I’m talking about a majority of just so-so films. Obviously there are some greats past and present – just not an abundance.

I read somewhere that If you can sit through 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, without blinking an eye, that you are either a movie buff or dead.

Then there’s the much more serious Cinephile. I’m certainly more of a movie buff than a “Cinephile.”

The word “Cinephile” sounds pretentious, although it refers to an educated film consumer with the tool kit needed to distinguish average films from outstanding ones. Yes, I get that too; but the difference is I prefer to focus mainly on the story while appreciating costume, set design, etc. The “cinephile” pays attention to the allover art form for the way it is filmed, edited, the camera angles, and the use of colour and sound. While I appreciate all of this too, if the story isn’t something I’m personally interested in I don’t care about the rest. Sometimes the director gets something in his/her head that they want to convey but which just doesn’t come across clearly to the audience. You’re left guessing as to what they were trying to communicate. And there’s nothing entertaining in that.

Anyway, these days I want something to move me, to make me trigger an insight, educate me or cause me to want to better myself or inspire me to create something, cook something or travel somewhere.

Life that imitates Art. Art that imitates Life – can be either good or bad. You know what I mean? There’s a lot of crap out there. Art for art’s sake is not good enough. I’d much rather watch a low budget documentary than a high budget mediocre Hollywood blockbuster.

Maybe my category is just a “lover of movies that move me.”

Trailer Trashing:

Is watching the trailer important? Depends. It can ruin the surprise as sometimes it gives too much away, sometimes it gives it ALL away, and sometimes it makes you turn away.

Some of my favorite past picks for:

Inspiration: Forrest Gump, The Blind Side, Dead Poets Society, Erin Brockovitch, Rocky.

Enlightenment: Good Will Hunting, Life of PI, Shawshank Redemption, Ghost.

Insight (into people or animals – documentaries are best for this): Searching for Sugarman, My Octopus Teacher, Wolf of Wall Street.

Epic: The Godfather I, II, etc., Gone With The Wind.

Escape: ET, Lost in Translation, Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Dirty Dancing.

Comedy: Bridesmaids, The Producers, Planes, Trains & Automobiles.

How about you? What’s your preference?

My previous post on Critical Thinking:

Has Critical Thinking Gone Out of Style?

Film Reviews

Foodie Film: Le Pot-au-Feu

Another successful Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) comes to a close with THE POT-au-FEU – aptly described as an art house food porn flick. A movie you’re best not to watch on an empty stomach.

The English title is called “The Taste of Things” which is nicer sounding than the actual translation “Pot on the Fire.” The Pot-au-Feu was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where it had its world premiere on 24 May 2023. It was chosen as the closing film for VIFF on 7th October, 2023.

The movie features former real-life couple Juliette Binoche (Chocolat, The English Patient) and Benoît Magimel (The Piano Teacher). Binoche plays Eugénie; the personal cook for one of France’s most renowned gourmet chefs, M. Dodin Bouffant (Magimel).

The pair star in “The Scent of Green Papaya’ writer-director Tràn Anh Hùng’s movie about a couple coming together both in and out of the kitchen. I suppose you can call it a love story – one mostly to do with food as it is depicted as a vehicle for pleasure (or possibly a substitute for sex, or maybe foreplay if you remember that scene from 9 1/2 weeks). This is not about food foreplay though – it’s the main event. No one will disagree that the cinematography is really outstanding with the French countryside serving as a backdrop to what’s cooking in the kitchen. Food wise, the film is phenomenal to the point where you can almost taste it!

The stars hold their own but the real star of this film is French chef Pierre Gagnaire who served as gastronomy director while also appearing in the film in the small role of a chef. He deserves an Oscar for his mouth watering epicurean creations alone.

The movie also takes in a young female apprentice which goes to prove that similar to learning ballet and piano lessons and being proficient at either; it’s best to teach them at a young age to achieve lasting results.

My takeaway: A relationship based purely on sexual desire is doomed to failure, but if there’s good food involved, it has a chance.

If anything, this movie will inspire you to want to better your culinary skills and create new ways to elevate ordinary everyday dishes.

A simple yet heartfelt line from the movie – “Happiness is continuing to desire what you already have.” – The best sounding advice I’ve ever heard.

Classic Pot-au-Feu

Pot-au-feu is the national dish of France. This essential version combines beef shank and rump roast with eight vegetables and a blend of herbs for an extra-comforting bowl.

Classic Recipe:

https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/classic-pot-au-feu

The movie is scheduled for release to theatres on November 8th. French with English subtitles.

Movie Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BtQjrT1Qks

Film Reviews

Sofia Coppola’s “PRISCILLA”

From a German army base to Graceland, the true story of “PRISCILLA” is one of love, fantasy and fame.

On October 7th, the 42nd Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) held the Canadian premiere of “PRISCILLA” as a special presentation which I had the opportunity and pleasure of watching at the Vancouver Playhouse.

This is the third worldwide screening of this film, based on the 1985 memoir “Elvis and Me” written by Priscilla Presley. Presley served as Executive Producer on this biographical drama (set for release in November) which is written, directed and co-produced by Sofia Coppola. In my opinion, Coppola’s best work since 2003’s “LOST IN TRANSLATION.”

This film premiered last month at the 80th Venice International Film Festival where it received a seven-minute long standing ovation, and later screened as the Centerpiece Selection of the 2023 New York Film Festival on October 6th. Last night, October 7th, was the Canadian Premiere right here in Vancouver.

Some people cannot seem to get enough of Elvis even to this day; but this movie is all about Priscilla from her POV told through the lens from her first meeting with the superstar as a 14-year- old innocent girl while he was stationed at an army base in Germany, through a long courtship, to moving into Graceland with him at 17, a turbulent marriage (depicting news stories of alleged affairs with Elvis and stars like Nancy Sinatra & Ann-Margret), a baby, then divorce.

Many people think that they already know the story, but you will never know it quite so well as the eye opening way it’s told in this movie. Coppola did a wonderful job of portraying a coming-of-age true life docudrama. No wonder she got such a long standing ovation. There was one last night too but I didn’t count the minutes.

Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla and Jacob Elordi as Elvis did an amazingly convincing job of playing these iconic characters. The script was fluid and the story was both provocative and compelling. I would recommend this movie, especially if you love real life stories.

Side note:

I toured Graceland with my late husband when we were passing through Memphis about 20 years ago. There were very few people there at that time.

I spent a very enjoyable evening at a private party in Montreal with Priscilla’s after Elvis boyfriend Mike Stone (he was in town training another famous entertainer). There’s a scene in the movie with someone portraying him. I was not even 20 at the time, and Mike was a gentleman to make sure I got home okay.

If you want to know the backstory: Stone met Elvis and Priscilla Presley in 1968 at the Mainland vs. Hawaii Karate Championships promoted by Elvis’ longtime karate instructor Ed Parker. Stone had a young child and a pregnant wife, and working as a bodyguard for record producer Phil Spector.

After the show, Elvis invited Stone back to the couple’s penthouse suite where Elvis suggested that Priscilla train with Stone. Three weeks later Priscilla made the 45-minute drive to Stone’s school in Huntington Beach. Because of the distance Priscilla opted to train with Chuck Norris who had a school in West Los Angeles, which was closer to the Presley home. Stone would make occasional trips to Norris’s school to train Priscilla. The relationship soon turned romantic, contributing to Elvis and Priscilla’s split in February 1972 and divorce in 1973. Stone and Priscilla would eventually split up because he sold a story to the Globe tabloid entitled “How I Stole Elvis Presley’s Wife From Him“. Priscilla said she split with Stone then, “because he went to the press”.

Stone revealed in a 2020 podcast interview that he dated actress Michelle Pfeiffer when she took karate lessons from him to prepare for her role on the short-lived TV series B.A.D. Cats (1980).

While there were some scenes from Palm Springs, California; principal photography and filming took place in Toronto, Ontario – two places I’ve lived.

Filming Trivia:

The entity which owns the rights to Elvis’ music declined to give permission for any of his songs to be used in the film, so Coppola looked for creative alternatives in compiling the soundtrack, including the use of contemporary music by her husband Thomas Mars and his band Phoenix, in addition to cover versions of songs from the era in which the film is set.

According to an interview with The Guardian in March 2023, Sofia Coppola had to cut a week’s worth of scenes from the script after some of the film’s financing dropped out shortly before shooting was due to begin.

**Due out in Theatres on November 3rd.**

Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxbZyvCJc6U

DESTINATIONS

Hotel Eldorado

A Gem of a place to stay with some interesting history.

Hotel Eldorado in Kelowna is a hidden gem; best described as old world charm with a side of lakeside luxury. The history behind this hotel is one of British Royalty and thrilling vacations, an honour bar and Olympic rowers, and of London cabs and dog shows.

Sadly; they only had one King stay there recently with two dogs and absolutely no honour bar to be seen. There was however a bottle of wine for purchase in the room and a free water bottle. We didn’t row, we didn’t take a London cab and instead of a dog show, there were only two retired ex show dogs. Wouldn’t use the word thrilling to describe our stay; instead, it was super relaxing with an outstanding view. My friend and I (and our dogs) loved it and will stay there again.

Little private stretch of beach. Photo: d. king

Apparently the Eldorado (or EL for short to those in the know) is not so hidden to people living in Kelowna (especially on or near the lake) but for me, it was. I was looking up hotels in Kelowna that were dog friendly when I recently met up with a friend for wine tasting in that region. What a find!

Towards the end of September is perfect because the weather is still good but the tourists are not plentiful. The property is situated right on the lake, there’s a few really nice restaurants on site (they host a great Sunday brunch buffet), a spa, a long boardwalk and green space for the dogs. Bonus: a short driving distance away is one of the nicest off-leash dog areas I’ve seen.

**1941 Cadillac Series 62 Deluxe Convertible Coupe.** Photo; d. king

Sidenote: About 8 years ago I started an online TV series (now ended) with a friend where we revealed many hidden gems around Vancouver to do with all sorts of businesses run by various entrepreneurs; many of them originally from other countries. We loved hearing the fascinating stories about how and why they started their business. Each and every one had something unique and outstanding to offer. Which brings me to…

THE STORY BEHIND HOTEL ELDORADO (taken from their website):

Hotel Eldorado has been a hidden gem among Kelowna BC hotels on the lake since 1926: a destination of genuine hospitality, infinite warmth and spirited gatherings fondly remembered for years to follow. With beautiful Okanagan Lake as the backdrop, it was then what it is today; a luxury getaway set in one of Canada’s most spectacular destinations, the Okanagan. Whether you’ve traveled the world over or are venturing away from home for the first time, you will recognize this place as one of the most scenic in the world.

In The Beginning

Hotel Eldorado was founded in 1926 by Countess Bubna, an aristocratic English woman, who decades earlier had been married to an Austrian Count. Prior to her marriage to Count Johann Franz-Bubna-Litic in 1901, the Countess was a popular stage actress in London. In 1908, after spending most of their marriage living in Paris, the couple divorced, making Countess Bubna a social oddity in a time where marriages rarely dissolved. She had already become accustomed to controversy, as her mother, Mary Caroline Mitchell, was the mistress of the supremely wealthy Duke of Sutherland, and had even spent time in jail for burning some of his documents. After the Duke passed away, the Countess’ mother inherited a sizable fortune that expediently provided the financial backing the Countess needed to establish her own Victorian-style Inn in Kelowna’s Mission area.

Originally called The Eldorado Arms Hotel, the Inn became the town’s most sophisticated social hub. In the 1950’s and 1960’s the Eldorado was the hub, the place where locals gathered with friends, where visitors stayed, where generations married and celebrated. The town was small, about 20,000 residents only, but it was a place of energy, enthusiasm and vision.

During this era, Hotel Eldorado hosted dog shows, garden parties and croquet with Kelowna’s then Mayor John Hindle and his wife Jennifer graciously welcoming guests. John would pad about the Eldorado barefoot, wishing all a good night when it came time to retire, leaving his patrons to the famous honour bar. One of those celebrated patrons was no doubt Glen Mervyn, fresh from his silver medal race in Canada’s eight-man scull at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Evidence of this great sporting heritage can be seen hanging in our Lakeside Dining Room, Lounge and pool area.

Later Years

Jim Nixon and his family took over Hotel Eldorado in the 1980’s, expanding on the current Lakeshore location and building upon the great legacy of those who came before. Now, the Hotel Eldorado has been passed to the next generation of ownership. Ted Callahan, CEO of Argus Properties.

Sculpture on the property. Photo: d. king

Callahan remembers Hotel Eldorado from his childhood and knows that ownership brings with it a responsibility to honour those who came before and to embrace the rich traditions of this magnificent hotel.

https://www.hoteleldoradokelowna.com/

Have you been?