Tag: burlesque

FUN

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 17th, 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 17th – 31st

https://www.thebeaumontstudios.com/

From “Shine” last year:

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

The Beaumont Studios – 326 West 5th Ave.

FUN

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 27th. 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/