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

TIFF: PAUL ANKA – HIS WAY

Debbie & Elizabeth at the Movies

The World Premiere of one of the world’s most prolific and successful singer-songwriters who started singing at age twelve, in a candid and celebratory look at his life and career.

There’s so much we learn by watching this documentary, which is the point of documentaries and why we love them so much.

Many people aren’t aware that Anka started off as a teen idol and was able to retain his success (especially when “The Beatles” and “The Rolling Stones” came along) by his ability to write songs for others. One very talented and resourceful guy.

Some of those others include Frank Sinatra, Buddy Holly, Michael Jackson, Céline Dion, and, later, even Toronto’s own Drake. He wrote “My Way for Sinatra. He even composed the theme song for the “Tonight Show “ starring Johnny Carson in 1962. He split the proceeds from earnings of that song with Carson fifty/fifty. Anka said that the money he made from that alone gave his kids an education and put them through school.

To date, the Ottawa-born Anka, has recorded 125 albums–including songs in Japanese, German, Spanish, French, and Italian–and sold more than 15 million worldwide.

Here’s some fascinating trivia :

I had no idea that Jason Bateman (who narrates some of the documentary) married his daughter Amanda, in 2001. Now his son-in-law.

He discovered Michael Bublé, Corey Hart and David Clayton Thomas (Blood, Sweat & Tears).

He wrote “Diana”- a love song for the 18-year old babysitter of his younger brother and sister. The song became America’s top song in September 1957.

He wrote “Lonely Boy” for his mother, who died of diabetes.

Wrote the 1960 song “Puppy Love” about his romance with Annette Funicello. In 1972 the song became a huge hit for Donny Osmond.

“My Way” is tagged as the “Killer Song” in the Philippines. It’s the top pick of drinking buddies in karaoke/videoke bars and when sung off-key, the singer is usually roughed up (or sometimes shot or stabbed; sometimes killed – hence the description) by other drunks in the bar. WOW! I was in the Philippines but luckily I never went to a karaoke bar when there. I did, however, sing “My Way” with a guy I met in a karaoke bar in Kyoto, Japan; where they’re much more civil. They clapped even though I’m pretty sure we sang it terribly.

Anka was a former co-owner of NHL’s Ottawa Senators.

Oh; there’s so much richness about him. I only touched the surface. I’ll leave you with one last little teeny weeny bit of trivia.

I met Paul Anka years ago (obviously, from the photo) in Vancouver where he was taping a variety show with CBC and I went backstage (as I often did through connections) and met him. I knew his cousin who lived in Montreal and we were neighbours. When backstage I was introduced to David Clayton Thomas (Anka’s discovery and guest star with an amazing voice), who invited me to accompany him to the private wrap party at a very nice restaurant. Once there and seated, Anka handed us all sheet music with the lyrics to “My Way” and “New York, New York.” He proceeded to play piano and sang both songs (which were very famous even then), and wanted us all to sing along with him. It was an awesome evening – food, company and all. I’ll never forget it. Anka did come over to me and mention that he had planned to introduce DCT to a woman he invited along who worked on the show (infact, he pointed her out to me; she was sitting at another table)…but now that I was there, that wouldn’t happen. I didn’t get the sense he was upset though – which was a good thing. He seemed like a gentleman and genuinely wanted us all to have a good time. We did.

Photo: d. king Today they’d have to either cancel this song totally or change the title to something like “We’re Having a Baby” OR; “You’re Having OUR Baby.” – just saying.

“HIS WAY” will show long- time fans and newcomers alike just how far-reaching this artist’s words have been throughout the years. Elizabeth and I liked this documentary a lot.

Paul Anka; still going strong. Such a force!

Film Reviews

TIFF: NIGHTBITCH

Debbie & Elizabeth at the Movies

We went through well over 200 movie listings for this popular festival. We believe that we chose well while knowing that we also missed a bunch of other great choices too. I will list the ones we missed (but wanted to see) in the upcoming days. It’s not easy to see everything and if you were able to; you’d turn into a zombie. We purposely avoided some controversial themes and picked ones we thought would be enjoyable pure entertainment, with a message. The thing is that deciphering the message isn’t always easy. How do you make sense of someone who thinks she may be turning into a dog?

So we agreed on what we wanted to see together, and NIGHTBITCH starring Amy Adams was high on our list. It was a Special Presentation. You have to remember that we try to not know too much about a festival movie before viewing it. Surprises can be good – or bad.

Adams is such an amazing actress and I think the decision to see this one was a combo of Adams being the main attraction, and the story; as bizarre as that turned out to be. So without further ado….

Bottom line in one sentence – Motherhood can be a Bitch and Women have Superpowers. But we should add a little more right?

Okay; admittedly we never quite understood the “dog” comparison…although we are all animals and because neither of us have children of our own, it’s possible that Mother (played by Adams and we think she was only referred to as “mother”) was just going nuts. I mean; baby book club and stuff like that. What women sacrifice in order to have children is… a lot! Oh; yeah, maybe it had something to do with the hormonal change. The whole motherhood deal can be ruff. And sometimes it’s easier to relate to dogs more so than humans. Or, could it be that you can be so overworked or so overtired that you think you’re a dog?? Anyway…

Marielle Heller is the director. She weaves drama, comedy and a significant mix of realism and dark humour in what we childless two believe mothers who’ve had ‘real’ children (instead of canine children) will appreciate even more so.

The movie is based on the bestselling 2021 novel of the same name. Heller has created a profoundly original exploration of mother hood (including what is “never said out loud but thought by many”) and destined to be one of the most talked about films of the year.

After this movie we can say that we fully appreciate all our relatives and friends who’ve had babies…while being happy that we’ve never had any of our own.

And men take note: you could never do it with the same expertise.

We morning bitches are here to say “you might think so; but you can’t.”

Film Reviews

TIFF: Elton John – Never Too Late

Debbie & Elizabeth at the Movies

How we kill time in between movies. Never too late for a cocktail.

NEVER TOO LATE is an excellent ROCKUMENTARY about the man and the MUSIC LEGEND.

As Elton John fans we both absolutely loved this doc. Co-directed by Elton’s husband, David Furnish, it shows us an intimate glimpse into Elton’s private life. Furnish is originally from Toronto, so deciding to hold the world premiere at TIFF was a perfect choice. R.J. Cutler co-directed this fabulous documentary alongside Furnish. They were all here in Toronto for the opening.

My first EJ concert was many moons ago at the Montreal Forum – it was the “GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD” performance. And, an all-encompassing performance it was. I was already hooked; but my parents finally stepped in and asked me to please stop playing that album for a while. They were so sick of hearing it played so loud. I just turned down the volume.

Here comes the rocketmobile with Elton in the back. Photo: d. king

Some people think that the movie “Becoming Rocketman” was a documentary. It’s more of a fantasy musical that Elton gave his approval to take creative license with. This one is nothing like that. It shows all his sides. We were moved to say the least.

“NEVER TOO LATE” chronicles Elton throughout the years; from a humble beginning, to present time. It shows his upbringing with strict and sometimes abusive parents, his complicated love life, the drugs, the struggles, the loneliness, the success. The highs, the lows, and finally, finding love and family…the reason for his decision to finally retire once and for all. We’ll see about that.

There are a few surprises that most of the public might not know. One giveaway is his relationship with the late, great John Lennon. How he was able to coerce a reluctant Lennon into coming on stage at Dodger Stadium (the first time) to sing “WHATEVER GETS YOU THROUGH THE NIGHT,” the old Beatles song, while Yoko sat secretly in the audience. Lennon did not want Ono to be there for fear that he would not be able to get on that stage following their two year breakup. However; Yoko did go backstage after, they got together again and the rest is (was) history. I don’t like giving too much away. Okay; one more…

There’s also a scene where Elton + Lennon are drinking up a storm and doing lines in Elton’s hotel room, when all of a sudden someone knocks on the door. Elton looks through the peephole to see Andy Warhol standing there. He and Lennon look at each other, decide not to open the door. I mean; the polaroids might not be such a good idea at this time. They just laugh it off.

The one thing I was hoping for was a nod to the late, great Long-John Baldry; the musician who discovered Elton and who Elton took his last name from. Long-John was a neighbour of mine and the information is well documented, although not mentioned in the doc.

The enduring pop star has done it all. He’s even added his name to the history books. On January 15,2024, he become an EGOT—as the winner of an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony—as his live-streamed concert Elton John: Farewell from Dodger Stadium captured an Emmy Award. Oh; thanks for clearing up my misunderstanding. I always thought the recipient of that award meant that they were EGOTistical! (kidding).

We laughed, we cried and we realized…what a major talent and humanitarian this man is! Wonderful, wonderful documentary.

We had **Red Carpet access** for this one. Ruby (redhead in middle was there to interview Elton). Elizabeth and I were waiting for our camera call. And this was going on once inside:

Photo: d. king

TIFF might be almost over, but there’s always next year. I’ll be posting more movie reviews on here daily until I’m done. I’m sure that most of these movies and documentaries will be coming to a theatre near you by, or before Christmas. Christmas isn’t that far away.

Film Reviews

TIFF: The Tragically Hip – No Dress Rehearsal

This was the World Premiere of a four part mini-series which will be available to watch on Amazon Prime starting September 20^th.

What can we say about The Tragically Hip…or as they’re often referred to, simply, as “The Hip” – a small-town five-piece band from Kingston, Ontario (that’s in Canada for those of you who do not know) who went on to make nine number one albums in Canada, over a mammoth 33 year career?

Photo courtesy of TIFF – playing to one of their numerous sold-out shows.

They’re unique, they’re lifelong friends, and their songs have come to unite Canada in a way no other band has ever achieved. They’ve make it cool to be Canadian.

The remaining group were all here for the premiere with one noticeably missing person. Very sadly, Gord Downie, the much loved lead singer and lyricist for the group, passed away from brain cancer in 2017. He was also an activist and an amazing live performer with his own indescribable unique style.

Director Mike Downie (Gord’s older brother) takes us on an emotional look at the origin, impact, and legacy of the band that defined Canada, to the world and to itself.

Their story is one truly amazing ride.

Remaining group members are guitarist Paul Langlois, guitarist Rob Baker (known as Bobby Baker until 1994), bassist Gord Sinclair, and drummer Johnny Fay.

Admittedly, I was never a really huge Hip fan. Granted, I did like a lot of their songs…but I wanted to learn what the really big fuss was all about. And let me tell you; there was (still is) a big fuss. Dan Aykroyd (another huge fan) introduced them for countless shows as you’ll see by watching the mini-series. Now I understand. They’re awesome and so much more than just another rock group. But what makes them awesome for me, is much more than their music.

These guys are all from Kingston, Ontario. Friends since childhood, they have great family values and have managed to achieve enormous success through hard work and by doing exactly what they love best – making music. They’ve managed to keep their friendship all these years, and they work around any problems that may arise. That speaks volumes about how they were raised. I may be biased about men from Kingston as my late husband and also my former dance partner were both from there. They were the nicest, smartest, most down to earth and capable guys ever. Doesn’t mean all men from Kingston are that amazing, but it certainly did colour my opinion. Plus, there are scenes from there and other parts of Canada.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this docu series. It has heart. I think you’ll enjoy it too – especially if you’re a Canuck. And if you don’t know what a Canuck is; you’re not one of us!

I’m loving this festival! I now realize why it’s the most popular film festival in the world. One has only to come here to find out. If you love cinema and can make it out here next year it will be the 50th Anniversary.

Something more to celebrate!

Film Reviews

TIFF: THE LAST SHOWGIRL

Debbie & Elizabeth at the Movies

Here’s another one we wanted to see starring Pamela Anderson, Jamie Lee Curtis and Dave Bautista in the World Premiere of THE LAST SHOWGIRL. Directed by Gia Coppola.

You got us at Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee. Sorry Dave! We knew that Anderson would do the movie justice and that Curtis would add some spunk; and we were right. A bold prediction is that Jamie Lee Curtis gets a Best Supporting Actress nomination (again) at the Oscars. You heard it here first. Curtis also claimed in an interview on the Red Carpet that the independant movie was shot in only 18 days – almost unheard of in the film business! A testament to the professionalism of the team.

As much as we love the movie title that depicts some showbiz sparkle, the film is much more than its title. In fact, it has girth and sadness. This story is more from behind the lights, than in front of them.

Out with the old; In with the new – a pattern arising in some films at TIFF and, the world in general.

As Vegas continues to change, the old seasoned performers must adapt to their new environs and change along with the times. Easy to say; difficult to do. Such is the case with Anderson’s character Shelley, when she learns that her bread and butter, a long-running traditional Vegas floor show must come to a close after 30 years .

Of course; who better to play this role than Pam Anderson? She plays it to an emotional Tee. However; Elizabeth thought that Anderson played the role a bit more ditzy than she needed to.

The stage manager Eddie (Bautista) is the bearer of bad news that the show will close permanently with only two weeks notice. All the dancers are devastated but none more than Shelley.

This is a real life dilemma that could be realized with not only this job, but any job. When you are 50 instead of 20, and your sole job skill has been dancing for 30 years; you’ve got to figure out a new life. You can become an emotional wreck.

Her brazen best friend Annette (Curtis) is a cocktail waitress who we believe secretly lost her dream of becoming something more. Something much bigger. One scene shows us that possibility. She’s incredible, as usual.

We really enjoyed this movie. It wasn’t spectacular but it was heartfelt and sometimes that’s enough. You really feel for Shelley’s situation of starting a new life.

And like the movie, cocktails seem to help, at least temporarily. There are so many choices of nice places to go for one (or more) in Toronto.

Only a few more days to go. For Tickets:

https://tiff.net/

Film Reviews

TIFF: “THE SUBSTANCE”

This is a new limited series entitled “Debbie & Elizabeth at the Movies.”Elizabeth is my cinema companion & collaborating cousin from Montreal who met me in Toronto to experience our first TIFF together– which is the abbreviated version of the Toronto International Film Festival. Which I’m certain most people are now very familiar with.

So let’s start with a movie that will be released in theatres on September 20^th. It’s called “THE SUBSTANCE” – starring Demi Moore in her much anticipated movie comeback role.

Moore portrays a fading Hollywood star named Elizabeth Sparkle alongside Margaret Qualley (from the TV series “Maid” where she starred with her mom, Andie MacDowell). Both Moore & Qualley are outstanding in their respective roles. Dennis Quaid; who’s having a movie moment, we can both agree, played a larger than life slimeball in this masterful horror-satire from writer-director Coralie Fargeat (Revenge).

A little bit of sad movie trivia is that Ray Liotta apparently was cast in the film in February 2022. He died in May that year before he could film his scenes. Dennis Quaid replaced him as a result. However sad that is, Quaid did a superb job.

There’s a lot to say about this movie and quite frankly, not sure where to start.

We could just leave it at one sentence “be careful what you wish for; you just might get it.” But that wouldn’t be enough.

We could say “if you were given an opportunity to become a younger (emphasis on “younger,” more perfect (but what does that really mean?) version of yourself, with let’s say a downside where you weren’t exactly sure what to expect because instructions were a bit vague – would you go for it?

This movie is mesmerizing and many call it a Masterpiece. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and TIFF was the North American Premiere, just few days ago.

It’s IN YOUR FACE. It’s OVER THE TOP. It’s INTENSE. But it’s also BRILLIANT.

It confirms that you make your choices and you live with the consequences – good and BAD.

We now know what the disclaimer at the start of the film *photo sensitive means.

This movie is a real symbol of substance abuse of a different nature. An over exaggeration of so many things. Starting with today’s obsession with looking youthful for as long as humanly possible. Not to mention what lengths we will go to in order to obtain it.

There are a lot of movies wrapped up in one very long package here. A few that comes to mind:

The Shining, The Matrix, The Terminator, Sunset Boulevard, Alien, Jane Fonda’s Workout and Batman (but really Gotham City in the Batman movies).

And lastly: remember; you are one person. You can’t escape yourself.

*Photosensitivity is any negative physical effect that is caused or aggravated by strobing, flashing or quickly changing patterns, luminance, or chrominance. It can lead to headaches, eyestrain or nausea.

Then what about the blood and gore?

The Festival is on until September 15th, 2024. For Tickets & Information:

https://tiff.net/

FUN

End of Summer re-cap

It’s not quite the end of summer…

The girls and me in Kelowna. We stayed at a beautiful estate home on a winery.

…but it’s beginning to feel a lot like Fall. Luckily, I love Fall and look forward to the season. In the meantime, here is a random sampling of my Summer of 2024.

The ULTIMATE party for dogs was at **the Bark Park;** a fairly new dog friendly community located in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Located at the top of a building in the financial district. We have balls!

With my sis at Tantalus winery in the Okanagan

Spotted outside the bedroom I was staying in, in Kelowna. A good sign. Photo: Lisa King

A wise old owl lived in an oak. The more he saw, the less he spoke. The less he spoke, the more he heard. Why can’t we all be like that wise old bird? – Anonymous.

The girls turned 8 on May 3rd. This photo was taken on Canada Day – July 1st, 2024.

Pender Island visit in May

With my longtime friend Susanne and talented singer Jenni Doyle at Ocean Beach, Whiterock.

A damn good homemade lemondrop martini. A refreshing summer cocktail.

Pet-a-Palooza is the yearly dog event in Vancouver’s trendy Yaletown. If you’ve got dog, you’ve gotta go. Always fun, always crowded.

Taking a break from the crowd with Rosa + Maya (Havanese/Poodle)

Fashion, races, treats, toys and games for the pooches. Lots of photo ops. I think the people enjoy it even more so than their pets.

In September (a few days from now) I’m off to Toronto to take in the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) with a side visit to my home town of Montreal.

TIFF: This will be my first time attending one of the most prestigious and the largest publicly attended film festival in the world. It’s definitely in the top five of the festival of festivals (that’s what it was originally called back in the day and rated after Cannes, the most glamorous; and Venice, the oldest). I’ve been going through the list of films and documentaries, and it looks incredible. Of course; I’ll be reporting back on what I’ve seen. Because if not, I probably won’t be invited back.

After that, we’ll see what else is in store. I hope you continue to enjoy what has turned into a potpourri of stories, photos, fashion, theatre & film reviews. With a side of dog.

**Honda Celebration of Light – Malaysia.** Taken from my friend Louise’s balcony in Kitsilano, Vancouver.

I’ll be back!

entertainment

The Comedy of Errors

This was my first time stepping foot inside the more intimate Howard Family Stage at Vancouver’s “Bard on the Beach” Shakespeare Festival for opening night of “Comedy of Errors.” It was my friend Cindy’s first time ever setting foot inside the Bard tents. She was so looking forward to this. We both were.

We loved the setup. We also loved the Artisan Market lineup of local vendors selling hand-crafted goods in the Bard Village leading up to the Howard Family Stage before the performance. Apparently they do this for both matinees and evening performances. What a great idea!

The whole floor and stage setup once inside is gorgeous – like taking a step back in time to being in an ancient Greek or Moroccan village. The actors carried on the local vendor theme in their exotic setting with patrons before the show. Although items here were only for show, not to purchase.

The Comedy of Errors is one of Shakespeare’s earlier plays. It is his shortest and one of his most farcical comedies. But it’s important to know that this play is a makeover of the original. Each year, Bard on the Beach directors lend a slightly different interpretation of each play.

This story revolves around two sets of identical twins, who get separated and grow up in two different cities, Ephesus and Syracuse. It takes place on an ancient Greek port teeming with comedic confusion of mistaken identity, marital infidelity, and some knee-slapping hijinks. The actors are very talented. They have to be; Shakespeare is no easy acheivement to perform.

This fantastical farce invites patrons to join the (toga) party & travel back to Ancient Greece in your best bed sheet and sandals. Your (optional) costume playing will only add to the merriment of the immersive Greek marketplace. Unfortunately, I didn’t get (or read) the memo about this. I wasn’t sure who were the actors and who were the patrons at first. All in good fun!

The Company of The Comedy of Errors, Photo by Tim Matheson

The Comedy of Errors – Adapted by Rebecca Northan with Bruce Horak, directed by Rebecca Northan

JULY 2 – SEPTEMBER 21 • HOWARD FAMILY STAGE. For TICKETS:

https://bardonthebeach.org/tickets

Header photo: Cindy Ross

Art & Culture

Bard on the Beach: HAMLET

I finally got to see HAMLET last night with my friend Rosa at Vancouver’s “Bard on the Beach.”

This one tops the list as being Shakespeare’s most performed, and greatest play of all. Its soliloquies are also the most famous compared to the other tragedies.

So happy that I read the synopsis before the play started, if only to refresh myself with the story outline. I was surprised to find out that the infamous line “to be or not…..blah, blah ~~you know the rest~~ was mentioned in the opening few minutes. Rosa, on the other hand; had a teacher in high school in Mexico, very well versed with Shakespeare and taught her students in-depth details about the plays. So much so, that Rosa remembered almost everything about the play. She should really be the one writing this review. However, this is not so much a review, as an overview of the evening.

Nadeem Phillip Umar Khitab as Hamlet, Photo by Tim Matheson.

No play by Shakespeare has more meaningfully captivated us than Hamlet. A young prince returns home to mourn the death of his father only to uncover a dark secret he can’t ignore. His struggle to move forward with purpose awakens deep questions about life, existence, and if it’s better “To be or not to be.” As he attempts to make sense of a world that has shifted beneath him, we are invited to see ourselves in Hamlet and to consider the blurry lines around loyalty, self, and all the things that are in heaven and earth. – (this paragraph taken from the website).

Munish Sharma as Claudius, Jennifer Clement as Gertrude, Christine Quintana as Osric, Photo by Tim Matheson.

Vancouver’s “Bard on the Beach” has a very talented cast and crew. We’re so lucky to have them. What they tend to do is take a classic (such as this one) and put a modern twist on it, so that it’s a lot more relatable to today’s audience. Don’t forget, this was written somewhere between 1599 and 1602; towards the end of Queen Elizabeth’s rule when the English people were nervous about succession. Queen Elizabeth’s long reign represented a time of peace after lengthy turmoil. So this play probably hit home much harder at that time.

Nadeem Umar Phillip Khitab as Hamlet, Kate Besworth as Ophelia, Photo by Tim Matheson.

Hamlet is significant because it embodies the complexities of human psychology. His internal struggles, including grief, anger, and indecision, serve as a study in the human condition. We can learn about the consequences of overthinking and the importance of taking action.

Nadeem Phillip Umar Khitab as Hamlet, Jennifer Clement as Gertrude, Photo by Tim Matheson.

We were really impressed by the talented cast and set design. It takes a village (literally) to put something like this together.

Aidan Correia as Rosencrantz, Nadeem Phillip Umar Khitab Ivy Charles as Guildenstern, Photo by Tim Matheson.

Below is the story – taken from the Bard booklet. For tickets see bottom of page.

THE STORY

“ADIEU, ADIEU, HAMLET. REMEMBER ME”

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, has returned home to Elsinore for his father’s funeral, only to learn that his mother, Gertrude, has married his uncle Claudius—and that Claudius is now King of Denmark. Disturbed by this turn of events, a melancholic Hamlet continues to mourn the loss of his father, much to the concern of King Claudius and Queen Gertrude.

When his friend Horatio brings news of a ghost that resembles the late King Hamlet wandering the grounds of Elsinore, Hamlet starts to realize that things may not be exactly as they seem. Hamlet resolves to try and catch a glimpse of the ghost for himself.

Elsewhere, Laertes, the son of Polonius, speaks with his sister Ophelia while preparing to return to France. He warns Ophelia to steer clear of Hamlet’s affections, and when Polonius overhears this and learns that Hamlet has been courting his daughter, he forbids Ophelia from spending any more time with Hamlet.

That evening, Hamlet, Horatio, and the watchman Marcellus wait outside, where the ghost reveals himself to Hamlet as his father’s spirit. He tells Hamlet that he was not killed in an accident, but rather, murdered by his brother Claudius, and asks Hamlet to avenge his death. Hamlet vows to seek revenge on Claudius and advises Horatio and Marcellus that he will “put on an antic disposition” and feign madness while he carries out his plan.

“MADNESS IN GREAT ONES MUST NOT UNWATCHED GO”

The next day, Hamlet’s two former school friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern arrive at Elsinore. Claudius has sent for them so that they can watch over Hamlet, whose strange behaviour has been noted by both Claudius and Gertrude, as well as by Ophelia and Polonius. Almost immediately, a group of musicians also arrive at Elsinore and Hamlet sees an opportunity to set his plan in motion. Hamlet asks the musicians to perform a song that mimics the events of his father’s murder, so he can watch Claudius’ reaction. When Claudius storms out in the middle of the performance, Hamlet believes that he has all the proof he needs of his uncle’s guilt.

What happens next is a tragic saga of betrayal, murder, political intrigue, and revenge that has captivated audiences for generations.

The play takes place until September 20^th. For tickets:

https://bardonthebeach.org/whats-on/hamlet

Of Interest:

A good friend of mine saw this play (a made up Tom Stoppard extension of Hamlet) at the Stratford Festival in Ontario and gave it rave reviews:

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead is an absurdist, existential tragicomedy by Tom Stoppard, first staged at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1966. The play expands upon the exploits of two minor characters from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the courtiers Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, and the main setting is Denmark.

Art & Culture

Arts Club: Ring of Fire

Last night I attended the opening night performance of “Ring of Fire” – a compelling storytelling through song about the legendary Johnny Cash, including his family and wife; the amazing June Carter Cash.

Patrick Metzger, Devon Busswood, Frankie Cottrell, Tainui Kuru, and Caitriona Murphy in Ring of Fire, 2024; set design by Patrick Rizzotti; costume design by Jessica Oostergo; lighting design by Robert Sondergaard; photo by Moonrider Productions for the **Arts Club Theatre Company**

Luckily my friend Lynda and I made it to the Arts Club Theatre at Granville Island only minutes before the start, after mistakenly first going to the Stanley Alliance Theatre on South Granville. I wondered why the marquee said “Guys and Dolls.” Anyway; note to self: always double check the ticket info beforehand ~~duh~~.

In a nutshell the show was nothing short of INCREDIBLE. The performers were top-notch with their singing and musical instrument capabilities, that it could’ve easily been a Broadway Musical. I mean; they were truly mind-blowing.

**Frankie** **Cottrell** (as Johnny Cash) in Ring of Fire, 2024; set design by Patrick Rizzotti; costume design by Jessica Oostergo; lighting design by Robert Sondergaard; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company

I’m personally not a huge country music fan, however I always admired Johnny Cash. His charisma and deep, resonant voice had a distinctive style blending country, rockabilly, blues, and gospel.

He often sang about the struggles of the common man, themes of redemption, faith, and justice. Cash’s music captured the essence of the human experience, reflecting both personal introspection and societal commentary.