October 2024 – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

Beaumont Studios: Keep Calm + Murray On

NOT YOUR TYPICAL NIGHT OUT

Especially when your night is full of burlesque, paranormal chaos, booze and moments filled with Bill Murray classics.

My friend Charna and I went to the preview opening night of “KEEP CALM AND MURRAY ON” and got immersed in the chaotic craziness of this multi-talented group of people at Vancouver’s Beaumont Studios.We didn’t know exactly what to expect but I had a bit of an idea because last year I went to “Shine” – a Steven King themed burlesque and cocktail bonanza at the studios. This was different as they’ve since expanded their studio space to include a larger outdoor tented area with stage and seating. The stage is set at the same level as the chairs so try to get a seat closer to the stage if you go. It was a bit of a wait as they’re still sorting things out, but a weird, wacky and allover wonderful evening. The artists do everything from designing sets and costumes, to performing magic tricks, acrobatics, burlesque, singing, dancing and bartending. You’ll never know what’s around the corner or what to expect next as you go from room to room. Always a scary surprise.

Bill raises a glass as we descend the staircase. Bill + Booze go together like Bees +Honey.

The only negative thing is that they need to work on streamlining the flow a bit more with less of a wait in between performances. Otherwise, it was excellent. Mind you, this was the preview.

Why Bill Murray? Why not? He’s an eccentric character who has become somewhat of a cult figure. He’s had some good lines in a diverse bunch of films like “Groundhog Day”, “Ghostbusters” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” Makes for a good pre-Halloween production. But for me, it is kind of like groundhog day, since I’ve seen him in person recently in Toronto at tiff and screened two of his not yet released movies. Murray on…
Beaumont Studios is a multi-talented artistic community where you get to appreciate the creativity in a unique environment. One of their mandates is to bring together artists, artisans, designers and small business owners as a united community to participate in public and private artistic events and opportunities. And to advance the public’s knowledge and interest in the Vancouver art scene through participation in events and artistic exhibitions.

Photos: d. king

From their website (link below for tickets)

Starting October 17^th, infused with only the charisma Bill Murray can bring, The Beaumont Studios presents KEEP CALM AND MURRAY ON. An immersive experience with all of the greatest Bill Murray moments. A mash-up of the classics. It’s spooky, ridiculous, clever and chilling. Guaranteed to keep you laughing and cringing all night long.

Get submerged in multiple stages of Bill Murray inspired antics. We’re talking live performances ranging from the sexy to silly. Imagine vaudevillian Ghostbusters, WWF burlesque sass, opera, horror and just enough supernatural vibes to keep you wondering what the hell is next.

Cocktails? We’ve got you covered. Tickets include two signature drinks to take the edge off the craziness. Trust us. You will need one. Probably two.

Tickets $75. October 17^th – 31^st

https://www.thebeaumontstudios.com/

From “Shine” last year:

https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/2023/10/20/chills-clowns-cocktails/

^{The Beaumont Studios –}^{326 West 5th Ave.}

Food + Drink

Wine Wednesday: Wines of Australia

There’s a lot more to Australian wine than Penfolds, Wolfblass and Lindeman’s…

I recently went to an Australian wine tasting trade and media event in Vancouver. The wines I mentioned above are some of the oldest and most familiar wines from Australia that are sold in Canada. They’re readily available in almost all wine and liquor stores. It was so nice to see an abundance and sample ~~an abundance~~ some very nice, less familiar brands at “The Kent” – a new venue downtown for art exhibits and wine tastings. The catering, provided by The Kent, was excellent too. It was the first trade event that Wine Australia hosted since 2019.

They presented selections from wineries big and small, showcasing the diversity and quality that Australian wine has to offer.

Australia Boasts Some of the Oldest Vines Globally. One of the primary reasons Australia has some of the best wines is that most of their vineyeards are in suitable locations, with the right climate. Some vineyards have grown their grapes and have made wine in their specific regions for generations.

The most popular wine growing region is the Barossa Velley, which prides itself on producing some of the world’s best wines as well as superb gourmet food. Scenic McLaren Vale is the birthplace of wine in South Australia. Drive just 45 minutes south of Adelaide to taste the region’s innovative drops at its many world-renowned wineries such as d’Arenberg.

But if you take a trip to the other side of the world, you may hear boxes of wine called by their local nickname: goon sacks. This illustrious term may come from the Queensland Aboriginal word gun, meaning water, which later morphed into goom, an English term for water or booze. If you’re going to drink boxed wine, Australia makes some of the best drinkable selections.

I believe Wines of Australia achieved their desired result of igniting a deeper interest, understanding and appreciation for Australian wine. Aussies know how to enjoy life.

Sidenote: I’m starting to think that my “Food & Drink” category should be changed to “Wine & some Appies.” Right?

Photos; d. king

Film Reviews

VIFF: Emilia Pérez

Blood, Ballads, Dance Numbers, Drug Lords, Surgery…

Plenty of surgery…

This movie was chosen as the closing film at VIFF. It’s a strong message about how everyone deserves to live an authentic life no matter what the circumstances or the cost. And if money is no object, there could still be a price to pay!

I’d like to start off by saying that I have no personal connection to this movie – none! I have no intention of harming any cartel members. Okay; having said that…this movie is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. I think that anything I write here will not do it proper justice. It needs to be seen to be believed. It’s a work of art; really! With this movie I had no idea what to expect, and I was in awe of the actors’ ability to pull off such a complicated and interesting story with such believability and style.

If you love musicals, gun violence, reality TV and court dramas, you’ll probably love this movie. It covers all genres and interests. It does have a lot going on; but somehow it manages to all come together. It’s an incredible accomplishment from director Jacques Audiard (A Prophet; Rust and Bone) to make something like this work.

The cast of Zoe Saldana (Rita, a Mexico City defence attorney), Selena Gomez (Jessi – drug lord’s wife) and Karla Sofía Gascón (leader of a criminal organization before becoming Emilia Pérez) is outstanding. Gascón especially is absolutely mesmerising to behold as a cartel leader before transitioning to become a woman striving for actualization and redemption. This is Oscar-worthy material.

The Spanish actress was the first transgender woman to win an award for this film which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival last May.

I had to give a little more away than planned so readers can understand what they’re in for. However; there’s still so much left out that believe me, you’ll still be surprised to find out where the direction takes you.

In an interview with Variety Magazine Gascón said that she felt that it was “absolutely obvious” that she had to play both roles. “I do not see which actor would not have had this desire to follow their character in all its evolution,” she said, adding that “very few actors and actresses” get roles like the one she got in “Emilia Pérez.” “I haven’t seen many roles like it, not even with Javier Bardem or Marlon Brando’s careers.” Gascón admitted, however, that she dived into the role so deeply that she struggled to come out of it once filming wrapped.

I can only imagine. She did an impressive job of portraying two amazing characters. Zoe Saldana was excellent. I wasn’t really familiar with her work, but she’s amazing.

I would recommend this movie for anyone wanting a departure from the norm with something unexpected and exciting. And very well executed (to be taken two ways).

This movie is scheduled to be released to multiple theaters on November 1^st.

The festival is now over, however you can enjoy movies that are part of VIFF playing all year round.

Here:

https://viff.org/#year-round-series

Food + Drink

THE CHEF AND THE DARUMA

Thoughtfulness, Timing, Tradition, Taste…Tojo’s…

This was part of the Vancouver International Film Festival 2024

Words that represent Vancouver’s Japanese-Canadian Celebrity Chef Hidekazu Tojo.

I loved everything about this world premiere documentary except telling a friend of mine that I’d meet her next door to the theatre for Italian, when I was actually craving sushi. Especially after watching Tojo prepare his mouth-watering dishes on screen. Tojo is more than a sushi chef. He’s an Artist. He started out working at restaurants in his home town of Kagoshima, Japan before becoming a chef at various restaurants in Vancouver, until opening his eponymous “Tojo’s” in October, 1988. There, he was able to have control over putting his signature spin on everything. After 18 years at the same location, in 2007 Tojo moved his restaurant to a new custom-designed setting a few blocks east of its original location. The place has been packed since day one.

Good food is always memorable. Great food is unforgettable. I was once treated to an extraordinary birthday dinner sitting at the counter at Tojo’s with Tojo preparing all the dishes himself; carte blanche. The dinner included sake too. That’s when I realized that there’s sushi and then there’s sushi. There’s also many other dishes that are delicious that don’t include raw or cooked fish. Tojo does it “His Way.” It’s not so much a restaurant as it’s an experience. His food is elegant, modern and fresh –using local ingredients. He’s a weekly regular at the Farmers Markets.

Tojo’s has earned admiration along with a cult following over the years. The restaurant has become a foodie destination. Photos with celebrities like Harrison Ford, Robin Williams, Martha Stewart, Anthony Bourdain and countless others who’ve enjoyed his creations line the walls. but none with me..so far

He’s credited with inventing the California Roll when one of Tojo’s regular customers mentioned that his wife didn’t like to each raw fish. Always aiming to please, Tojo tried to Westernize the roll by adding the non-traditional ingredient of avocado and turning the roll inside-out to hide the nori (seaweed). Not only did he succeed in creating a new popular roll, it’s become a mainstay pretty much everywhere since then. He’s a true pioneer.

However, this documentary doesn’t only focus on food. It also talks about Tojo’s life and legacy, his upbringing, Japanese culture in general and an interesting and unsettling look at Canadian-Japanese history.

I always like to personalize my blog posts (if I can). In this case, I lived in Japan for six months in my mid 20’s and that’s where I reluctantly tried sushi for the very first time. There were very few restaurants in Vancouver that served sushi then. I embraced the culture and the food immediately. Aside from sushi, I also loved the noodle houses. I took a sushi making class and was super excited to share my talent for making it for my parents when visiting them in Montreal. They never ate raw fish before, so I started out with making California Rolls (including the more challenging inside out rolls) using semi-cooked tuna (baby steps) and my trusty sushi roller and the sharpest knife in the drawer. They appeared to be very impressed with the presentation but I don’t think they enjoyed the taste. It’s taken a while for Westerners to get accustomed to eating raw fish. Now there’s so many Japanese restaurants in Vancouver, but not all are created equal.

Where does the Daruma come it, and what does it represent? There are references throughout this documentary about those little round dolls you’ve seen before with the missing eyes. They sometimes topple over but get right back up. There’s a message here. The Daruma is seen as a symbol of good luck, happiness and endurance. People traditionally buy these lucky dolls at the start of the year, make a wish as they color in the doll’s left eye, and then work towards their goal. Once the goal is achieved, they fill in the other eye. The Daruma is modeled after the famed Buddhist monk Daruma, who founded the Zen sect 1,500 years ago. The doll has also become commercialized by many Buddhist temples as a setting of new goals. It’s really a symbol of gratitude. Tojo always has a Daruma to show his appreciation for setting and accomplishing goals . I think I’m going to get one too. My first goal will be to get the doll and my second goal will be to start setting new goals. So that should mean that I can color in both eyes right away. So easy!

**World Premiere** at Fifth Avenue Cinemas

Taken from the VIFF Website:

For 36 years, Tojo’s has been a mainstay in the Vancouver food scene, beloved by critics, foodies, and a plethora of celebrities. A pioneer of Japanese cuisine in the West, chef Hidekazu Tojo helped bring sushi to the mainstream and is known as the inventor of the California Roll. Still working in his seventies, chef Tojo is inspired to look back on his life and ponder the legacy he will leave behind. He recalls his early years as a Japanese immigrant, coming to Canada at the age of 21, and his ambition to create a singular culinary path. We also accompany the chef on a return trip to Japan, where he connects with locals and explores new food trends.

Shot in Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and Japan, The Chef & the Daruma is a mouth-watering film tracing a journey of immigration, identity, and reinvention. Mads K. Baekkevold, in his first feature documentary, creates a loving tribute to a man who has devoted his life to sharing food.

You can still find Tojo at the counter. Here’s a link to a Limited-time special Fall menu at Tojo’s restaurant:

https://tojos.com/daruma

Join VIFF News

Get the latest updates on our Festival, year-round programming and more – and get $5 off two VIFF Centre year-round film tickets. Sign up here:

https://viff.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=3344b76c6b5bdf78e58637067&id=2f28b8d64f

Sushi Photos taken from Tojo’s Restaurant Website

Film Reviews

VIFF: CONCLAVE

DRAMA, SUSPENSE, INTRIGUE…

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of viewing two fantastic films that are part of the VIFF Special Presentations – Emilia Pérez & Conclave. Both films have extraordinary stories and the actors were truly outstanding. While these two films are completely different from each other (as they should be), they share a common human thread. I’m still wrapping my head around Emilia Pérez so I’ll focus on CONCLAVE for this post.

The movie was shot entirely in Rome. The story centres around a sitting Pope who becomes an unexpected deceased Pope which leaves the Cardinals to deal with what to do about that?

In the Roman Catholic Church, a conclave is when its cardinals from around the world assemble to discuss the thorny matter of choosing a new Pope. The conclave elects the new Pope from members within its ranks. As this process usually takes several days and multiple ballots, it is thick with drama. Whoever is first to garner two thirds of the votes, wins. But this story comes with a lot of layers before, during and after the new pope becomes the chosen one.

When Cardinal Lawrence (played by Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with leading one of the world’s most ancient events (selecting a new Pope); he finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could shake the very foundation of the Church. This movie is a Vatican Thriller with some unexpected turns – purposely left out for you to be surprised. Because…don’t you love surprises?

The excellent cast includes Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini and Carlos Diehz.

I also wanted to see this movie because of my personal connection with Isabella Rossellini, whom I got to know years ago when she was filming a movie here in Vancouver. She hired me to do a variety of things like; look after her daughter, plan a party, run errands, pick up an ex-hubby at the airport, etc. Her long time regular assistant had to go back to New York for business so I took over for a bit shortly after being introduced to Isabella when visiting my camera operator friend on set. She was very pleasant – even made me dinner one night. I had so much fun, and my then-boyfriend made no secret of having such a crush on HER…I had to introduce them before breaking up with him.

Rossellini plays a nun. Coincidentally, her mother (the great Ingrid Bergman) also played a nun garnering an Oscar nomination for “The Bells of St. Mary’s.” Like mother, like daughter.

THIS MOVIE is a must-see and a possible Oscar contender. I’ll even go so far as to predict that Ralph Fiennes will get a best actor nomination and John Lithgow a best supporting actor nomination. Let’s see how that plays out.

Carlos Diehz is a Mexican actor who only ventured into the craft of acting in 2020, and landed a lead role in this movie through a global search. He plays an important role.

Taken from the VIFF website:

When the sitting Pope shuffles off this mortal coil, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is handed the responsibility of marshalling the Catholic Church’s most influential figures and orchestrating the arcane process of electing a successor. Sequestered in the Vatican, several cardinals—including John Lithgow’s Cardinal Tremblay—turn cutthroat in their bid to lay claim to the papal throne. As conspiracies come to light and factions are formed, the unassuming Cardinal Benitez (Carlos Diehz) harbours a secret that may have seismic consequences.

In his follow up to the Oscar-winning All Quiet on the Western Front, Edward Berger delivers another immaculately crafted, psychologically complex morality tale. Gifted with a gloriously refined screenplay by Peter Straughan (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy), Berger elicits finely calibrated performances from a powerhouse cast that includes Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini. And while Stephane Fontaine’s cinematography ensures a succession of sublime compositions, it’s the dramatic tension resulting from faith running afoul of corruption that keeps us riveted.

The festival is on until October 6th (that’s tomorrow) but there’s viff movie screenings all year long. Check it out:

https://viff.org/

Film Reviews

CAN I GET A WITNESS?

Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) is celebrating 43 years of showcasing exceptional cinema in an exceptional environment – beautiful Vancouver. You’ll see some of the best cinema from around the globe, one-of-a-kind live performances, talks, industry sessions, and other unique events celebrating film and film culture. I try to never miss this festival.

This year, due to other events and circumstances I’m starting later than planned. Better late than not at all, right? Last night I went to a theatre close to where I live (VIFF is expanding their viewing theatres to include a few more – other than the downtown area – YAY!) I saw CAN I GET A WITNESS? at Fifth Ave Cinemas to full capacity seating. The timing of this movie is supposed to take place in the very near future; maybe too near for most. I didn’t realize that it was filmed in Powell River; a city known for its natural beauty, world-class rock climbing and home to the Sunshine Coast Trail, until the credits.

This particular film has been creating some BUZZ.

I like to say…,.Remember the Past, Think about the Future, but Stick to the Present.

Kiera Jang as “Kiah”- Photo courtesy of VIFF

Sometimes the present sucks! Especially if you’re about to turn 50! And you probably don’t even know what I mean by this if you haven’t seen the movie. Turning 50 is a milestone for everyone who is lucky enough to turn 50… but in this movie it means much more than a milestone. It’s the end of an era – namely, your personal era.

Everyone should see this film. This movie is full of surprises as it reflects on the past and all the damage we’ve done to the planet, but looks to saving the future. And like life in general, you have to take the good with the bad. CAN I GET A WITNESS? premiered at TIFF, but knowing that it would be showing in Vancouver, I purposely waited to see it at Fifth Avenue Cinemas, now part of the VIFF lineup.

With Ann Marie Fleming. Photo: Kiera Jang

It is certainly a coming of age movie, but not what you might think, and I don’t want to give it all away. Writer, Director and Co-Executive Producer Ann Marie Fleming wants to give you something more crucial to contemplate It’s nothing to do with anti-aging (an overdone concept to begin with) like some of the more recent movies I’ve seen that deal with starting over after 50, such as “The Substance” or “The Last Showgirl” which is basically you’re over…once you’re over 50 (with themes that resort to doing anything to keep youthful and another when you must start over from scratch after having done the same job for 30 years). But what if after you turn 50, your life really is over?

This is one of the more profound movies I’ve seen in a long time – maybe ever. It covers many current world and personal issues while giving viewers lots to think about. However, it’s as gentle as it’s extreme. As beautiful and insightful as this film is; it’s equally scary and sad. Even though the timing is set in the near future, it appears a little old fashioned; or as the VIFF Guide says; remarkably folksy. Yes, it is; especially considering the subject matter. It also has some charmingly animated objects that show up here and there…a sprinkling to give an unexpected, more dreamy innocent effect….along with the more dramatic nuances. Contradictions that make perfect sense in a sometimes senseless world.

My thoughts are that you will leave the theatre feeling different and questioning human choices and giving more thought to how we can improve the planet. At least that’s my hope…because if life imitates art, we’re all in trouble. If art imitates life, we may have a chance.

From the VIFF Guide:

Ann Marie Fleming takes us to a time when humanity has survived the global environmental crisis, but only at a steep price. As the film opens, Kiah (Keira Jang) is preparing for the first day of a new job, while her mother Ellie (Sandra Oh) is readying herself for a new journey of her own. Over the next two days, Kiah and her co-worker Daniel (Joel Oulette) perform their duties as official witnesses; together, they’re helping fulfill a global mandate to protect all life…

CAN I GET A WITNESS? is a film in which the important facts emerge gradually; as it builds to its powerful conclusion, the pace is leisurely and the style is deceptively casual. Fleming has a great ear for dialogue, and she directs with a strong attention to the nuances of human interaction. Jang and Oulette give subtle and convincing performances, and Oh is wonderful as always.

About:

Ann Marie Fleming is an award-winning visual artist, writer, director, animator and cross-platform media maker who has worked in a variety of genres (animation, experimental, documentary and drama). Her work often deals with themes of family, history and memory.

Ann Marie’s 2003 feature documentary The Magical Life of Long Tack Sam, based on the life of her magician and acrobat great-grandfather, won both the Grand Jury and Best Documentary Prize at the San Diego Asian Film Festival and the Best Documentary Prize at the Victoria Independent Film and Video Festival in Canada. And her animated feature film, Window Horses, received numerous international awards, including Best Animated film at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards and the Gijon International Film Festival in Barcelona.

Filmography: The Magical Life of Long Tack Sam (2003); The French Guy (2005); Window Horses (2016).

Sidenote: I saw The French Guy AND Window Horses. Excellent, diverse films that focus on cultural values.

Link for tickets (still a few more days left):

https://viff.org/festival/viff-2024/

Art & Culture

The Arts Club – JERSEY BOYS

After more than 15 years as New York’s favorite musical, the Tony, Grammy^® and *Olivier Award-winning JERSEY BOYS played its final performance in New York on May 22, 2022 and continues on tour in London and other parts of UK. However; here in Vancouver…

**Cast of Jersey Boys**, **2024**; set design by Ryan Cormack; costume design by Barbara Clayden; lighting design by Sophie Tang; photo by Moonrider Productions for the **Arts Club Theatre Company.**

We’re lucky to have our very own Broadway-style production of JERSEY BOYS, now playing at the historic Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (an Arts Club Theatre Company Production) – held over until October 27^th due to popular demand.

My friend Margeaux and I had the pleasure of seeing this on Saturday night. Oh; What a Night! – remember that was one of the hits back in the day.

I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed this show. OK; I’ll tell you – we enjoyed it very much. The quality of the singing (which my friend thought was dubbed – it’s not) is outstanding. With an exceptional cast and story, JERSEY BOYS features extraordinary performances by Elliot Lazar as Frankie Valli, alongside Darren Martens as Tommy DeVito, Jason Sakaki as Bob Gaudio, and Jordan Stanley as Nick Massi.

Under the direction of Julie Tomaino, JERSEY BOYS isn’t just about the music; it’s about the story behind the music. This Award–winning musical brings to life the captivating true life story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, a band that rose from the streets of New Jersey to international fame. For the Arts Club, JERSEY BOYS is more than a celebration of a legendary quartet; it’s a testament to the company’s commitment to producing Broadway-calibre productions on the West Coast.

The show brings a high-energy, emotionally charged experience to the Stanley with its sharp narrative, compelling characters, and unforgettable soundtrack.

Jason Sakaki, Elliot Lazar, Darren Martens, and Tanner Zerr in Jersey Boys, 2024; set design by Ryan Cormack; costume design by Barbara Clayden; lighting design by Sophie Tang; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company

The creative team behind this production is equally impressive, featuring Set Designer Ryan Cormack and Costume Designer Barbara Clayden recreating the vibrant 1960’s atmosphere that defined the era of The Four Seasons. With hits like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night),” Musical Director Ken Cormier will keep audiences humming after they leave the theatre. The stage design, lighting, and soundscapes have been meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere that echoes the energy and nostalgia of the 1960s—a time when Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons ruled the airwaves.

*The Olivier Awards are recognized internationally as the highest honour in British theatre, equivalent to the BAFTA Awards for film and television, and the BRIT Awards for music.

For Tickets:

https://artsclub.com/shows/2024-2025/jersey-boys

https://artsclub.com/