Seasonal giggles part of weekly schedule
This year I am finally getting organized with the start of my Christmas card list and getting in the spirit with personalized wishes for love, joy, peace etc. — along with a bit of updated news about what’s going on in my life.
I lost my passion for card writing about 10 years ago, but my friends that are still keen on sending me custom-made notes that remind me how much I enjoy receiving handwritten letters on nice paper.
I’m sorry to hear that our striking postal service has not negotiated a deal and I hope these hard-working people get what they deserve. Each day my postman arrives with a smile, waves at me through the window even though he knows full well the frenzy he induces from my overexcited canine.
I guess I will be saving my stamp money and using the time designing an e-card, to send by e-mail — Hardly the harbinger for the Christmas spirit.
————— If a seasonal giggle is what I am seeking, then perhaps Theatre Kelowna Society will help me as they get geared up for the holiday season with a play for all ages, A Seussified Christmas Carol.
This whimsical reinvention of Dickens’ most beloved Christmas story is written in wacky rhymed couplets similar to something Dr. Seuss might have come up with.
The cast of 19 ranges in ages from nine to 73, with an energy level that reminds me of a pre-school playground of happy toddlers. I had a sneak peek at one of their rehearsals last week and now I’m looking forward to the show.
Directed by Brian Haigh, with musical direction by Robin Jarmin, who calls this play a “delightful giggle, the play features the same characters from the Dickens version, but they’re all just a bit hipper and kookier than they were in 1843. Some of the songs to look forward to include: Deck the Halls and Lets Be Stingy; Scrooge is Cheap, Are you Listenin’; Have A Juicy Seusey Christmas and The Most Despicable Time of the Year, to mention a few.
The play runs Nov. 22-Dec. 2 at the Mary Irwin Theatre inside the Rotary Centre for the Arts. Opening night is general seating and you pay by contribution, whatever you can is acceptable as admission.
All other nights’ ticket will be $25 for adults, $10 for kids, and family of four at $60, available through the RCA box office, in person, on the phone or online. Evening shows start at 7, Nov. 22-24 and Nov. 29-Dec. 1.
Matinees are at 2 p.m. Nov. 24-25 and Dec. 1-2.
————— Thursday at the Kelowna Community Theatre at 1375 Water St., a special event will be held, hosted by The Journey Home Initiative, will aim to remove some of the stigma about homelessness.
The Journey Home strategy is Kelowna’s five-year plan to address homelessness. This event will reflect on individual stories and the challenges many face in finding a safe and affordable place to call home. Arrive at 6 p.m. to experience the Artisan Market. Shop by talented artists and craftspeople who have a lived experience with homelessness.
At 7 p.m., there will be a screening of a film Us and Them, by Krista Loughton and Jennifer Abbott, followed by a panel discussion.
Admission is by donation to Journey Home, which may include cash contributions, food/clothing, woolly socks/sleeping bags/pillows or bedding, toothbrushes, paste and other grooming neccessities, to name a few.
Personally, I am grateful for the opportunity to get a better understanding of this issue. Homelessness is about more than mental health or drug issues. Job loss, divorce and other real reasons also play a role. I feel that if we can understand the reasons, we will be more willing to be sympathetic when discussing solutions.
————— Thursday night is also a chance to hear some live jazz when I perform with my band The 3 oh! Trio, at Monkeys’ Fist Bar and Restaurant on Bernard Avenue.
A trio of two guitarists and a vocalist is unusual for jazz, but it’s derived from hours of rehearsal time honing the country music project we are also involved in. We begin at 7 p.m., the dinner menu is fresh and well made you can reserve by calling 250-860-8844. Admission is free, but there is a tip jar.
————— Tonight for some instrumental jazz, you can visit another great restaurant as MTL — montREAL Foods on Kirschner Road is hosting the Argatoff/Thomson Quintet.
Harrison Argatoff, is a talented tenor saxophonist, composer and a graduate from University of Toronto, but moreover, he is one of our own home-grown Okanagan talents. He’s in town for a week, so like any musician would, he organized a gig.
With some of Kelowna’s top-notch players, this concert will be an evening of improvised and traditional jazz music. Admission is $15 at door and Showtime is 7 p.m.
————— Saturday is Mission Dance Centre’s annual production of the Nutcracker. This classic tale follows Clara through her extraordinary dream adventure and stars Annette Bakal,a who will be dancing her final performances for MDC as she will be moving on to further her education out of town. Tickets $25/$19/$15 through Eventbrite.com or at the door. Location: Evangel Church, 3261 Gordon Dr. with shows at 2 p.m. and at 7 p.m.
Anna Jacyszyn is an award-winning jazz singer. Email artafactevent@gmail.com