Anna Jacyszyn highlights this week’s entertainment options
This week, I will be mostly watching films, especially those that were nominated for an Oscar.
For the first time in many years of watching the Academy Awards, I really want to see them all and I am embarrassed to say, I have not yet seen one — not even Bohemian Rhapsody or A Star Is Born.
All the nominees for the best picture category give the impression of strong scripts with equally strong and interesting characters; a cast of actors with diversity in ethnic backgrounds as well the skills to achieve believability.
I didn’t want to be disappointed so I didn’t go to the theatre to watch, but now I look forward to frequenting Leo’s Videos on Pandosy Street with list in hand.
Tomorrow night, the Kelowna Film Society is back at the Cineplex theatre in Orchard Plaza showing the movie The Happy Prince.
This film tells the story of the last days in the tragic times of Oscar Wilde as we observe his own failure and the difficulties that beset his life with detachment and humor.
Directed, written and starring Rupert Everett, the movie also features Colin Firth, Colin Morgan and Emily Watson.
The name is taken by a collection of children’s tales written by Wilde, first published in May 1888.
I am such a fan of Oscar Wilde’s imagination and flair as a wordsmith and storyteller, I have even penned songs inspired by his candid imaginings, so seeing this film is a must for me.
There are two showings — at 4 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. It has been advised that we arrive at least 30 minutes beforehand to get tickets, as these tend to sell out.
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The World Community Film Festival begins Thursday and runs to Sunday with over 30 documentaries from around the world with a focus on environmental, social justice and human rights issues.
The festival begins Thursday evening at the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Centre, 442 Leon Ave., then continues Friday night and all day Saturday and Sunday at Okanagan College, 1000 KLO Rd.
All the films are free. Donations will be accepted for the Ki-low-na Friendship Centre and Inn from the Cold. While on site, you will have access to purchase meals and baked goods. Bring your own cup for organic coffee and a bag or container to hold popcorn.
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The Penticton Film Society is hosting a film night on Thursday, showing The Grizzlies — a biography/drama set in a small Arctic town that is struggling with the highest suicide rate in North America and a group of Inuit students, whose lives are transformed when they are introduced to the sport of lacrosse. Tickets are $15 at the door. Showtimes are 4 and 7 p.m. at the Landmark 7 on Winnipeg Street.
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Friday night is Bands At The Barn — a concert hosted by Okanagan Mission Secondary School and held at the Okanagan Mission Community Hall, 4409 Lakeshore Rd.
It will feature live music by the OKM Grade 10-12 jazz bands. I eagerly accepted the invitation to be guest vocalist with the Grade 12 Big Band and love my song choices.
Also included with the ticket price will be The Meliponas, a Latin rhythm-based band of musicians that includes OKM music educator, Megan Frederick.
The rest of the evening is topped off with DJ Almighty of Haymaker Entertainment. The evening was created to raise money for a forthcoming band trip to Ottawa for a national competition. There will be a silent auction, raffle and cash bar. Tickets are $25 (to include appetizers) through centralokanagan.schoolcashonline.com. Once on the site, click the top right of the screen where it says “items” then follow the prompts to pay online, or cash at the door, which opens at 6:30 p.m.
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Also on Friday musician and songwriter Shari Ulrich performs at Rotary Centre for the Arts, 421 Cawston Ave.
This Juno Award-winning recording artist and multi-instrumentalist began her career writing music for Sesame Street as well as theme music for several networks. A band member in Hometown Band, The High Bar Gang (Since 2010), UHF (1989), The Pied Pumkin (since 1973), she will play songs from her new solo album as well as from her extensive body of work from four decades.
Tickets are $35 general seating and can be purchased by calling box office at 250-7175304. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.
————— Saturday morning I will be waking up early to attend a live screening of the opera La Fille du Regiment (The Daughter of the Regiment) by Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti — his first opera set to a French text.
The story is about Marie, who was found on a battlefield as a baby, and raised by the entire 21st Regiment as their “daughter.”
Her foster-father Sulpice has decreed that she should marry a soldier from the regiment. When Marie falls for the Tyrolean Tonio, it looks as though she may have to choose between her family and true love.
This opera will be performed by the New York-based Metropolitan Opera and shown at the Cineplex theatres in Orchard Plaza.
Tickets can be purchased on through cineplex.com/Movie/la-fille-du-regimentdonizetti. The seats recline and show time is 9:55 a.m.