Author Archive

Jaw Drop: Cooler Coolers Coolest

May 6, 2013

Getting asked to cover the hockey game and then getting to try local Vodka cooler brand was an easy sell, and a couple days since hanging out with the Jaw Drop Cooler Co. crew at the game I am still going strong on a happy hangover.

One look at the packaging and design of their product puts a smile on the face, and with cheeky flavours like “Squeezing Melons”, it’s impossible not to want to try. I came, I tried, I loved them. To hear that Jaw Drop is a three person operation, completely local, and run by people that take a grass-roots approach to the liquor game, made the cooler taste even better. Available in most lower mainland Liquor Stores at about $10 for 4 tall cans, I imagine this baby will be filling beach coolers in no time.

With the Canucks down three games, at least now you know how to drink the pain away.

Thanks to Samantha and the rest of the Jaw Drop crew for one of the best kick-offs to the summer, and for the taste of your awesomeness.

Jaw Drop Crew. photo: Aaron Alexander

For more info on JawDrop visit their website or find them on Twitter: @JawDropCoolerCo

Written by: Sarah Szloboda |
Category: Food and Drink, Jock stuff

Last Minute Gift Idea: CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’s AMALUNA

December 24, 2012

Here on Cue to Cue we’ll regularly feature in-depth previews and reviews of the shows that create the face of Vancouver theatre, as well as interviews with the local artists behind it all…

Amaluna by Cirque du Soleil

Written and Directed by Diane Paulus. A Cirque du Soleil production. In the Big Top at Concord Pacific Place on until January 20, 2013.

Photo: Laurence Labat Costume: Mérédith Caron

I’m a sucker for a bit of spectacle. That said, From Quidam in 2004 to O last year in Las Vegas, I’ve always added Cirque du Soleil to the budget (or the credit card). I mention this so that we’re on the same page when I say: Cirque’s current offering to the Vancouver scene, Amaluna, is the most dazzling and effective production of theirs I’ve ever seen.

Cirque normally is escapist fare for me, a series of amazing visuals to feast on with little thought to narrative. Amaluna however makes effort to plant one foot solidly in the story realm. With heavy influence from a variety of Shakespearian plays (our lovers are Miranda and Romeo), we find a satisfying balance of reverie and realism. This isn’t just a love story, though; this is a coming of age story for our Miranda. By watching a variety of strong female performers, she finds inspiration for the woman she hopes to become. Guided by goddesses, she learns that confidence and strength are actually the key to the success she desires. In a particularly memorable moment, we end Act 1 watching her come into her own with a mesmerizing contortion and balance routine on the edge of a water bowl. From child-like joy to sexual abandon, we find ourselves on a journey of discovery ourselves through their spectacle. This journey is scored by a steady stream of beats and rock riffs coming from an all female band. “Amaluna is a tribute to the work and voice of women,” explains Director of Creation Fernand Rainville. “The show is a reflection on balance from a woman’s perspective,“ he adds. Show Director Diane Paulus says: “Amaluna is less about feminism and more about reconnecting to our world in a different way.”

Breaking the Cirque mold was where Amaluna was most successful for me, but there were clear ties to older formats that fell flat as a result. Each Cirque show has clowns, and while in many cases their presence is a welcome break in tone and athleticism, the strong narrative in Amaluna didn’t seem to require the farce. Our clowns, Jeeves and Deeta, were frankly not funny. Their entrances elicited audible groans, and sidetracked an otherwise exquisite pace.

Story aside, Amaluna still heavily favours the impossible athleticism and beauty that Cirque du Soleil is known for. I had the pleasure of being sandwiched between my friend who has never been to any circus in one seat and an 8 year old boy in the other. From screams to terrified giggles, there was rarely a moment in the night they weren’t in complete awe at the acts. We spent a lot of the night whispering “could you imagine if our bodies could do that?” Some personal favourites: In “Icarian Games and Watermeteors”, tiny girls spin ropes that are weighted at both ends while men juggle their bodies with their feet. I might have lost my voice after that part. Later, in “Manipulation”, a beautiful goddess builds an enormous arrow out of Palm one stalk at a time, holding on to the wavering form while picking up new stalks with her toes. Not even the kid next to me took a breath for fear. Then in a flying sequence called “Aerial Straps”, performers battle atop the audience. This is “flight in four dimensions,” according to the press-release “calling for precision timing in addition to the skills and physical strength it takes to move at high velocity through 360 degrees”. Success.

Whether you are looking for a last minute gift, or a treat for yourself this holiday season, I cannot recommend this latest Cirque incarnation enough. The show isn’t perfect, but it is the perfect night out…just ask the kid who left begging his mom for juggling lessons.

WHEN: Now until January 20th, 2013
WHERE: the Big Top at Concord Pacific Place
TICKETS: 1-800-450-1480 or Online.

Photo: Laurence Labat

Thanks! As always you can contact me at cuetocue@vancouverisawesome.com or @viaplays

Written by: Sarah Szloboda |
Category: Cue To Cue Series, Theatre, Uncategorized

Blind Date: The Best Date I Never Had

October 4, 2012

Laurence Olivier once said that “in a great city, or even in a small city or a village, great theatre is the outward and visible sign of an inward and probable culture“. There is no better proof of this than in the umbilical connection between Vancouver’s thriving culture and bourgeoning theatre scene.Here on Cue to Cue we’ll regularly feature in-depth previews and reviews of the shows that create the face of Vancouver theatre, as well as interviews with the local artists behind it all…

Rebecca Northan as Mimi. Photo Credit: Greg Tjepkema

Blind Date at The Cultch until October 7th

In a world saturated with cynicism there is a welcome break. Her name is Mimi. In Blind Date (at The Cultch until Sunday) we arrive to meet a beautiful woman in a cafe who is so up-beat you almost can’t believe she’s been stood up. Not to be deterred, Mimi invites a complete stranger from the audience to be her date. What happens next is a completely improvised relationship between the lovely Mimi and an audience member. That means that like a date, no two nights are ever the same. It’s extraordinary and absolutely mandatory viewing.

As Mimi, the ridiculously beautiful Christy Bruce (understudy for show creator Rebecca Northan) dances between comedy and pathos, creating the perfect environment to build a relationship with her audience member. With a red nose and a charming grin, Bruce enchants detail after detail from her once uneasy audience guest. Managing to even charm her date’s wife in the audience, their date goes from first meeting to first kiss through to fourth baby. While a comedic triumph, the beauty of the 90 minute piece is the richness of the honest moments. Bruce exhibits such confidence and warmth in the silences, that I felt like I was truly watching a relationship progress; In many ways I was. A unique and resonant evening of theatre, Blind Date is a highlight of the fall’s offerings. With only four shows remaining, and few tickets left, this show is not to be missed.

Where: The Cultch (Victoria and Venables)
Tickets: www.thecultch.com or 604-251-1363

As always you can contact me at cuetocue@vancouverisawesome.com or @viaplays

Written by: Sarah Szloboda |
Category: Comedy, Cue To Cue Series, Theatre

The Progressive Polygamists in GIANTS VI: THE FINALE

May 23, 2012

Most of us will never know a bond as strong as sister-wives Mercy-Ann and Eden-Grace. They share secrets, share a husband, and perhaps most importantly, they share a friendship. These Progressive Polygamists are a forward thinking pair. How many sister-wives that you know have toured Canada to critical acclaim? Probably not many. On May 26th, Mercy-Ann and Eden-Grace are reuniting on stage for GIANTS VI: THE FINALE, their first performance since they were named the 2011 Vancouver Pick of the Fringe Winners. In preparation for their return to the limelight, the folks at GIANTS Comedy asked them some questions.

On May 26th, The Progressive Polygamists will perform in GIANTS VI: THE FINALE, the sixth and final installment in the GIANTS Comedy series in The Cultch‘s Historic Theatre. The show features comedian and author Charlie Demers who will debut a brand new comedy he wrote for Main Street Theatre. GIANTS VI: THE FINALE also features performances from Graham Clark, Ivan Decker, Sister Act and more! For more information, guest bios and funny videos, check out giantscomedy.com.

GIANTS VI: THE FINALE runs for one night only on Saturday, May 26th. Tickets are still avialable from The Cultch.

Written by: Sarah Szloboda |
Category: Comedy, Theatre

Ivan Decker: Man of Many Talents

May 20, 2012

Ivan Decker is truely a man of many talents. Whichever term you prefer (Renaissance Man, Jack of All Trades, Human Swiss Army Knife) it’s hard to debate that they all describe Ivan Decker. First and foremost, he is one of the city’s funniest stand up comedians. Decker is so funny that you need to be medically pre-approved to see him perform (a sad result of one too many laughter-induced hospitalizations). Second, he’s also a bonafide nice guy. If he had a lemon poppy seed muffin and he knew you liked lemon poppy seed muffins, he would probably offer you at least one bite. One of Decker’s lesser-known charms is his mastery of the Chinese yo-yo (not to be confused with the Daiblo, which has a much shorter axle, duh). Watch. Be amazed. But first consult your doctor.

On May 26th, Ivan Decker will perform in GIANTS VI: THE FINALE, the sixth and final installment in the GIANTS Comedy series in The Cultch‘s Historic Theatre. The show features comedian and author Charlie Demers who will debut a brand new comedy he wrote for Main Street Theatre. GIANTS VI: THE FINALE also features performances from Graham Clark, Ivan Decker, Sister Act and 2011 Vancouver Pick of the Fringe winners The Progressive Polygamists. For more information, guest bios and funny videos, check out giantscomedy.com.

GIANTS VI: THE FINALE runs for one night only on Saturday, May 26th. Tickets are still avialable from The Cultch.

Written by: Sarah Szloboda |
Category: Comedy, Theatre

Charlie Demers and Ryan Beil in GIANTS VI: THE FINALE

May 16, 2012

Charlie Demers and Ryan Beil are two of the funniest men in Vancouver. Demers is a much-loved stand up comedian, author and regular fixture on CBC’s The Debaters. Beil is a prolific actor, member of The Sunday Service and A&W guy. But just because they’re both funny dosen’t mean they always get along. Check out this exclusive look at one of thier rehersals for GIANTS VI: THE FINALE, happening on May 26th.

On May 26th, the final installment in the GIANTS Comedy series will burn up the stage at The Cultch’s Historic Theatre. The main attraction is stand up/author/activist Charlie Demers who, in an epic comedy collaboration, is writing a brand new comedy for the Jessie Award winning Main Street Theatre, featuring Ryan Beil.

The show also features performances from Graham Clark, Ivan Decker, Sister Act and 2011 Vancouver Pick of the Fringe winners The Progressive Polygamists. For more information, guest bios and funny videos, check out giantscomedy.com.

GIANTS VI: THE FINALE runs for one night only on Saturday, May 26th. Tickets are still avialable from The Cultch.

Written by: Sarah Szloboda |
Category: Comedy, Theatre